Persimmon pomegranate salad is one of the freshest, most vibrant dishes I love to serve during the colder months. With sweet slices of persimmon, juicy pomegranate seeds, and crisp greens, this salad feels both elegant and refreshing — perfect as a light starter or a colorful holiday side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this salad balances sweetness, tartness, and crunch all in one bowl. The persimmons bring a mellow, honey-like flavor, while the pomegranate adds brightness and texture. It’s a beautiful, seasonal dish that feels fancy without being fussy — and it always gets compliments at the table.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fuyu persimmons, sliced thinly
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Pomegranate seeds
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Mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
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Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
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Goat cheese or vegan cheese crumbles (optional)
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Walnuts or pecans, toasted
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Olive oil
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Balsamic vinegar or pomegranate molasses
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Dijon mustard (for dressing)
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Salt and pepper
Directions
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I start by making the dressing — whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar (or pomegranate molasses), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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I layer the greens in a large salad bowl or on a platter.
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I arrange the persimmon slices and sprinkle over the pomegranate seeds.
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I add thinly sliced red onions and scatter the toasted nuts over the top.
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I crumble goat cheese over everything if I’m using it.
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I drizzle with the dressing right before serving and toss gently.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 as a side salad. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare.
Variations
Sometimes I add avocado slices or switch the walnuts for pistachios. I’ve also made it with shaved fennel or a citrus vinaigrette instead of balsamic for a brighter flavor. For a heartier version, I toss in cooked quinoa or farro.
Storage/reheating
This salad is best served fresh. If I’m prepping ahead, I keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving. Once dressed, the greens wilt quickly, so I avoid storing leftovers for more than a few hours.
FAQs
What type of persimmon should I use?
I always use Fuyu persimmons — they’re sweet, firm, and can be eaten raw like an apple. Hachiya persimmons need to be very ripe and soft, which changes the texture.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes. I prep all the components and store them separately, then assemble and dress just before serving.
Is this salad vegan?
It can be. I skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan.
What’s a good substitute for pomegranate molasses?
Balsamic vinegar or a balsamic glaze works great. For extra sweetness, I sometimes add a drizzle of maple syrup to the dressing.
Can I use dried fruit instead of pomegranate?
Yes. Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots work well, though I prefer the freshness of pomegranate when it’s in season.
Conclusion
Persimmon pomegranate salad is a colorful, crisp, and flavorful addition to any fall or winter meal. I love how it celebrates seasonal fruit in such a fresh way — and it never fails to brighten up my table.
PrintPersimmon Pomegranate Salad
Persimmon pomegranate salad is a fresh, vibrant winter salad featuring sweet persimmons, juicy pomegranate seeds, crisp greens, toasted nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s an elegant, refreshing side dish perfect for holidays or seasonal entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 Fuyu persimmons, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup goat cheese or vegan cheese crumbles (optional)
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or pomegranate molasses
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar or pomegranate molasses, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Arrange mixed greens in a large salad bowl or serving platter.
- Top with sliced persimmons and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds.
- Add red onion slices and scatter toasted nuts on top.
- Crumb goat cheese over the salad, if using.
- Drizzle dressing just before serving and toss gently.
Notes
- Add avocado slices or swap walnuts for pistachios.
- Try shaved fennel or use citrus vinaigrette for a brighter flavor.
- For a heartier salad, add cooked quinoa or farro.
- Prep ahead by storing components separately and dressing just before serving.
- Dried cranberries or apricots can be used when pomegranate is out of season.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 salad
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
