An Easy and Delicious Twist on a Classic: Plum and Figs Caprese Salad

Tomorrow is the first day of fall, and we’re still feeling the warmth of summer in the air. Instead of diving straight into heavier comfort foods, I’m inspired by a fresh, light, and vibrant dish—Plum and Figs Caprese over a bed of spinach and basil. This dish, a twist on the classic Caprese, takes cues from Elizabeth Poett’s elegant approach to using seasonal ingredients in her book The Ranch Table Cookbook.

While tomatoes may be a Caprese staple, plums and figs bring a new dimension of flavor. The juicy sweetness of late-season plums and figs contrasts beautifully with creamy mozzarella, while a base of spinach and basil adds freshness to every bite. This isn’t just any salad—it’s a celebration of the overlap between summer and fall.

This take on Caprese is not only visually beautiful, but it's also the perfect way to embrace the warmth of early fall without diving into heavier dishes just yet. The plums and figs offer a taste of late summer’s sweetness, while the mozzarella adds a creamy richness. Paired with the peppery basil and fresh spinach, it’s a symphony of flavors that keeps things light and refreshing.

So, as we welcome fall with warmer temps, this dish lets you hold onto those summer vibes just a little longer. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or an elegant appetizer, this Plum and Figs Caprese is a beautiful way to celebrate the start of the season.

Happy fall, everyone! 🍂

Yield: 5
Author:
Plums and Figs Caprese Salad

Plums and Figs Caprese Salad

Ingredients

  • 3-4 ripe plums, sliced
  • 6-7 figs, quartered
  • 5 slices of fresh mozzarella
  • 4 cups loosely packed baby spinach
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 lemon juice
  • Sea salt & cracked black pepper to taste
  • Salt flakes (optional)
  • Balsamic reduction (or vinegar)

Instructions

  1. 1. **Arrange the bed of greens**: Start with a generous handful of baby spinach and layer on fresh basil leaves. These greens will be the base of your Caprese.
  2. 2. **Layer the plums and mozzarella**: Slice ripe plums and alternate them with chunks of fresh mozzarella over the spinach and basil.
  3. 3. **Drizzle and season**: Lightly drizzle with good olive oil, then follow with a few drops of balsamic reduction. Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked pepper to taste. For an added crunch, toss in toasted pine nuts.
  4. 4. **Serve & enjoy**: This is a light dish that pairs perfectly with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon.
  5. **Why It’s Perfect for a Warm Fall Day**:

An Epic Week for Space Geeks Like Me: Northern Lights and a Partial Lunar Eclipse

What a fantastic week it’s been for space enthusiasts! The skies have been putting on a breathtaking show, starting with the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Their vibrant, dancing colors lit up the horizon, captivating onlookers and stargazers alike. The auroras stretched across the night sky, reminding us of the beauty and mystery beyond our world.

This week’s Northern Lights may not have been as high of a CME as the ones we saw in May, but they were definitely brighter in color. At first, I was concerned because we had a very bright full moon. But I could tell in the horizon that there was a greenish glare. I grabbed my phone (I really do need to invest in a camera), and drove about two minutes outside of town, by the farmlands. While I could see them this bright with my naked eye, I adjusted the exposure in my iPhone. Interestingly, they were bright enough without exposure adjustment in the video’s cinematic mode. This allowed me to capture the vivid colors on my phone’s video camera, something I couldn’t do before. Watching the auroras dance across the sky is always an unforgettable experience—nature’s light show at its best!

As if that wasn't enough, yesterday brought another celestial treat: a partial lunar eclipse. And not just any partial lunar eclipse— it was also a full harvest moon. For those lucky enough to catch it, the moon appeared slightly shadowed, a subtle but awe-inspiring spectacle. I had the idea of trying to take a photo of the moon during the lunar eclipse by holding my phone up to my binoculars!

First, that was a true test of muscle failure, and it was challenging! It took me some time to find the right angle, and while it didn’t capture all the details and textures, I’m still amazed. The only way I managed to get this image was by taking a video, which is what you see here. Seeing it through the binoculars was incredible, and the view was breathtaking. Observing the moon’s shadowed surface so clearly made the experience unforgettable. Sometimes, DIY tricks really do pay off!

Screenshots of my camera roll. Plenty of video tests to be able to capture the glorious moon.

This week was a cosmic reminder of why we look up—to witness the wonders of the universe and feel the thrill of being part of something much larger than ourselves. For space geeks, it was a week to remember!

Joining Wordless Wednesday and other photo link-ups with these fantastic bloggers: Wednesday Around the World, Nature Notes, Pictorial Tuesday, Sky Watch Friday