Arugula Fig Salad

Name: Arugula Fig Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 10 ounces fresh arugula spinach mix; 6 ripe figs, (quartered); 1 cup crumbled goat cheese; ½ cup walnuts, (chopped); ¼ cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; ½ teaspoon thyme; ¼ teaspoon salt

Kaeleigh Pugliese Last UpdatedApril 22, 2025

5 Shares

Arugula Fig Salad is a beautiful fresh salad that features the sweet, plump figs, tangy goat cheese, walnuts, and a simple salad dressing. This fresh fig salad is perfect for a light lunch or side salad for a nice dinner.

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Luscious figs as a main ingredient makes this simple salad recipe so special. This elegant dish, with the natural sugar of figs, peppery arugula, and tangy goat cheese will tantalize your taste buds!

We’ve found that black mission figs give us the best results in this salad. The sweetness of these figs is unmatched, and the sweetness of the fresh figs provides the perfect contrast to the rest of the salad ingredients. If you are looking for a less sweet taste, use brown turkey figs.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe:

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!

Ingredients to Make Arugula Fig Salad:

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.
dressing. A simple yet flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and thyme that enhances the salad’s freshness. You can swap honey for maple syrup or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.

How to Make Arugula Fig Salad:

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!

Recommended Equipment

in my Amazon Storefront

Glass Mixing Bowl Set

Wooden Utensil Set

Measuring Cups & Spoons

Glass Measuring Cups

Spoon Rest with Lid Holder

Nonstick Ceramic Frying Pan

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.

Serving Suggestions:

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.

FAQs:

Can I use a different type of greens?

Absolutely! If you don’t have arugula spinach mix, you can use baby kale, mixed greens, or butter lettuce for a similar texture and flavor.

What’s the best way to slice figs for a salad?

Quartering them works best for bite-sized pieces. However, if the figs are large, you can slice them into thin rounds.

Can I make this salad vegan? 

Yes! Simply swap the goat cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it. Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing.

Grab your Free copy

Get a FREE Healthy Meal Planning Ebook

More Salad Recipes:

Did You Make This Arugula Fig Salad Recipe?

If you’ve made this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating. We love hearing your feedback and it greatly helps us improve our recipes!

You can also give us a follow on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook – we love staying in touch!