They’re perfect for cobblers, ideal for eating out of hand, and taste great on the grill, but thinking outside the culinary box lets golden plums shine in a savory salad featuring local, seasonal ingredients.
Fingerling, Plum, and Arugula Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
For the salad ingredients:
2 pounds (908g) fingerling potatoes, any colour
2 tablespoons (30mL) good quality extra-virgin olive oil
Fine sea or Himalayan salt
Freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup (120mL) fresh savory, lightly packed and chopped
1 1/2 pounds (681g) shiro plums, cut into quarters
1/2 cup (120mL) chopped pecans, toasted
4 ounces (113g) arugula
For the dressing:
3 tablespoons (45mL) pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons (30mL) cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon (3mL) Dijon mustard
1/4 cup (60mL) good quality extra-virgin olive oil
Fine sea or Himalayan salt
Freshly ground pepper
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Cut the potatoes in half length-wise—if they are large, cut them in half width-wise, as well. Toss with the olive oil. Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and about 2 tablespoons of the savory. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes, under crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Set aside to cool.
Once the potatoes have come to room temperature, put them in a large bowl. Add the remaining savory, the plums, pecans, and arugula. Toss to combine.
To make the dressing, put the maple syrup, vinegar, and mustard in a small container. Whisk well to combine. Add the olive oil in a steady stream, whisking constantly, until well blended. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle on the salad, using as much or little as desired. Let stand about 1 hour. Enjoy at room temperature.
This not only looks beautiful, it tastes soooooooo good!!