Toasted Macadamia and Davidson’s Plum Salad with Citrus Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant salad combining toasted Australian macadamia nuts and tart Davidson’s plum with crisp greens, dressed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette. This australian-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes blends roughly chopped macadamia nuts, mixed baby spinach and rocket leaves, Davidson’s plum puree into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Australian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts and toast for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup Davidson’s plum puree, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
  3. Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed baby spinach and rocket leaves with 1 small thinly sliced fennel bulb and 1/2 thinly sliced red onion.
  4. Step 4: Pour the citrus dressing over the greens and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle the toasted macadamia nuts over the top just before serving to retain their crunch and add a nutty flavor contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Toasted Macadamia and Davidson’s Plum Salad with Citrus Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Toasted Macadamia and Davidson’s Plum Salad with Citrus Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Toasted Macadamia and Davidson’s Plum Salad with Citrus Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Toasted Macadamia and Davidson’s Plum Salad with Citrus Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Toasted Macadamia and Davidson’s Plum Salad with Citrus Dressing?

Australian salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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