Have you tried pairing smoked duck with fresh fruit in a salad? Sliced smoked duck breast over segments of oranges and ripe avocados, dressed with a plum vinaigrette, makes a plate that needs no cooking at all. The smoke on the duck carries the savory weight, the oranges and avocados fill out the bowl, and the vinaigrette ties everything together in one pass.
Plum vinaigrette works here because the fruit tartness cuts against the weight of both the duck and avocado without needing extra citrus in the dressing. The orange segments add their own brightness, so the vinaigrette can stay concentrated and punchy rather than stretched thin. This is the version we stopped tinkering with after one too many vinaigrettes that needed extra lemon to fix.
Tips for Assembling a Smoked Duck Salad
Slice Everything Before You Plate
Slice the smoked duck breast against the grain into thin strips. Peel and segment the oranges, removing as much pith as possible since it turns bitter against the vinaigrette. Slice the avocados last to prevent browning.
Arrange the components in sections rather than tossing them together. Smoked duck, oranges, and avocados each have distinct textures that are more interesting when you can grab different combinations with each forkful.
Dress Lightly
Drizzle the plum vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Too much vinaigrette overwhelms the smoked duck flavor, which is the point of the dish. Start with two tablespoons and add more if needed.
If the vinaigrette is thick, thin it with a teaspoon of water. It should flow easily over the salad rather than sitting in pools on top of the avocado slices.
Smoked Duck Salad with Plum Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Acidic oranges come together with fatty duck and avocados for a salad that is worth making again and again.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) smoked duck breast, thinly sliced
- 2 oranges, segmented
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 3 tablespoons plum vinaigrette
Instructions
- Slice the smoked duck breast.
- Peel and segment the oranges.
- Slice the avocados.
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and drizzle with plum vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 25
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 20
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find smoked duck breast?
Most specialty grocery stores and butcher shops carry smoked duck breast. You can also order it online. Look for whole smoked breast rather than pre-sliced, as it stays moister and has better texture when you slice it yourself.
Can I substitute the plum vinaigrette?
A raspberry or cherry vinaigrette works as an alternative. The important thing is a fruit-based dressing that balances the richness of the duck and avocado with acidity and a touch of sweetness.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Slice the avocado right before serving and drizzle the plum vinaigrette over the slices immediately. The acid in the vinaigrette slows oxidation. If you need to prep ahead, squeeze a little lemon juice over the slices and cover tightly.
