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Rocket with Italian Plums and Parmesan

This vibrant rocket and plum salad offers a sophisticated balance of sweet and savoury flavours, making it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a stylish dinner party starter. The stone fruit provides a juicy sweetness that cuts through the peppery rocket leaves, while the cocktail onions add a sharp, crisp bite. It is a simple yet elegant vegetarian dish that celebrates seasonal produce with minimal effort to achieve a professional finish.

Great as a refreshing accompaniment to grilled vegetables or crusty sourdough, this salad is packed with vitamin-rich greens and healthy fats from the extra-virgin olive oil. The addition of salty Parmesan shavings adds a rich, umami depth, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned. Serve it immediately after tossing to maintain the crisp texture of the rocket and the brightness of the citrus dressing.

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Ingredients for Rocket with Italian Plums and Parmesan

  • 16 Italian plums, halved, or 8 small plums, quartered

  • 50g cocktail onions, halved,layers separated

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • 90g rocket (about 5 cups)

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 90g Parmesan, thinly sliced

Toss plums, cocktail onions, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons oil in a large bowl. Add rocket, season with salt and pepper, and toss again. Transfer to a platter; top with Parmesan and drizzle with more oil.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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