As you’ve probably noticed we like to eat salads around here, but I must say at times it can get slightly repetitive by the end of each season, but not with this grilled radicchio and plum salad. Now that Fall has arrived there’s a fresh selection of new produce available with a few goodies still around from late summer. I really wanted to make a grilled salad, and Ry happened to bring home some really delicious apple plums from work. So, I figured those could be the start of the salad and what better to grill along with plums than radicchio.
When I was younger I hated radicchio. My dad would always add into salads and I would always pick it out. It wasn’t until I got older, and clearly more refined (not at all), that I started to enjoy bitter greens like endive, chicories, dandelion greens and radicchio. There is something about pairing that charred and bitter flavor together that I really like, and it gets even better when you add in something sweet like the plums and aged balsamic. I also added fresh thyme, wild rice and some really sharp goat cheese to finish things up. This was a slight experiment with the pairing of ingredients, and I wasn’t totally sure how much Ry and I would like it, but it was SO good. This is definitely going to be a repeat salad here for the season, and I might even try a few other variations with different fruits and greens.
It wasn’t till I got older, and clearly more refined (not at all), that I started to enjoy bitter greens like endive, chicories, dandelion greens and radicchio.
Grilled Radicchio Plum Salad Recipe | A Fall Salad with Goat Cheese and Wild Rice
If you’re looking for a salad that’s anything but ordinary, this Grilled Radicchio Plum Salad is exactly what you need! Combining the delicious bitterness of charred radicchio with the sweetness of grilled plums, the nutty flavor of wild rice, and the creamy tang of goat cheese, this dish is a mix of fall’s finest ingredients. Tossed with fresh thyme, purple basil, and a drizzle of aged balsamic, it’s a perfectly balanced, flavorful salad you’ll be making over, and over again.
Why This Grilled Radicchio Plum Salad is Perfect for Fall
- Seasonal Ingredients: This salad highlights fall staples like radicchio and plums, offering a delightful mix of bitter, sweet, and savory.
- Cool Weather Grilling: Grilling the radicchio and plums brings out their natural flavors while adding a smoky depth.
- Easily Customizable: Swap out ingredients like the plums or goat cheese for what you have on hand, like peaches or nectarines and use feta or ricotta salata. It’s guaranteed to be delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Grilled Radicchio Plum Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this grilled salad:
- 1 head radicchio: Slightly bitter and perfect for grilling since it doesn’t completely wilt when it hits the heat.
- 2 plums: Sweet and juicy, a great contrast to the radicchio. Get plums that aren’t overly ripe. You want them to still have some texture after they are grilled.
- 1 cup wild rice (cooked): Adds a hearty, nutty texture and chew to the salad.
- Fresh basil: Purple basil* adds visual appeal, but any variety works.
- 1-2 oz goat cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element to the salad.
- Olive oil: For grilling and dressing the salad.
- Aged balsamic: The sweetness balances the bitter greens.
- Fresh thyme: Adds an herby note to the salad.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
*I used purple basil here. I tend to grow a ton of basil in our yard, because I love it, and luckily the seed mix I get has a purple variety in it. Since the other ingredients happened to be purple I decided to keep it all purple, but you can most certainly use any other variety of basil you can find.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Grilled Radicchio Plum Salad
This is a quick and easy salad to make, really just a bit of prep and then you are ready to plate up and eat. But I do want to stress, you are only trying to get some charr on the plums and radicchio, not actually cook them. You still want it to be a crisp salad, just with some charred flavor.
- Prepare the Wild Rice
Start by cooking the wild rice according to the package instructions. You’ll need about 1 cup cooked for this recipe, but feel free to make extra for meal prep and leftovers. - Preheat Your Grill
Once the wild rice is almost ready, preheat your grill to high heat. A hot grill is essential for achieving a good char on the radicchio and plums. - Prep the Radicchio and Plums
• Slice the radicchio into wedges and the plums into thick slices or wedges.
• Lightly coat both with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to enhance their natural flavors. - Grill the Radicchio and Plums
Place the radicchio and plums directly on the hot grill. Grill for 1-3 minutes per side, just until you see grill marks and a bit of char. Remove and let cool slightly. - Assemble the Salad
• Slice the grilled radicchio into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a serving plate.
• Layer the grilled plums on top, followed by the cooked wild rice.
• Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese, fresh basil, and thyme. - Dress and Serve
Finish with a generous drizzle of aged balsamic, a touch of olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Radicchio and Plums
- Don’t Over-Grill: Both radicchio and plums can become too soft if grilled for too long. Keep a close eye and flip quickly. You just want to get a char on the outside.
- Use High-Quality Balsamic: Aged balsamic really elevates this dish with its rich, sweet flavor. Get the best balsamic you can, and if you don’t have an aged balsamic available, any good standard balsamic vinegar will work just fine.
- Customize the Salad: Swap plums for peaches, nectarines, or figs depending on the season. For added crunch, throw in some toasted nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts or pecans.
Some Other Recipes You Might Like
Grilled Lamb Chops
Perfectly grilled lamb chops with a simple lemon oregano marinade. quick, easy, and perfect for summer grilling.
Grilled Caesar Salad
Grilled caesar salad with charred romaine, crispy breadcrumbs, and Parmigiano—an elevated twist on a classic, perfect for any occasion!
Grilled Chicken and Peach Salad
A grilled chicken and peach salad with curly endive, grilled corn and a tangy mustard vinaigrette. a fresh and vibrant salad perfect for summer grilling!
Steak Crostini with Horseradish Sauce
Perfectly seared ribeye, caramelized onions, and creamy horseradish sauce served on toasted baguette slices. an easy-to-make, delectable little hors d’oeuvre!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a grill pan works perfectly for this recipe, especially during colder months. Just heat it over medium-high heat before grilling the radicchio and plums.
What can I substitute for wild rice?
Farro, quinoa, brown rice or barley are excellent alternatives that provide a similar nutty texture and some added chew.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
To make it vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Try This Grilled Radicchio Plum Salad Today!
This Grilled Radicchio Plum Salad is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and seasonal produce. With its smoky grilled radicchio, sweet plums, and creamy goat cheese, it’s a salad that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to impress your guests—and your taste buds!
Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe, leave a review, and don’t forget to share your favorite salad variations by tagging me @TheMostHungry. I can’t wait to see!
Grilled Radicchio Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head radicchio
- 2 plums
- 1 C wild rice cooked
- 1 bunch basil whatever variety you like
- 1-2 oz goat cheese
- olive oil
- aged balsamic
- fresh thyme
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- To start off you want to get your wild rice cooking. I was aiming for about a cup or so for the two of us, but make as much as you like. Just follow the directions on the package since the cooking times can vary.
- Next, once your rice is just about done, you want to preheat your grill so it’s screaming hot. To prep the radicchio and the plums I just sliced them into thick disks and wedges. The shape isn’t really all that important you just want make sure it’s a size that you can easily skewer and flip on the grill. Coat them in a bit of olive oil and some salt and then grill them for about 1-3 mins per side. Just until they have some charr on them.
- After you’re finished grilling you are ready to plate up. I sliced up the radicchio into smaller, more bite sized pieces, then arranged it along with the plums on a plate. Next you want to sprinkle the wild rice on top and add lots of goat cheese, basil, olive oil, a generous drizzle of aged balsamic and a good bit of salt and fresh cracked pepper. That’s it. Eat up!
Did You Make This Recipe?
Leave a comment with your thoughts or share your version on Instagram by tagging @TheMostHungry. I’d love to see how you made it your own!
One thought on Grilled Radicchio Plum Salad
If plums are still available I will try this one. Otherwise I’ll have to wait till next season.