Fall weather immediately makes us think that soups and stews are the only thing we can eat. But, I’m actually a huge fan of salads. And while most of the Summer produce is gone, here in California our farmer’s market’s are still packed with fresh veggies and fruit. This salad has that winning combination – it has yummy leafy greens, fruit, cheese and nuts. I picked up the sweetest plums and some pretty arugula at my farmer’s market and with a little bite from some parmesan and a crunch from some pumpkin seeds you just can’t go wrong.

I served this salad to my church bible study group and everyone loved it. One of the guests even confessed that she never eats salad and that this was delicious! This might be one of my favorite salad dressing recipes of all time. If given the choice between a vinaigrette or ranch, vinaigrettes always win for me. I really love making salad dressings, they are quick and easy and then you know exactly what you are eating. This maple vinaigrette is just the right amount of sweet and tangy and feels like they perfect dressing to take me through the colder months.

Plum, Parmesan, and Pepita Salad

• a large bag of arugula (about 6 cups)
• 2-3 ripe plums
• parmesan shavings
• 1/4 cup roasted and salted pepitas
• Maple Balsamic Dressing (see recipe below)

Wash and dry the arugula well. Place in a large bowl. Top with slices of the plum cut into 1/4″ thick wedges. Sprinkle with the pepitas and using a vegetable peeler, shave off thin slices of the parmesan. Just before serving, drizzle a generous amount of the Maple Balsamic Dressing all over the salad.

Maple Balsamic Dressing

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp. dijon or grainy mustard
• salt and pepper

Place all the ingredients in a glass jar, seal with a lid and shake vigorously for 30 secs. The dressing should be quick thick. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

It’s such a pretty salad as well. What is your favorite Fall inspired salad? Would you agree that any salad that has fruit + nuts + cheese is the way to go? Salads shouldn’t just be veggies, there’s so much opportunity to experiment and play.