Persimmon Pear Kale Salad

This Persimmon Pear Kale Salad Recipe is a delightful burst of flavors, colors, and textures that makes your meal feel special. Imagine tearing into a crunchy, nutrient-packed salad featuring beautifully arranged persimmons and pears nestled among dark, leafy Lacinato kale. Each ingredient brings its own personality to the dish, creating a wholesome vibe perfect for both casual dinners and festive gatherings. The combination of sweet fruit, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy nuts creates layers of flavor that are sure to impress anyone at your table.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

As someone who loves to cook and experiment with seasonal ingredients, I find this salad particularly exciting because it showcases the best of fall and early winter produce. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this salad is simple to prepare yet feels upscale. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to create a stunning dish that looks as amazing as it tastes!

Why This Recipe Works

This Persimmon Pear Kale Salad combines textures and flavors that elevate a simple green salad into a delightful dish. The vibrant sweetness of persimmons and pears pairs beautifully with the robustness of Lacinato kale. Not only is this salad visually stunning with its rich colors, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Persimmon Pear Kale Salad Recipe

You’ll appreciate this salad as the epitome of seasonal eating, featuring ingredients that shine in fall and early winter months. The combination of fresh produce, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy toppings creates a medley of flavors that will pleasantly surprise your taste buds. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or healthy lunches at home.

Ingredients for Persimmon Pear Kale Salad

• 1 bunch Lacinato kale
• 3 Fuyu persimmons
• 1 Red Anjou pear (or another pear of choice)
• 3 ounces crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons pepitas
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Preparing the Kale

Remove and Slice the Kale

Begin by carefully removing the kale leaves from the stems. Stack a few leaves together, then slice them into very thin, long strips. This method helps to tenderize the kale and makes for a more enjoyable bite.

Massage the Kale

Transfer the sliced kale to a mixing bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the kale and massage it with your hands. This process softens the leaves, enhancing their flavor and texture. Set aside to allow the kale to rest while you prepare the other ingredients.

Preparing the Fruits

Slice the Persimmons

Wash the Fuyu persimmons thoroughly. Slice them into ⅛ inch thick rounds, then quarter each slice into bite-sized pieces. These sweet fruits will add a beautiful pop of color to your salad.

Cut the Pear

Next, take your Red Anjou pear, wash it, and cut it into smaller pieces. The combination of the juicy pear and sweet persimmons is what makes this salad irresistible.

Assembling the Salad

Combine Ingredients

In the bowl with the massaged kale, add the prepared persimmons, pear, crumbled goat cheese, slivered almonds, and pepitas. The contrast of textures—from creamy cheese to crunchy nuts—adds depth to each forkful.

Making the Dressing

Whisk Together the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil, red wine vinegar, sea salt, and ground black pepper. This simple dressing complements the salad without overpowering the fresh flavors of the ingredients.

Tossing the Salad

Drizzle and Toss

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. With clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve the salad immediately on a large platter to enjoy its freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This Persimmon Pear Kale Salad can be served as a vibrant side dish alongside roasted chicken or as a main dish topped with grilled salmon or shrimp for a hearty meal.

Tips for Success

• Choose ripe, but firm persimmons and pears for optimal sweetness and texture.
• Allowing the kale to rest after massaging helps to enhance its flavor significantly.
• Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference, such as adding cranberries or walnuts.

Variations

• Substitute goat cheese with feta for a tangy twist.
• Add seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds during winter months for an added flavor burst.
• Incorporate roasted root vegetables for a warm salad variant.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s freshness.

Pairing Ideas

Pair this salad with a light white wine or a refreshing sparkling water for a delicious meal. A slice of whole-grain bread complements the salad beautifully.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of kale?
A1: Yes, you can use curly kale or baby kale, but remember that they may require different preparation methods.

Q2: How can I make this salad vegan?
A2: Substitute the goat cheese with vegan cheese or omit it entirely, and ensure the dressing is dairy-free.

Q3: How should I store leftovers?
A3: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Q4: Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
A4: Yes! You can prepare the kale and fruits ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.

Q5: What can I serve this salad with?
A5: It pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins, hearty soups, or as part of a festive holiday spread.

This Persimmon Pear Kale Salad is not just a recipe; it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients that honors the beauty of simple, fresh food. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a nutritious meal, this salad delivers on all fronts. Enjoy the crunch, the sweetness, and the vibrant colors that make every bite a joy!

Print