Roasted Plum and Arugula Salad with Toasted Pecans and Maple Dijon Dressing - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Roasted Plum and Arugula Salad with Toasted Pecans and Maple Dijon Dressing

Sweet, tangy, crunchy, and peppery—this Roasted Plum and Arugula Salad has it all! Juicy caramelized plums meet nutty toasted pecans, all tied together with a zippy maple Dijon dressing. It's a colorful, flavor-packed dish that’s elegant enough to impress and easy enough to whip up anytime!

4.5 out of 5 (2 ratings)

If you’ve been searching for a salad that’s as stunning as it is scrumptious, look no further! This Roasted Plum and Arugula Salad is the perfect mashup of sweet, tangy, nutty, and peppery flavors—all in one colorful bowl of deliciousness. Picture this: juicy, caramelized plums fresh out of the oven, nestled on a bed of peppery arugula leaves, with the perfect crunch from toasted pecans. It’s the kind of dish that makes you look like a fancy chef when really, it’s as easy as flipping on your oven and whisking up a dressing. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a potluck centerpiece, this salad has you covered!

Roasted Plum and Arugula Salad with Toasted Pecans and Maple Dijon Dressing Recipe

So, what makes this salad so special, you ask? It’s all about the balancing act. The roasted plums bring a natural fruitiness to the dish that’s intensified by a little heat. Then, there’s the Dijon mustard and maple syrup dressing—a zippy, slightly sweet twist that dances with the peppery arugula and amplifies the roasted plums’ caramel notes. And let’s not forget those toasted pecans! They bring the texture game and a deep, buttery nuttiness that rounds out every bite. This salad is also a celebration of contrast, with warm roasted fruit against cool, crisp greens. It’s like opposites attracting in the most flavorful way possible.

Now, you’ve got to try this for yourself! It’s quick, it’s fresh, and it leaves plenty of room for creativity. Feel free to toss in some crumbled goat cheese for added creaminess or swap the pecans for walnuts if that’s what you have on hand. You can even try it with nectarines or figs when plums aren’t in season—why not? This salad shines on its own, but it’s also a fantastic accompaniment to grilled chicken or baked salmon. Whatever you pair it with, I promise this dish will leave your taste buds doing a happy dance. So, roll up your sleeves and bring this salad to life—you won’t regret it!

Keywords: roasted plum salad recipe, arugula salad with fruit, maple Dijon dressing recipe, unique salad ideas, toasted pecan salad recipe, fruity salad for dinner, easy roasted fruit salad

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

10 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • •4 ripe plums, halved and pitted
  • •1 tablespoon olive oil
  • •5 cups fresh arugula
  • •1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
  • •1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
  • •3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • •2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • •3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • •1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • •Salt to taste
  • •Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  2. 2

    Place the halved and pitted plums on the baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

  3. 3

    Roast the plums in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.

  4. 4

    While the plums are roasting, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

  5. 5

    Prepare the dressing by whisking together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.

  6. 6

    In a large salad bowl, arrange the fresh arugula. Top with the roasted plums, toasted pecans, and crumbled goat cheese, if using.

  7. 7

    Drizzle the maple Dijon dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine or serve with the dressing on the side. Enjoy immediately.

Nutrition Information

Calories

280 calories

Protein

4g

Carbs

20g

Fat

20g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare most components ahead of time. Roast the plums, toast the pecans, and prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance. Store the plums and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the arugula stays fresh and crisp.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for arugula?

A: If arugula is unavailable or not to your taste, you can substitute it with other leafy greens such as baby spinach, mixed spring greens, or even massaged kale. These options will provide a slightly different flavor profile but will still pair well with the roasted plums and dressing.

Q: What if my plums are not very ripe?

A: If your plums are underripe, you can still use them, but they may take a bit longer to roast to soften and caramelize. Increase the roasting time by 5-10 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don’t burn. You can also add a small drizzle of honey or extra maple syrup before roasting to enhance their sweetness.

Q: Can I make this salad vegan?

A: Yes, this salad can easily be made vegan. Simply omit the goat cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative such as crumbled almond-based cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a slightly cheesy flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the arugula from wilting. Note that the texture of the roasted plums may change slightly once chilled, but the salad will still taste delicious.

Q: What can I substitute for pecans?

A: If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Toast them lightly before adding to the salad to enhance their flavor.

Q: Can I serve this salad warm?

A: Yes, this salad can be served warm for a cozy twist. Allow the roasted plums to cool just slightly before adding them to the salad. Warm plums paired with the fresh arugula and maple Dijon dressing create a delightful combination of textures and temperatures.

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