Fuyu persimmon is one of my favorite cool-weather fruits, and this autumn persimmon salad recipe is delicious and so easy to make.
I lived in South Korea for several years in my mid-20s. It’s where I first fell in love with persimmons, also known as sharon fruit and described as a tomato-like fruit. I remember the first time I saw Fuyu persimmons being sold on a produce cart near my apartment in Bundang, a southern suburb of Seoul. Curious, I wondered, what is this orange fruit that looks like a tomato? Refusing to let language be a barrier, the vendor proudly cut me a sample and I’ve been a fan ever since.
A sure sign that autumn has arrived, persimmon season evokes memories of beautiful fall foliage in the hills surrounding Seoul, cozy sweater weather and warm mugs of “yuzu cha” or yuzu tea (Korean honey citron tea) in the ‘Land of Morning Calm.’
Quick tip: Try my Homemade Honey Citron Tea recipe! It’s one of the most viewed Sweet New Roots recipes. Think warm hug in a mug on a chilly day.
Persimmon Salad Recipe Ingredients
I’ve never met a Fuyu persimmon recipe I haven’t enjoyed. Here’s what you’ll need for this simple persimmon salad.
Fuyu Persimmon Salad
- Mixed greens
- Persimmons
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Sliced almonds
- Sesame seeds
Sesame-Ginger Salad Dressing
- Fresh ginger or ginger paste
- Oil, toasted sesame and grapeseed or canola
- Mirin or rice cooking wine
- Honey
- Orange or lemon juice
Fuyu Persimmon Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
What do persimmons taste like?
While persimmons are often mistaken for a tomato-like fruit, their taste is not comparable to a tomato, nor is the texture. Persimmons sweeten as they ripen. In my opinion, persimmons taste like a combination of honey, cinnamon and apricot. The sweetness of the fruit is very subtle, even when fully ripe.
How to tell if a persimmon is ripe?
Fuyu persimmons are subtly sweet and crisp, almost like an apple or pear in terms of texture. They soften and sweeten as they ripen. I find the crisp, not overly ripe, persimmon to be most enjoyable and perfect for persimmon salad recipes. You can tell a persimmon is ripe when the outside is firm but not hard as a rock. Overly ripe persimmons are soft to the touch and work well in jams, soups, pies and smoothies.
Can you eat the skin of a persimmon?
Yes! You can eat the skin of a persimmon, and I highly recommend it. It’s full of nutrients, but ultimately this is up to personal preference. It is safe to eat the skin of the persimmon or sharon fruit. Note that the skin will begin to peel from the flesh if you cut into it when it’s overly softened.
When are persimmons in season?
Persimmons are in season during the autumn and early winter months, usually from October through January.
Fuyu Persimmon Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing
Fuyu Persimmon Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing is a go-to cool-weather salad that’s bursting with flavor.
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
Ingredients
SALAD INGREDIENTS
- 5 ounces cups mixed greens (or greens of choice)
- 1 handful micro greens (optional)
- 2 persimmons, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
SESAME-GINGER DRESSING INGREDIENTS
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh minced ginger or ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoons light oil, such as grapeseed
- 3 tablespoons mirin or rice cooking wine
- 1 tablespoon unfiltered, organic honey, such as Appalachian Bee’s Wildflower Honey
- 2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon or orange juice
Instructions
- Whisk the Sesame-Ginger Dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well combined. Divide dry ingredients between two bowls and toss in the Sesame-Ginger Dressing or your favorite Asian-inspired salad dressing. Enjoy!
Notes
- We love ginger at our house so I use two generous tablespoons of it in the Sesame-Ginger Dressing, but we’re not big on sesame oil so I scale back and add an equal amount of grapeseed oil for a more delicate flavor. Play with the measurements according to your preferences.
- Bulk up your salad with protein – edamame, chicken, salmon and shrimp are all delicious options.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Salads, Sides, Vegetarian
- Method: By Hand
- Cuisine: Asian Inspired
