Plum, Arugula & Goat Cheese Salad
A bright, peppery salad where juicy ripe plums meet creamy goat cheese and crisp candied pecans. Dressed with a simple balsamic vinaigrette, it's the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. Ready in 15 minutes, it's an elegant side or a light lunch on its own.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the plums.
Wash the plums, cut them in half, remove the pits, and slice each half into thin wedges. Set aside.
- mix
Make the balsamic vinaigrette.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
TIPTaste and adjust the sweetness with a drop more honey if your plums are on the tart side. - assemble
Assemble the salad.
1.Place the arugula in a large salad bowl.2.Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the greens and toss gently to coat.3.Arrange the sliced plums over the arugula.4.Scatter the crumbled goat cheese and chopped candied pecans on top. - garnish
Finish and serve immediately.
Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the salad and serve right away.
TIPServe on chilled plates to keep the arugula crisp.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use ripe but firm plums so they hold their shape when sliced.
- 2Toast the pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then chop.
- 3Dry arugula thoroughly — excess water dilutes the vinaigrette.
- 4Toss the greens with half the dressing first, then top with plums and cheese to keep them pristine.
- 5Serve on chilled plates to keep the arugula crisp.
- 6Make the vinaigrette up to 3 days ahead; shake well before using.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut-free
Replace candied pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without nuts.
veganVegan
Omit goat cheese and use a creamy cashew-based cheese or thinly sliced avocado. Substitute maple syrup for honey in the vinaigrette.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 150g of grilled chicken or sliced grilled tofu to turn this salad into a hearty main dish.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon and add 1 tablespoon of water to the vinaigrette; use fewer candied pecans.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin K
Arugula is packed with vitamin K, essential for bone health and blood clotting.
Antioxidant Boost
Plums provide anthocyanins and vitamin C, which help fight oxidative stress.
Healthy Fats from Pecans
Pecans contain monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
Probiotic-Friendly
Goat cheese is often easier to digest than cow's milk cheese and contains beneficial bacteria.
Frequently asked questions
It's best assembled right before serving. Prep the plums, vinaigrette, and pecans separately, then toss just before eating.
