As winter sets in, hearty meals become the norm, making a vibrant salad a delightful contrast to heavier dishes. This Little Gem salad is a perfect choice for holiday gatherings. Tender heads of Little Gem lettuce pair beautifully with sweet Fuyu persimmons, while crumbled Gorgonzola adds a rich touch to the mix.

The star of this dish is the homemade vinaigrette, made with white wine vinegar, honey, creamy Dijon, and olive oil. This dressing enhances the salad's flavors, allowing each ingredient to shine through. Topped with buttery Marcona almonds and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper, it's an ideal festive side.

Check out the complete menu from our holiday gathering

little gem salad with persimmon and gorgonzola

Handcrafted Wood Salad Bowl – Natural

$315 at Casa Zuma

Beechwood Serving Spoons, Set of 2

$48 at Casa Zuma

Ingredients for this salad

  • Little Gem lettuce: delicate and crisp, this forms the perfect base for the salad.
  • Fuyu persimmons: sliced thinly to showcase their golden color and sweet flavor.
  • Gorgonzola or blue cheese: rich and creamy, providing a nice contrast to the fruit.
  • Marcona almonds: buttery and slightly salty, adding a lovely crunch.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: the finishing touch that enhances all the flavors.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: the smooth base for the dressing.
  • White wine vinegar: bright and crisp, it contributes a hint of acidity.
  • Dijon mustard: adds flavor depth and a slight kick.
  • Honey: a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity.

Alternative options to consider

  • Substitute blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for a gentler flavor.
  • Include a handful of arugula for a peppery note.
  • Prepare the vinaigrette and chop the salad elements in advance, but assemble right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
little gem salad with persimmon and gorgonzolalittle gem salad with persimmon and gorgonzola

Sharing Platter

$74 at Casa Zuma

Linen Table Throw

$80 at Casa Zuma

Recycled Wine Glass (Set of 4)

$92 at Casa Zuma

Salad Description

This bright salad features crisp lettuce, sweet persimmons, and tangy Gorgonzola, all tied together with a drizzle of honey vinaigrette. Finished with Marcona almonds, it's a simple yet elegant dish for any occasion.

Ingredient List

For the Salad:

  • 3 heads Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated and halved
  • 2 ripe Fuyu persimmons, thinly sliced
  • ? cup crumbled Gorgonzola (or any blue cheese preferred)
  • ¼ cup Marcona almonds, roughly chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the White Wine Honey Vinaigrette:

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation Steps

  1. In a small bowl, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients until well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together the lettuce, persimmons, and half of the Gorgonzola and almonds.
  3. Drizzle with vinaigrette and gently toss to coat.
  4. Transfer to a serving platter, top with remaining Gorgonzola and almonds, then finish with freshly cracked pepper.
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 15