This Fresh Harvest Salad is full of bright colors and crunchy veggies, tossed with a super tasty sweet balsamic fig dressing. It’s like a garden party in a bowl!
You’ll love how the dressing adds a special touch that makes the flavors pop! I like to serve it as a light lunch or alongside dinner for a tasty boost of health. 🌱🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mixed Greens: I recommend a blend of baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find these, any fresh greens like kale or spring mix works too!
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a nice burst of sweetness. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, consider using regular tomatoes, just chop them smaller.
Fresh or Dried Figs: Fresh figs are lovely, but if they’re out of season, dried figs are a great alternative. You can soften them in warm water if needed.
Cheese: I love goat cheese for its tangy flavor, but feta or even a creamy blue cheese can also work beautifully. If dairy is an issue, try omitting the cheese or using a nut-based cheese substitute.
Nuts: Walnuts and pecans are the stars here, but almonds or sunflower seeds can also be tasty options—great for anyone with nut allergies!
What’s the Best Way to Toast Nuts for Maximum Flavor?
Toasting nuts really brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Use a dry skillet—no oil needed.
- Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the nuts and stir frequently.
- Toast for about 3-5 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Watch carefully to avoid burning!
- Once toasted, let them cool before adding to your salad.
This simple step transforms your salad from good to great!
Fresh Harvest Salad With Sweet Balsamic Fig Dressing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed fresh greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh or dried figs (if fresh figs unavailable, rehydrated dried figs work well)
For the Sweet Balsamic Fig Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fig jam or fig preserves
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes chopping and toasting, followed by whisking together the dressing and assembling it all. Super quick yet so satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
First things first, wash and dry all of your fresh greens and veggies. In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, sliced red bell pepper, and red onion. This colorful mix is sure to brighten your day!
2. Toast the Nuts:
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts or pecans. Toast them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Once done, remove from heat and let them cool a bit before adding to the salad.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, fig jam (or preserves), honey (or maple syrup), and Dijon mustard until everything is smooth. Gradually drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to combine nicely. Don’t forget to season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors!
4. Assemble the Salad:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the toasted nuts, sliced figs, and crumbled goat cheese or feta (if you’re using it) into the salad bowl with the mixed greens.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the delicious dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. You want everything to be nicely dressed but not too mushy—so be gentle!
6. Serve Immediately:
Your Fresh Harvest Salad is ready to shine! Serve it fresh and enjoy the burst of vibrant flavors and wonderful textures. It pairs amazingly well with grilled chicken or fish, or it can stand alone as a light and refreshing meal. Enjoy your garden in a bowl!
FAQ for Fresh Harvest Salad With Sweet Balsamic Fig Dressing
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients and make the dressing ahead of time! Keep the dressing separate in the fridge for up to a week. Just mix it in right before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens and other veggies.
Are There Any Substitutes for Figs?
If fresh figs are unavailable, dried figs are a perfect alternative! You can also use other fruits like sliced apples or pears for a similar sweetness.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to store the dressing separately to avoid soggy greens. Just combine them again when you’re ready to eat!
Can I Add More Protein to This Salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are all great options to boost the protein content. Just add them on top before serving for a more filling meal!
