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Autumn Salad
This autumn salad is a beautiful, flavorful combination of sweet, juicy persimmons, tangy pomegranate seeds, creamy blue cheese, and crunchy walnuts. It’s a perfect seasonal salad that brings together a variety of textures and flavors, making it a standout side dish or a light main course for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe persimmons, peeled and sliced (Fuyu variety works well)
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast the Walnuts:
- In a small skillet, toast the walnuts over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced persimmons, pomegranate seeds, crumbled blue cheese, and sliced red onion (if using). Toss gently to combine.
- Add Walnuts and Dressing:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat evenly. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts on top.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra pomegranate seeds or blue cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Other Fruits: Add slices of apples or pears for additional sweetness and texture.
- Vegan Version: Omit the blue cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan version.
- Nuts Swap: Substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or candied nuts for variety.
- Make It a Main: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
This autumn salad with persimmon, pomegranate, blue cheese, and walnuts is a colorful and delicious way to embrace the flavors of the season. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and crunchy elements in every bite!
