Kristina Clark

This salad comes together in minutes and is the perfect way to kick off autumn. I always try to take advantage of when produce is in season because it’s the most flavorful and is usually at the best price. Figs typically are in season in September/October where I live.

Sometimes I like to first mix the dressing in the salad bowl rather than a separate smaller bowl in order to reduce cleanup, then I add the salad ingredients and toss to coat. The dressing is made from ingredients I always have on hand in the pantry and refrigerator. It’s so easy and quick to whip up a fresh dressing and it tastes so much better than store bought and ends up being more affordable for me since I use ingredients I have in hand anyway.

You can use goat cheese or feta cheese with this recipe. Goat cheese tends to be creamier while feta has a saltier bite. I think both work great depending on your preference. 

This serves 2-4 people depending how much salad each person desires. And trust me it’s hard not to go back for seconds.

Salad dressing ingredients: 

2 tbsp olive oil 

3/4 tsp apple cider vinegar 

1/2 tsp water 

1 tsp maple syrup

1/4 tsp Dijon mustard

salt to taste

Salad ingredients: 

1 head butter lettuce chopped

10-12 fresh figs with stems removed and halved

1 Persian cucumber thinly sliced

Thinly sliced red onion to taste

1/2 to 1 cup candied pecans (I used this recipe but you can also use store bought)

1/4-1/2 cup feta cheese or goat cheese 

Instructions: 

1. In a medium to large size salad bowl combine all the salad dressing ingredients and whisk until fully combined.

2. Add lettuce, figs, cucumbers, and red onion to the bowl and toss until coated. Taste and add more salt if needed. Add candied pecans and cheese on top.

3. Plate and Enjoy!