@adjoa and I made this dreamy heirloom tomatoes and plum salad last September when summer was just winding down. I didn’t get a chance to share it here before winter got its gloomy hands on us.
But after the few glorious days we’ve had, and seeing that we’re mere weeks from summer’s unofficial start, it seems proper to feature this salad now.
Hopefully it’ll inspire someone to try it this summer, since that’s what I intend to do… a lot, as soon as BC plums start hitting the markets.

I wouldn’t have thought to put plums and tomatoes together, and yet they make a perfect harmonious pair in this creation.

This salad is so simple yet packs a flavourful punch, I plan on trying other fruit combinations – peaches, nectarines, pears, etc and even grapes; lately I’ve been experimenting with grapes in savoury dishes.
The vinaigrette is tangy and sweet, a little like the tomatoes and plums.
It’s light, tart and fresh, perfect for hot summer days.

The recipe comes from Heather over at L.A. In Bloom; a lovely blog that I adore.

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Heirloom Tomatoes & Plum Salad

(adapted from L.A. in Bloom)

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced into wedges
• 4 – 5 plums, pitted and sliced into wedges
• 1 small sweet onion, chopped
• 8 oz (1 cup) arugula
• Coarse sea salt
• Coarse black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Place balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper in a mason jar and shake vigorously till emulsified
2. Combine tomatoes, plums, onions and arugula in a serving bowl
3. Toss with vinaigrette (to taste) just before serving and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper
4. Enjoy!

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