Let’s talk about figs—They are so sweet, smooth, and so glamorous. I’ve been on a mission to find new ways to incorporate them into my menu, and while experimenting with my maple balsamic vinaigrette, a lightbulb went off. Figs + blue cheese + a healthy salad mix = pure magic. Trust me, you’re going to love this one! And on top of everything it is almost too pretty to eat!
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What You Need for Figs and Blue Cheese Maple Glazed Salad
Figs – These beauties are the stars of the show. Don’t even think about starting this salad without them. I usually go for black figs because they’re easy to find around me and they also look gorgeous on the plate. If you’re lucky enough to have access to those Mediterranean figs, use them and thank your lucky stars. Just clean them up with a damp cloth, and either pop them whole in your mouth or slice them up—they’re as tasty as they are pretty.
Salad Mix – Any greens will do, but I like a good mix of baby spinach, arugula, and whatever else is in season. The more variety, the better! Just make sure to wash and dry them well. A good salad spinner is your best friend here—nobody likes soggy greens, compromised dressing flavour and it’s all about getting that perfect crunch.
Blue Cheese – The bold, tangy flavor of blue cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of figs. If blue cheese isn’t your thing, you can swap it out for a milder feta, but the blue cheese really brings out the colors and flavors. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to crumble it over the salad, as it softens easily.
Toasted Seeds and Nuts – Walnuts are my go-to, but even better -a mix it up with some pumpkin and sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch and a ton of nutrients, plus they give the salad that extra bit of flair. Don’t skip this step—your taste buds will thank you.
Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette – I’m obsessed with this vinaigrette. It’s so easy to make, and it works on just about anything. You’ll see how it ties everything together in this salad—it’s the secret element, literally.
So, grab those figs, mix up your greens, and get ready to enjoy a salad that’s as healthy as it is beautiful. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! Make it for a friend or add it to the party tray, and trust me, you’ll be the talk of the night—in the best way possible!
Figs and Blue Cheese Maple Glazed Salad
Course: Salads, SidesDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutesThis salad is a perfect blend of sweet figs, tangy blue cheese, and crunchy toppings, all brought together with a drizzle of maple balsamic vinaigrette. It’s as healthy as it is beautiful—a real crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
4-5 sliced black figs
A bowl of salad mix (baby spinach, arugula, lettuce)
1 inch thick slice of a blue cheese
Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
½ cup mix of nuts and seeds (walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds)
Directions
- Prepare the salad mix
- Wash your salad mix thoroughly and dry it well. A salad spinner works great to get rid of excess moisture before you start assembling.
- Prepare the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- A small drizzle of mustard
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
- A pinch of salt
- Fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- Toast the salad toppings
- Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add the walnuts and seeds. Toast them for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan often to avoid burning. Once toasted, set them aside to cool while you prep the rest.
- Assemble the salad
- Add the dried salad mix to a large bowl.
- Arrange the fig slices on top.
- Drizzle on the maple balsamic vinaigrette (use as much or as little as you like, depending on how much salad you’re making).
- Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the salad.
- Top it all off with the toasted seeds and walnuts. Give it a gentle toss, and enjoy!
Recipe Video
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