Persimmon Mustard Vinaigrette

This vinaigrette is a game-changer for healthy eating, for example, blending sweet and savory notes in a nutrient-packed package. It stands out because it’s:

• Vegan and Gluten-Free: No animal products or gluten, thus, suitable for diverse diets.
• Low-Calorie: ~50 kcal per tablespoon (depending on oil), therefore, ideal for weight management.
• Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, for instance, boosting immunity and heart health.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 5 minutes, so, perfect for busy days.
• Seasonal and Versatile: Uses fall persimmons and pairs with salads, cheeses, or meats, making it, a menu staple.

Moreover, its sweet-spicy balance, for example, transforms simple dishes into gourmet experiences without excess calories.

This vinaigrette is a nutritional gem, for instance, leveraging persimmon’s sweetness and mustard’s zest. Here’s why its ingredients shine:

1. Persimmon:
   • Low-Calorie: ~73 kcal per 100g, which, supports weight control when used sparingly.
   • Fiber: ~1.6g per 100g, for example, aiding digestion and satiety.
   • Vitamins: Rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene, 214µg per 100g), vitamin C (7.5mg per 100g), and folate, thus, boosting vision, immunity, and cell health.
   • Minerals: High in potassium (190mg per 100g) and phosphorus (22mg per 100g), for instance, supporting heart and bone health.
   • High Water Content: ~81.4g per 100g, therefore, adding freshness.
   • Carbs: ~16g per 100g (mostly fructose), so, use in moderation for low-carb diets.
2. Dijon Mustard:
   • Low-Calorie: ~10 kcal per teaspoon, for instance, adding flavor without calories.
   • Antioxidants: Contains selenium and magnesium, thus, reducing inflammation.
   • Low-Carb: Negligible carbs, therefore, diabetic-friendly.
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO):
   • Healthy Fats: Monounsaturated fats (~10g per tablespoon), for example, lower LDL cholesterol.
   • Antioxidants: Polyphenols, thus, combat oxidative stress.
4. Lemon Juice:
   • Low-Calorie: ~4 kcal per tablespoon, for instance, adding tang without calories.
   • Vitamin C: ~7mg per tablespoon, therefore, boosting immunity.
   • Antioxidants: Citric acid, for example, supports detoxification.

In contrast, store-bought dressings (~10–15g carbs, ~5g sugar per tablespoon) often contain added sugars or artificial flavors, making, this homemade vinaigrette a fresher, healthier choice.

Persimmon’s natural sweetness makes it a unique dressing ingredient, for example, balancing mustard’s sharpness. Here’s why it works:

• Controlled Sweetness: Small amounts reduce fructose intake, thus, suitable for low-sugar diets.
• Fresh Flavor: Adds a fruity note, for instance, enhancing savory dishes.
• Nutrient Boost: Provides vitamin A and potassium, therefore, elevating the dressing’s health benefits.
• Texture: Finely diced persimmon adds subtle texture, so, complementing creamy elements.

However, persimmon’s high fructose (~16g per 100g) requires moderation, for example, using ¼ fruit per batch to keep carbs low.

Ingredients (Makes ~¾ Cup)

• ¼ ripe persimmon, finely diced (~40g)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1–2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: ½ teaspoon minced garlic or fresh thyme for flavor

Instructions

1. Prep Persimmon:
   • First, peel and finely dice persimmon into small cubes for even blending.
2. Mix Dressing:
   • Next, in a small bowl or jar, combine Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth.
3. Add Persimmon:
   • Then, fold in diced persimmon. Add water (1 tablespoon at a time) to thin if needed, for example, for drizzling over salads.
4. Adjust and Chill:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning or persimmon for desired sweetness. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
5. Serve:
   • Finally, drizzle over salads with goat cheese, grilled veggies (like Juicy Roasted Red Peppers (#)), or meats. Pair with Sweet Potato Canapés (#) for a balanced appetizer.
6. Store:
   • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 days. Shake or stir before use.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Tablespoon)

• Protein: ~0.5g
• Carbs: ~2g (low-glycemic)
• Fiber: ~0.2g
• Calories: ~50 kcal

Customization Options

• Mustard Swap: Use grainy or spicy mustard, for instance, for a bolder kick.
• Acid Swap: Try apple cider vinegar, thus, adding a different tang.
• Fruit Swap: Use pear or mango, for example, for variety in sweetness.
• Herb Boost: Add basil or rosemary, so, enhancing aroma.

This vinaigrette supports:

• Immunity: Vitamin C and A from persimmon and lemon, thus, strengthen defenses.
• Heart Health: Healthy fats from olive oil, for example, lower cholesterol.
• Weight Management: Low-calorie and nutrient-dense, therefore, promotes satiety.
• Antioxidant Support: Beta-carotene and polyphenols, for instance, reduce inflammation.

However, persimmon’s fructose (~16g per 100g) requires moderation for low-carb or diabetic diets, for example, using small amounts (¼ fruit per batch). For mustard allergies, swap with tahini, thus, maintaining creaminess. Store for only 1–2 days to ensure freshness, for instance, due to persimmon’s perishability.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Vegan and Gluten-Free: Suits plant-based and celiac diets, thus, inclusive for all.
• Low-Calorie and Low-Carb: Perfect for weight-conscious or diabetic diets, for example, with minimal carbs.
• Quick and Seasonal: Ready in 5 minutes using fall persimmons, therefore, ideal for autumn menus.
• Nutrient-Dense: Vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, for instance, boost wellness.
• Versatile: Enhances salads, cheeses, or meats, so, fitting any dish.

Perfect for salads, cheeses, or meats, this gluten-free vinaigrette adds a sweet-spicy twist to any dish.

Tips for Perfect Persimmon Mustard Vinaigrette

• Choose Ripe Persimmons: Soft, sweet fruit blends better, otherwise, it may be astringent.
• Dice Finely: Small cubes ensure even flavor, for example, avoiding chunks.
• Chill Before Serving: 30 minutes melds flavors, thus, enhancing taste.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Boosts brightness, so, avoiding bottled versions.