Grilled Plum Autumn Salad

LunchLunchesDinnersSalad DressingsSalads

Nov 12

Plums are underrated and need to become the star of the show! This autumnal salad is my beginning effort in that endeavor. I simply grill the stone fruit with coconut oil spray and a pinch of salt, and the sugars in the fruit begin to just caramelize, making the plums become ever-so-slightly sweeter. I build this salad beginning with a mix of spinach (can use baby spinach or baby kale as well) and arugula. I like the peppery-ness the arugula brings and the familiar taste of spinach as a base. I then add in candied (or smoked!) walnuts for healthy fats and textural component, then pomegranate seeds for tanginess and a hint of tartness and finish with microcilantro. You can most definitely use regular cilantro, chopped up, or eliminate the cilantro altogether. I love adding herbs to salads for an extra (unexpected) “umph.” This salad is great on its own but can also be paired with any grilled protein of your choice for a heartier meal or even as a side salad with a sandwich for a quick lunch. Either way, this salad and the various components keep the autumnal salad game at an all-time high!

INGREDIENTS
Salad
3 plums, cut into 1/2 inch slices
5-8 oz baby spinach / arugula mixture
2 oz walnuts, candied, spiced or even gently toasted
Pomegranate seeds (I eyeballed them because I love them, but I would say I used about 1/4 cup)
Micro cilantro (mixed into lettuce mixture)
Cooking spray (I used coconut oil cooking spray)
Salt & pepper to taste

Dressing
1 tsp miso paste
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp soy sauce or pinch of salt
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp balsamic reduction/glaze
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp water
1/2 tbsp micro cilantro, roughly minced

Instructions

Heat up a grill pan over medium high heat on the stove. Spray pan with cooking spray. Add plums onto grill pan once pan is hot. Grill for a few minutes on each side until you achieve nice grill marks. Add a pinch of salt to the plums after taking them off the heat and before adding to the salad.
While plums are cooling down, put all salad dressing ingredients in a bottle and shake well to emulsify (about 30 seconds - 1 minute).
Place all salad items in a bowl, add dressing, toss & plate up either as is or feel free to add some protein as well. Enjoy!