Arugula Salad with Plum & Goat Cheese
Peppery arugula meets sweet summer plums and creamy goat cheese in a bright balsamic vinaigrette. The contrast of sharp greens, juicy fruit, and rich cheese creates a perfect starter or light lunch ready in 5 minutes.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Toast the almonds.
1.Place sliced almonds in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat.2.Toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (2-3 min).3.Transfer immediately to a cool plate to stop cooking.TIPWatch the almonds closely — they burn in seconds once they start browning. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the vinaigrette.
1.In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.2.Add salt and black pepper.3.Whisk until the dressing is smooth and emulsified (30 sec). - prep · ~2 min
Slice the plums.
Wash plums, cut in half around the pit, twist apart, and remove the pit. Slice each half into thin wedges about 0.5 cm thick.
TIPIf plums are very soft, chill them for 10 minutes before slicing — they'll hold their shape better. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the salad.
1.Place arugula in a large salad bowl.2.Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently by hand.3.Scatter plum wedges over the dressed arugula.4.Dot with crumbled goat cheese.5.Sprinkle toasted almonds on top. - garnish · ~1 min
Finish and serve.
Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad. Grind a little extra black pepper on top if desired. Serve immediately while the greens are crisp.
TIPDon't dress the salad until just before serving — the arugula wilts quickly.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best texture, make sure the arugula is thoroughly dried after washing—excess water will dilute the vinaigrette.
- 2Slice plums just before assembling to prevent browning and keep them fresh-looking.
- 3Toast almonds in a single layer and stir constantly; they go from golden to burnt in seconds.
- 4If goat cheese is too cold to crumble easily, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- 5Use a large bowl and toss the arugula gently with your hands to coat evenly without bruising the leaves.
- 6For make-ahead prep, toast almonds and whisk vinaigrette up to a day in advance; assemble just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut-free
Replace sliced almonds with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version that still delivers crunch.
veganVegan
Swap goat cheese with a plant-based crumbled cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it fully vegan.
stone fruit swapStone fruit swap
Use ripe peaches, nectarines, or apricots instead of plums for a different sweet-summer flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin K
Arugula is an excellent source of vitamin K, which supports bone health and proper blood clotting.
Antioxidant Boost from Plums
Plums provide vitamin C and polyphenol antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Healthy Fats from Almonds
Almonds are packed with monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, promoting heart health and skin vitality.
Probiotic-Friendly Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is often easier to digest than cow's milk cheese and contains beneficial live cultures for gut health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, baby spinach or mixed spring greens work well, but you'll lose the peppery kick that balances the sweet plums and tangy cheese.
