Fig Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Fall in love with salad! This beautiful Fig Salad is made with syrupy figs and crunchy walnuts on a bed of lettuce then topped with a homemade sweet honey balsamic dressing. It’s absolutely divine!

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Tender, ripe figs are the star of this tangy salad. Topped with feta, walnuts and chicken, this salad is the perfect lunch or dinner.

Black missions figs are the most common variety of figs, and you’ll want to eat them when they are in season, which is usually in June and late summer through early fall. Figs don’t stay fresh very long, so use them within a couple of days of purchasing.

When you are able to find fresh figs, this fresh salad is one of the most delicious ways to use them! 

Why This Recipe Works

It looks gourmet, but this is actually a very easy salad to prepare.

All of the fresh ingredients work together in a dance of sweetness and tanginess. It’s a delicious use of fresh figs and is easily adaptable. You can swap out the cheese for different flavors or add prosciutto for additional textures and brightness. 

It presents beautifully, so it’s great for entertaining. Set this out on individual plates or serve it family style. 

Step-By-Step Instructions

Ingredients

Fig Salad

• 3 cups lettuce: we use a combination of spring mix and arugula
• 5 fresh figs (cut in halves, quarters or diced): fresh figs should be firm to the touch with a little give.
• ¼ cup walnuts (chopped): pecans or almonds can be used instead.
• ¼ cup feta cheese: goat cheese or even burrata can be used, if preferred.
• 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced)

Balsamic Dressing

• ½ cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (finely chopped): 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary can be used instead.

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

Slice the figs in half lengthwise. If you prefer, you can chop the figs or cut them into quarters. Finely chop the rosemary.

If you are not using leftover or precooked chicken, you will want to grill that first so it has time to cool.

To cook the chicken, simply brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for approximately 5 minutes per side at 400°F. Let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Chicken can be warm or cool for serving, but you don’t want it to be fresh off the grill.

Create!

Toast the walnuts by heating a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the nuts and toast for 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently and keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Remove to a plate to cool.

Assemble the salads by dividing the lettuce between two plates. Add equal amounts of the figs and sprinkle the walnuts and cheese.

Place the sliced chicken breasts on top.

Chef’s Tip: the salads can be made into 4 smaller servings or added to one large bowl instead, if preferred.

Make the dressing by combining the olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and chopped rosemary to a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake well.

Chef’s Tip: if you don’t have a mason jar to make the salad dressing in, you can use any container with a tight-fitting lid, or a bowl and whisk.

Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salads.

You will very likely have leftover salad dressing.

Present!

Serve immediately.

Tips and Techniques

• If you need to cook the chicken, brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for approximately 5 minutes per side at 400°F. Let rest at least 10 minutes before slicing.
• To stretch the salad to more servings and use as a side, simply divide the ingredients to four plates instead of two. Or assemble all of the ingredients into a large serving bowl.
• If you don’t have a mason jar to make the salad dressing in, you can use any container with a tight-fitting lid, or a bowl and whisk.
• Store undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within a day or two for best results.

FAQ’s

Are Figs Healthy?

Yes, figs are very good for you. They are high in both calcium and potassium, which is wonderful for your bone health. They are also high in antioxidants. 

Are Walnuts Healthy?

Yes, walnuts are high in healthy fats and a good source of protein. They are good for heart health because they have been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels. 

How Long Does Homemade Dressing Last In The Refrigerator? 

Homemade salad dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For the best results, I suggest storing it in a mason jar with a lid so you can shake it to mix all the ingredients together before pouring it on the salad. 

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