Arugula Fig Salad
This Arugula Fig Salad is fresh, elegant, and incredibly easy to make, perfect for late summer and early fall when ripe figs are at their best. Peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, sweet figs, and crunchy walnuts come together with a bright lemon-honey dressing, making this salad both vibrant and naturally sweetened.
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A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Arugula Fig Salad
🕒 Ready In: ~10 minutes
👪 Serves: 4
🍽 Calories: ~310 per serving (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Arugula-spinach mix, fresh figs, goat cheese, walnuts, lemon-honey dressing
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, vegetarian, naturally sweetened
👌 Difficulty: Very easy - no cooking required
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Everything is prepared in just minutes, with no cooking required. The dressing uses pantry staples and adds a refreshing citrusy finish that complements the figs without overpowering them. It's the kind of simple, seasonal recipe that works for weeknight dinners, brunch spreads, or holiday tables when you want something light but impressive.
If you love bright, fresh recipes like this, try our Fall Harvest Salad, cozy Roasted Acorn Squash, or refreshing Pomegranate Mocktail next. They all follow the same wholesome, simple, real-ingredient approach that makes this Arugula Fig Salad a standout.
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Why You'll Love this Arugula Fig Salad:
Perfect Balance of Flavors: The peppery arugula, sweet figs, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts create a delicious contrast in every bite.
Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this salad comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
Light & Refreshing: The bright lemon dressing enhances the natural sweetness of the figs and freshness of the greens, making this a refreshing dish for any season.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad is both delicious and nourishing.
Versatile & Elegant: Serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or an elegant starter for a dinner party, it's always a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients:
- fresh arugula spinach mix. The combination of peppery arugula and mild spinach balances the flavors. You can use just arugula for a bolder taste or only spinach for a milder flavor.
- ripe figs. Fresh, ripe figs add natural sweetness and a soft, jammy texture. If fresh figs aren't available, dried figs or fresh pears can be good alternatives.
- crumbled goat cheese. The creamy tang of goat cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet figs. If you prefer, you can substitute with feta cheese for a saltier touch or blue cheese for a stronger flavor.
- walnuts. Adds a nice crunch and healthy fats. Pecans, almonds, or toasted hazelnuts can be used as substitutes. For a nut-free option, try pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Swap the greens: Use all arugula, baby spinach, mixed greens, or a blend with spring mix for a milder salad.
- Use dried figs: If fresh figs aren't in season, substitute chopped dried figs or even sliced pears for a similar sweetness.
- Change the cheese: Replace goat cheese with feta, blue cheese crumbles, or shaved parmesan for different flavor profiles.
- Try different nuts: Walnuts can be swapped for pecans, pistachios, almonds, or candied nuts for extra crunch.
- Swap the dressing: Use balsamic vinaigrette, maple-Dijon dressing, or a simple olive oil-lemon drizzle instead of the lemon-honey dressing.
How to Make Arugula Fig Salad:
- Step 1: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, lemon zest, thyme, and salt.
- Step 2: In a large salad bowl, combine arugula spinach mix, quartered figs, goat cheese, and walnuts. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Keep the Salad Crunchy: To maintain the crispness of the greens and nuts, add the dressing just before serving.
- Swap the Nuts: Walnuts add crunch, but pecans, almonds, or pistachios work well for a different flavor. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and texture.
- Try Different Cheeses: Goat cheese gives a creamy tang, but feta, blue cheese, or burrata can be used for variety. For a milder flavor, try shaved Parmesan.
- Balance the Flavors: If the dressing is too tangy, add a little extra honey. If it's too sweet, increase the lemon juice slightly.
- Boost the Sweetness: For extra sweetness, sprinkle in a handful of dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
- Add More Greens: You can mix in baby kale or butter lettuce for additional texture and nutrients.
How to Store:
Refrigerate: Store the salad without dressing in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Add the dressing just before serving.
Dressing: Store the dressing separately in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake well before using.
Leftovers: If the greens start to wilt, refresh the salad with a little extra arugula-spinach mix before serving.
Do Not Freeze: The greens and figs do not freeze well, so this salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Arugula Fig Salad FAQs:
If fresh figs aren't in season, use dried figs, sliced pears, or apples. They provide similar sweetness and pair well with goat cheese and the lemon-honey dressing.
Yes. Feta, blue cheese, gorgonzola, or shaved parmesan all work well. Goat cheese gives the creamiest texture, but any tangy or salty cheese complements the figs.
You can prep the components ahead, but assemble the salad just before serving. Store the greens, figs, nuts, and cheese separately, and keep the dressing in a sealed jar. Toss everything together right before serving to keep the arugula crisp.
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Arugula Fig Salad
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine arugula spinach mix, quartered figs, goat cheese, and walnuts.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, lemon zest, thyme, and salt.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
-
- Keep the Salad Crunchy: To maintain the crispness of the greens and nuts, add the dressing just before serving.
- Swap the Nuts: Walnuts add crunch, but pecans, almonds, or pistachios work well for a different flavor. Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and texture.
- Try Different Cheeses: Goat cheese gives a creamy tang, but feta, blue cheese, or burrata can be used for variety. For a milder flavor, try shaved Parmesan.
- Balance the Flavors: If the dressing is too tangy, add a little extra honey. If it's too sweet, increase the lemon juice slightly.
- Boost the Sweetness: For extra sweetness, sprinkle in a handful of dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds.
- Add More Greens: You can mix in baby kale or butter lettuce for additional texture and nutrients.