Until recently, I hadn't eaten a fresh fig, and now I can't imagine a fig-less life. Is there anything better than biting into a juicy sweet fig? They're in season for such a fleeting time, so I buy them wherever I can and throw them in everything. Not only are figs delicious, they provide a slew of important nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, and potassium.
Lately, I've been loving adding them to my salads along with nuts, herbed nut cheese, and a sweet balsamic reduction. The nutty peppery taste of arugula pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the figs for a well-balanced flavor.
Feel free to add in extra protein, like tofu, tempeh, or quinoa, to make this salad even heartier. An easy balsamic reduction ties the spread together in less than 20 minutes. I hope you enjoy this salad to welcome fall flavors!
Lately, I've been loving adding them to my salads along with nuts, herbed nut cheese, and a sweet balsamic reduction. The nutty peppery taste of arugula pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the figs for a well-balanced flavor.
Feel free to add in extra protein, like tofu, tempeh, or quinoa, to make this salad even heartier. An easy balsamic reduction ties the spread together in less than 20 minutes. I hope you enjoy this salad to welcome fall flavors!
YIELDS
4 salads
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
- 3-4 large handfuls arugula
- 8-10 fresh figs
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
- 1/4 cup herbed nut cheese
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- black pepper to taste
Directions
1. Make your balsamic reduction by adding 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar to a pan and bringing to a low boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, until the consistency coats the back of a spoon.
2. To assemble the salads, add arugula to a bowl and top with fresh fig, pecans, hemp heats, herbed nut cheese, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, and black pepper.
2. To assemble the salads, add arugula to a bowl and top with fresh fig, pecans, hemp heats, herbed nut cheese, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, and black pepper.
Also by Lauren: Tempeh Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Asparagus Bowls
Related: Vegan "Chicken" Salad with Aioli Dressing
Spiralized Beet & Blood Orange Salad
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Photos: Lauren Kirchmaier
