Spinach and Persimmon Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

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Spinach and Persimmon Salad with Citrus Dressing combines a sweet fuyu persimmon and strawberries with salty feta cheese and pistachios in a spinach salad lightly dressed with a citrus marmalade-based dressing... perfect for your holiday table (or anytime)!

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!

~~ Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Tamara Talks

Christmas is but a few days away... Our Christmas ducks are beginning to thaw, the saffron, pomegranate molasses, za'atar, etc. survived the miles at 35,000 feet between Harlingen and Charlotte, and I'm ready with a recipe to complete my lovely Persian-inspired menu!

Spinach and Persimmon Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette combines sweet persimmons and strawberries with salty feta cheese and crunchy toasted pistachios in a spinach salad lightly dressed with a citrus marmalade-based dressing. The flavors complement my Za'atar and Pomegranate Molasses Roasted Duck and Zereshk and Pistachio Pilaf beautifully. This menu is elegant, a bit exotic, healthy, and surprisingly simple to put together.

This luscious and colorful salad is my variation of My Food Story's Greens, Persimmon Ricotta Salad with Orange Dressing. When Richa posted the recipe on Facebook, I knew I had to give it a try.

Earlier that same week, I'd seen beautiful persimmons in my local HEB market. McAllen, Texas (with its sub-tropical climate) has an amazing variety of fresh produce year 'round. The strawberries were gorgeous. I opted to use feta in place of the ricotta, and pistachios in place of the pecans or walnuts.

I typically approach salad-making in this fashion. Looking at the overall composition of the menu, and the other ingredients, I then customize my salad to complement the main dish and other side dishes.

Feta and pistachios just "fit" with the other flavors in this menu. The optional pomegranate arils are a perfect addition, and provide an additional pop of color that is so appealing.  🙂

Making Spinach and Persimmon Salad

What are Persimmons and When are They Available?

Originating in China, Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons are the most widely available persimmons in North America... and that's where I live. LOL. Both varieties are available in the fall and into early winter, making them a perfect choice for your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu!

When shopping for persimmons, look for fruit that are bright in color, plump, and heavy for their size. Store almost-ripe and just-ripe persimmons on the counter at room temperature. Once ripened, the fruit won't last long, but you can keep them in the refrigerator for a day or two.

My spinach salad specifies fuyu persimmons as they're typically eaten raw (as in this salad). The color of your fruit should be more orange than yellow, and the skin should not be cracked or broken.

Hachiya persimmons are very tart and the interior is pulpy. They're more of a baking persimmon - puréed before adding to baked goods.

Health Benefits of Persimmons

• loaded with nutrients - especially vitamins A and C
• low in calories
• high in fiber
• high in antioxidants - especially flavonoids and beta-carotene

For more information see Top 7 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Persimmons.

Pomegranate Arils in Spinach and Persimmon Salad?

Pomegranates are a bit of work to break down, and can be difficult to find (even in winter), which is why the arils are listed "optional." I also used them to garnish the roasted duck.

I have occasionally seen pomegranate arils in vacuum sealed bags in supermarkets. They are something of a key ingredient in Persian cuisine, and if you've not tried them, you ought to. Obviously, this is a huge time saver!

The remaining ingredients don't need much explanation, do they? They're all fresh, healthy, whole food ingredients, and the end result is full of vibrant color, texture, and delicious flavor!

Steps for Making Spinach and Persimmon Salad

1. Combine salad dressing ingredients in a blender. Pulse until smooth and emulsified.
2. In a salad bowl, combine spinach, strawberries, and persimmon slices. Sprinkle with pistachios, feta, and pomegranate arils (if using).
3. Drizzle with salad dressing and toss just before serving.

Spinach Salad Tips and Suggestions

In closing:

With these 3 posts, I've sought to convey my approach to planning a holiday menu: Za'atar and Pomegranate Molasses Roasted Duck, Zereshk and Pistachio Pilaf, and Spinach and Persimmon Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette.

This year, I knew I wanted to do roasted duck - due to the intimate (ie. small) nature of our gathering. Duck and fruit are a perfect pairing, and fruit is key in Persian cooking. That was my jumping off point. I have to say planning and cooking Christmas dinner is probably my favorite part of Christmas.

Bringing loved ones together around the table feeds my soul as well as my physical body. I would love to hear what you have planned for those special holiday meals this year! I would also enjoy knowing what experience you've had with Persian food and ingredients, and whether or not you would try these dishes... You'll find my comment box at the bottom of the page!