Fig & Stilton Salad with Honey-Walnut Drizzle
Indulge in the exquisite combination of fresh, ripe figs and rich blue cheese, enhanced by the crunch of walnuts and a luscious honey drizzle. This sophisticated salad is a delightful summer appetizer that will impress your guests and is perfect for special occasions or casual lunches. The vibrant colors of the figs and the added fig leaves create an eye-catching presentation, while the honey-walnut dressing complements the sweet and savory flavors beautifully. Pair with crusty bread and a glass of chilled wine for a complete experience. Not just a starter, this dish can double as an elegant cheese course, making it an ideal addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh figs
24-30 (Medium to large, gently wiped and cut in half)
Blue cheese (Stilton or Roquefort)
6-9 ounces (Crumble or slice)
Walnut halves
9 ounces (Roughly chopped and toasted)
Clear runny honey
2 tablespoons
Walnut oil
6 tablespoons
Sherry wine vinegar
1 tablespoon
Salt
To taste
Black pepper
To taste
Fresh fig leaves
For garnish (Wiped clean)
Instructions
1
Preheat your skillet over high heat to toast the walnuts. Add the walnut halves and stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
2
In a screw-top jar, combine the sherry wine vinegar, a good pinch of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Shake the jar until the salt is dissolved.
3
Add the clear runny honey and walnut oil to the jar, then shake vigorously to emulsify the dressing. Let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes, shaking again just before use.
4
Gently wipe the fresh figs using a damp cloth, and slice them in half. Arrange the figs on a large platter or divide them among individual plates, based on the size of the figs and your preference.
5
Crumble or slice the blue cheese, aiming for 1 to 1.5 ounces per serving, and sprinkle it generously over the fresh figs.
6
Evenly distribute the toasted walnuts over the figs and cheese.
7
Just before serving, give the honey-walnut dressing another shake and drizzle it over the prepared salad. Garnish with fresh fig leaves for an elegant touch.
8
Serve the salad alongside crusty bread and butter, complemented by mixed herb and salad leaves for added freshness.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
6
Carbs
3.3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fig & Stilton Salad with Honey-Walnut Drizzle?
It is a sophisticated summer appetizer or cheese course featuring fresh figs, blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and a honey-walnut oil dressing.
What type of blue cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using either Stilton or Roquefort cheese.
How should the walnuts be prepared?
The walnuts should be roughly chopped and toasted in a skillet over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
What are the main ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of sherry wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, clear runny honey, and walnut oil.
How do you prepare the fresh figs for the salad?
Gently wipe the figs with a damp cloth and slice them in half before arranging them on a plate.
Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?
The recipe specifically calls for 24 to 30 medium to large fresh figs to ensure the correct texture and flavor profile.
How much cheese should be used per serving?
Aim for approximately 1 to 1.5 ounces of blue cheese per serving.
What is the best way to mix the dressing?
Combine the vinegar, salt, and pepper in a screw-top jar and shake, then add the honey and oil and shake vigorously to emulsify.
How long should the dressing sit before serving?
Let the dressing sit for about 10 minutes, then give it another shake just before drizzling over the salad.
What garnish is suggested for an elegant touch?
Fresh fig leaves, wiped clean, are used as a garnish for an eye-catching presentation.
What should I serve alongside this salad?
It is best served with crusty bread and butter, along with mixed herb and salad leaves.
Can this recipe be served as a cheese course?
Yes, this dish can double as an elegant cheese course at the end of a meal.
Is this salad suitable for dinner parties?
Absolutely, its sophisticated flavors and vibrant presentation make it perfect for special occasions and impressing guests.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This salad contains 10 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this salad provide?
There are 3.3 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in the Fig & Stilton Salad?
Each serving contains 6 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of vinegar is used for the drizzle?
The recipe calls for one tablespoon of sherry wine vinegar.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
Walnut oil is used to provide a rich, nutty flavor that complements the toasted walnuts.
How many figs are needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 24 to 30 medium to large fresh figs.
Do I need to cook the figs?
No, the figs are served fresh and sliced in half.
What is the total weight of the walnuts needed?
You will need 9 ounces of walnut halves for this recipe.
Is there any salt or pepper in the dressing?
Yes, a good pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper are added to taste.
How much honey is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of clear runny honey.
Can I substitute walnut oil?
While walnut oil is recommended for flavor, the recipe focuses on its use to create a cohesive honey-walnut drizzle.
How should I distribute the cheese?
The blue cheese should be crumbled or sliced and sprinkled generously over the halved figs.
Is this a good summer dish?
Yes, it is described as a delightful summer appetizer that highlights seasonal fresh figs.
How do I ensure the walnuts don't burn?
Stir the walnuts continuously for the 2 to 3 minutes they are in the hot skillet.
What beverage pairs well with this salad?
A glass of chilled wine is recommended to complete the culinary experience.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used to prepare this salad.