Elegant Fig and Feta Salad with Toasted Walnuts
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of late summer with this Elegant Fig and Feta Salad with Toasted Walnuts. Sourced from the bountiful fig orchards of Southwest France, this dish combines the sweetness of ripe figs with the creamy saltiness of feta or goat cheese, creating a perfect balance that will impress your guests at any gathering. Enhanced by the delightful crunch of toasted walnuts and a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette, this salad can be served as an appetizer or a refreshing side dish. For an added touch of elegance, garnish with fresh fig leaves if available. Perfect for an al fresco lunch or a sophisticated dinner party, this recipe celebrates the joy of fresh ingredients and rustic charm.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh black figs
24-30 (medium to large, gently wiped and cut in half)
feta cheese
6-9 ounces (crumbled (or use chevre cheese as an alternative))
walnut halves
9 ounces (roughly chopped and toasted)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (mild variety)
walnut oil
6 tablespoons (as dressing base)
white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon (for vinaigrette)
salt
to taste (add to vinaigrette)
black pepper
to taste (add to vinaigrette)
fresh fig leaves
to garnish (washed and dried (if available))
Instructions
1
Begin by toasting the walnuts. In a large, heavy frying pan over medium-high heat, add the chopped walnut halves. Toast for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2
Prepare the vinaigrette while the walnuts are cooling. In a screw-top jar, combine the white wine vinegar with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Shake well until the salt dissolves. Then, add the Dijon mustard and walnut oil, and shake again vigorously until the ingredients emulsify into a creamy dressing. Set aside.
3
Next, gently wipe the fresh black figs with a damp cloth. Cut each fig in half and arrange them beautifully on a large serving platter or on individual plates. Allow approximately 4 to 5 fig halves per person based on their size.
4
Sprinkle the crumbled feta or goat cheese evenly over the figs, using about 1 to 1 1/2 ounces per serving.
5
Scatter the toasted walnut pieces over the figs and cheese for a delightful crunch.
6
Just before serving, drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad to enhance the flavors. If you have fresh fig leaves, use them to elegantly garnish each plate.
7
Serve immediately alongside crusty bread and butter. This dish can also double as a charming dessert or cheese course, offering a sweet finish to your meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main fruit used in this salad?
The main fruit used is fresh black figs.
How many figs are required for this recipe?
You will need between 24 and 30 medium to large fresh black figs.
What type of cheese can be used in this salad?
You can use either crumbled feta cheese or chevre (goat cheese).
How should the walnuts be prepared?
The walnuts should be roughly chopped and toasted in a heavy frying pan for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
What are the ingredients for the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of white wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and walnut oil.
How do I clean the fresh figs?
Gently wipe the figs with a damp cloth rather than washing them under running water.
What is the suggested serving size for figs per person?
It is recommended to serve approximately 4 to 5 fig halves per person.
Can this salad be served as something other than a side dish?
Yes, it can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a charming dessert or cheese course.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies using walnut oil as the dressing base.
What type of mustard is recommended?
A mild variety of Dijon mustard is recommended for the vinaigrette.
How do I emulsify the dressing?
Combine the ingredients in a screw-top jar and shake vigorously until they form a creamy dressing.
When should the vinaigrette be added to the salad?
The vinaigrette should be drizzled over the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
What is the best way to cut the figs for presentation?
Cut each fig in half and arrange them beautifully on a platter or individual plates.
What can be used to garnish the dish?
Fresh fig leaves, washed and dried, can be used as an elegant garnish.
What should be served alongside this salad?
It is best served with crusty bread and butter.
How much cheese is used per serving?
The recipe suggests using about 1 to 1.5 ounces of cheese per serving.
What region inspired this recipe?
The dish is inspired by the fig orchards of Southwest France.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an elegant and sophisticated dish perfect for dinner parties or al fresco lunches.
How long does it take to toast the walnuts?
Toasting takes approximately 2 to 3 minutes over medium-high heat.
Should the walnuts be hot when added to the salad?
No, you should allow the toasted walnuts to cool completely before scattering them over the salad.
What type of vinegar is used for the vinaigrette?
White wine vinegar is the specified vinegar for this recipe.
How do I prevent the walnuts from burning?
Stir the walnut halves frequently while toasting them in the frying pan.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the garnish and seasonings.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that focuses on fresh, quality ingredients.
What season is this salad best for?
This salad is perfect for late summer when figs are at their peak ripeness.
How should the salt and pepper be added to the dressing?
Add a generous pinch of salt and black pepper to the vinegar first and shake until the salt dissolves.
Does this recipe contain any greens?
The primary base consists of figs rather than traditional leafy greens, though fig leaves are used as garnish.
Can I use any other cheese besides feta?
Yes, chevre (goat cheese) is a recommended alternative to feta.
How do I arrange the salad?
Place fig halves on a platter, sprinkle with cheese and walnuts, then drizzle with dressing.
Is the salad served immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and flavor, serve the salad immediately after drizzling the vinaigrette.