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Plum Salad with Black Pepper and Parmesan

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This vibrant plum salad with black pepper and parmesan offers a sophisticated balance of sweet, sharp, and savoury flavours. Using a mix of red, black, and green plums provides a beautiful contrast in both colour and texture, while the honey-vinegar dressing draws out the natural juices of the stone fruit. It is a refreshing departure from traditional leafy salads, relying on the punchy heat of cracked black pepper to bridge the gap between the fruit and the salty cheese.

As a versatile vegetarian dish, this salad works wonderfully as a light starter or an elegant accompaniment to grilled halloumi or toasted sourdough. The combination of aged Parmesan and ripe summer fruit provides a high-impact finish with minimal preparation. For the best results, ensure your plums are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when sliced, allowing the flaky sea salt to enhance their seasonal sweetness.

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Ingredients for Plum Salad with Black Pepper and Parmesan

  • 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon honey

  • 1/2 teaspoons cracked black pepper, plus more

  • 6 ripe red, black, and/or green plums, some thinly sliced, some cut into wedges

  • 40g shaved Parmesan or Pecorino, plus more for serving

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • Flaky sea salt

How to make Plum Salad with Black Pepper and Parmesan

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Stir vinegar, honey, and 1/2 teaspoons pepper in a medium bowl until honey is dissolved. Add plums to dressing and toss until coated. Add 40g Parmesan and gently toss again just to evenly distribute throughout salad.

Transfer plum salad to a shallow bowl. Top with more Parmesan, drizzle with oil, and season with salt and more pepper.

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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