Caramelized Persimmon Salad with Spiced Pecan Crunch and Maple Ginger Dressing - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Caramelized Persimmon Salad with Spiced Pecan Crunch and Maple Ginger Dressing

Get ready to wow your taste buds! This Caramelized Persimmon Salad brings together sweet, spiced, and zesty flavors in one irresistible bowl. With juicy caramelized persimmons, crunchy spiced pecans, and a tangy maple ginger dressing, it's a salad that's anything but ordinary. Let’s dive in!

4.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Let's take a moment to talk about persimmons—these little orange gems are often overlooked, but they have a sweet, honey-like flavor that's downright irresistible, especially when caramelized. That’s why today’s recipe is all about celebrating this autumn favorite with a Caramelized Persimmon Salad that’s hearty, elegant, and packed with texture and flavor. Picture juicy slices of caramelized persimmons mingling with crisp greens, crunchy spiced pecans, and topped with a tangy-sweet maple ginger dressing. It’s a salad that feels like a hug from fall—cozy, vibrant, and full of spice. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be wondering where this salad has been all your life!

Caramelized Persimmon Salad With Spiced Pecan Crunch And Maple Ginger Dressing Recipe

What makes this recipe really shine are the flavor pairings—it’s a symphony of sweet, spicy, and zesty elements working together. The caramelized persimmons add a luxurious sweetness that's balanced by the warm, earthy heat of spiced pecans dusted with cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Then, there’s the dressing. Oh, the dressing! It’s a zippy blend of maple syrup, ginger, a touch of soy sauce for umami, and a splash of fresh citrus to brighten everything up. A salad dressing like this doesn’t just coat the greens; it elevates them to co-stars in this delicious production. And as a little bonus, you might find yourself drizzling this dressing on everything from roasted veggies to grain bowls.

Now, let’s talk tips and tricks. First, for perfectly caramelized persimmons, make sure they’re ripe but still firm—they should be slightly soft when pressed. A non-stick pan works wonders to help achieve that golden-brown surface without sticking. Want to save time? You can make the spiced pecans and dressing in advance; they’ll keep well in sealed containers to make assembly a breeze. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your greens—peppery arugula, tender baby spinach, or even hearty kale will all work beautifully as the base. Plus, if you really want to impress, sprinkle a few crumbles of goat cheese or feta on top for a creamy, tangy twist.

This salad is perfect as a light lunch, served alongside crusty bread, or as a show-stopper side dish for your next dinner party. Looking to make it heartier? Add grilled chicken or tofu for a boost of protein. It’s also endlessly adaptable—swap pecans for walnuts, or add some dried cranberries for extra sweetness. The best part? You’re bringing bold, seasonal flavors to the table with very little fuss. So, grab some persimmons before the season passes you by and treat yourself to this one-of-a-kind creation. Your taste buds will thank you!

Keywords: caramelized persimmon recipes, fall-inspired salad recipes, easy homemade salad dressing, spiced pecans for salads, unique fall dinner ideas, vibrant seasonal salad recipes, tangy maple ginger salad dressing.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • 2 persimmons, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup pecans
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 6 cups mixed greens (e.g., arugula, spinach, and baby kale)
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar. Add the persimmon slices and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

  2. 2

    In the same skillet, toast the pecans with cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly coated. Allow to cool.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

  4. 4

    In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, caramelized persimmons, spiced pecans, goat cheese, and dried cranberries.

  5. 5

    Drizzle the maple ginger dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

  6. 6

    Serve immediately and enjoy.

Nutrition Information

Calories

220 calories

Protein

4g

Carbs

20g

Fat

14g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of fruit instead of persimmons?

A: Yes, you can substitute persimmons with fruits like peaches, nectarines, or pears. Just make sure to adjust the caramelization time as these fruits may cook at different rates.

Q: What can I use instead of goat cheese?

A: If you don't have goat cheese or prefer a different flavor, you can use feta cheese, blue cheese, or even a plant-based cheese if you're making a dairy-free version.

Q: How can I make this salad vegan?

A: To make this salad vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, skip the goat cheese or use a vegan cheese, and ensure that your Dijon mustard is vegan-friendly.

Q: Can I prepare any components of the salad in advance?

A: Yes, you can caramelize the persimmons and toast the spiced pecans up to 2 days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers at room temperature. You can also prepare the dressing in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Assemble the salad just before serving for optimal freshness.

Q: What is the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, keep in mind that the greens may wilt and the pecans may lose their crunch, so it's best to only assemble as much salad as you'll eat immediately.

Q: Can I make the spiced pecans less sweet?

A: Absolutely! You can reduce or omit the maple syrup when toasting the pecans, and simply season them with cinnamon and nutmeg for a less sweet option.

Q: Are there variations to the dressing I can try?

A: Certainly! For a tangier dressing, increase the apple cider vinegar by 1 teaspoon. You can also add a splash of orange juice or a pinch of chili flakes for a unique twist.

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