Arugula Salad with Plum & Feta
A vibrant and refreshing salad featuring peppery arugula, sweet ripe plums, and salty crumbled feta cheese, all brought together with a simple balsamic vinaigrette and crunchy pumpkin seeds. It's an elegant and quick dish perfect for a light meal or a sophisticated side.
For 2 servings
Prepare the plums: Wash the plums thoroughly. Slice each plum in half, remove the pit, and then thinly slice each half into crescent shapes. Set aside.
Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), Dijon mustard (if using), sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the base: In a large mixing bowl, gently place the fresh arugula.
Dress the arugula: Pour about two-thirds of the prepared vinaigrette over the arugula. Gently toss the arugula to coat the leaves evenly.
Arrange the salad: Divide the dressed arugula between two serving plates or bowls. Artfully arrange the sliced plums over the arugula.
Add cheese and seeds: Evenly sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the plums and arugula. Finish by scattering the toasted pumpkin seeds over each salad.
Serve: Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salads just before serving. Enjoy immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Arugula freshness: Ensure your arugula is fresh and crisp. If it seems limp, revive it by soaking it in ice water for 10-15 minutes, then spinning it dry before use.
- 2Plum ripeness: Choose plums that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe plums can be too soft and watery, while underripe ones will lack sweetness and flavor.
- 3Toasting pumpkin seeds: For extra flavor, toast pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, shaking frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool completely before adding to the salad.
- 4Dressing ahead: While the dressing can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, it's best to dress the salad just before serving to prevent the arugula from wilting.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Swap
Substitute plums with sliced peaches, nectarines, figs, or even fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries for a different sweet note and seasonal variation.
Cheese AlternativeCheese Alternative
Instead of feta, try crumbled goat cheese for a tangier, creamier texture, or shaved Parmesan for a sharper, more umami flavor profile.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Replace pumpkin seeds with toasted walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds for a different kind of crunch and healthy fats, complementing the other flavors.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Arugula and plums are packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C and K, which help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals and support overall health.
Supports Digestive Health
The fiber content in both arugula and plums aids in healthy digestion, promotes regularity, and contributes to a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for nutrient absorption.
Promotes Bone Health
Arugula is an excellent source of Vitamin K, crucial for bone metabolism and maintaining bone density, while feta cheese provides a good amount of calcium, both vital for strong bones.
Frequently asked questions
It's best to assemble and dress this salad just before serving to keep the arugula crisp and prevent it from wilting. However, you can prepare the dressing, slice the plums, and crumble the feta in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator.
