5 Unique Salad Recipes with Dried Figs

Dried figs bring a delightful sweetness and chewy texture that can completely transform an ordinary salad into something extraordinary. Packed with fibre, natural sugars, and essential minerals, dried figs not only add flavour but also a nutritional boost to your meals. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a healthy party dish, salads with dried figs are a winning choice.

Here are five unique salad recipes featuring dried figs that you can easily prepare in your UK kitchen.

1. Rocket, Fig, and Goat’s Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

• 100g fresh rocket leaves

• 6 dried figs, sliced

• 75g soft goat’s cheese, crumbled

• 30g walnuts, toasted

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

• Pinch of sea salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Arrange the rocket leaves in a large serving bowl.

2. Scatter sliced figs and toasted walnuts over the top.

3. Add crumbled goat’s cheese for a creamy texture.

4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

5. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then toss gently before serving.

This salad perfectly balances peppery rocket, sweet figs, and creamy cheese, making it a quick yet impressive dish.

2. Quinoa, Fig, and Pomegranate Salad

Ingredients:

• 150g cooked quinoa (cooled)

• 8 dried figs, chopped

• Seeds from 1 pomegranate

• 50g feta cheese, crumbled

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine quinoa, chopped figs, and pomegranate seeds.

2. Add crumbled feta and chopped parsley.

3. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for the dressing.

4. Pour over the salad and mix well.

The nutty quinoa pairs beautifully with the juicy crunch of pomegranate and the natural sweetness of figs, making it both refreshing and filling.

3. Spinach, Fig, and Orange Salad

Ingredients:

• 150g baby spinach leaves

• 6 dried figs, quartered

• 1 large orange, segmented

• 40g roasted almonds, roughly chopped

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp orange juice

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Place spinach in a salad bowl and top with figs and orange segments.

2. Sprinkle roasted almonds over the top.

3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper.

4. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently.

This vibrant salad is rich in vitamin C, healthy fats, and antioxidants, offering a burst of citrus freshness alongside sweet, chewy figs.

4. Couscous, Fig, and Mint Salad

Ingredients:

• 150g couscous

• 8 dried figs, chopped

• 50g cucumber, diced

• 30g spring onions, sliced

• 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of salt

Method:

1. Prepare couscous according to packet instructions and allow it to cool.

2. Stir in figs, cucumber, spring onions, and mint.

3. Mix lime juice, olive oil, and salt to make the dressing.

4. Toss everything together before serving.

Light and refreshing, this salad is perfect for warm days or as a side to grilled meats and fish.

5. Roasted Beetroot, Fig, and Halloumi Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 medium beetroots, roasted and sliced

• 6 dried figs, halved

• 150g halloumi cheese, sliced and grilled

• 50g mixed salad leaves

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Pinch of salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Arrange salad leaves on a serving platter.

2. Add roasted beetroot slices and halved figs.

3. Place grilled halloumi on top for a savoury kick.

4. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

5. Season and serve warm or at room temperature.

This recipe combines earthy beetroot, salty halloumi, and sweet figs for a satisfying and colourful plate.

Tips for Working with Dried Figs in Salads

• Slice thinly for even distribution and easier eating.

• Soak briefly in warm water if your figs are very firm, to soften them.

• Pair with contrasting flavours like citrus, salty cheeses, or peppery greens to balance sweetness.

• Add texture with nuts or seeds for a more satisfying bite.

Final Thoughts

Dried figs are a versatile and flavour-packed addition to salads, offering both a nutritional boost and a unique taste profile. From fresh rocket and creamy goat’s cheese to hearty quinoa and roasted beetroot, the possibilities are endless.

By experimenting with these five unique salad recipes, you can bring variety, colour, and natural sweetness to your meals—all while enjoying a healthy, balanced diet. Whether you’re preparing lunch for one or a side dish for guests, dried figs can turn a simple salad into a memorable culinary experience.