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Figs. Basil. Goat Cheese. Pomegranate. Pure yum. I’ve been on a bit of a health kick recently, testing out new salad recipes and vegetarian accompaniments. What I’ve discovered is that the key to a truly exciting vegetarian dish is balance. Balancing the flavors and textures of a dish can provide a unique experience that’s far from mundane or monotonous. This recipe for Figs with Basil, Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Vinaigrette is sweet, salty, fresh, earthy, spicy and peppery. The texture is both crunchy and creamy with a toothsome bite from the figs. Super balanced. Super yummy.
The next time you make a vegetable dish, try adding some new elements to balance the flavors (if they aren’t balanced already!). Brighten up a side of roasted potatoes with fresh herbs and pickled onions. Top a serving of al dente asparagus with a creamy poached egg and salty bacon bites. Roast tender butternut squash with coarsely ground, crunchy spices (pepper, cumin, coriander and/or cardamom) then accent with lime and chile (yes, this is a short description of last week’s squash recipe). The next time you make a salad or vegetable recipe, I urge you to take a moment and consider balance. A small change or two can take a dish from good to spectacular. Continue reading for the recipe.
Figs with Basil, Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons pomegranate molasses
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more to drizzle
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups arugula
- 3/4 cup basil leaves
- 8 ripe figs, quartered lengthwise
- 2 1/2 ounces goat cheese
Instructions
- In a small mason jar, combine chopped shallots, Dijon mustard, pomegranate molasses, olive oil, a small pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper. Secure the lid on the jar and shake vigorously. No jars available? You can also make this dressing in a small bowl combining ingredients with a whisk.
- Place the arugula and basil leaves in a large salad bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss to combine.
- Arrange quartered figs over the arugula and basil. Using a small spoon, scoop chunks of the goat cheese over the salad. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and finish with a sprinkling of kosher salt and black pepper.
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I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!
Wickedpies says
My mouth is watering. Looks amazing!!
Averie says
looks lovely! and i saw your last recipe got the Food Buzz Top 9…congrats!!! 🙂
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Jackie says
You had me at ‘figs’.
Seriously, this salad looks so beautiful – I wish the weather were warmer over here so that I could actually eat it! I may have to wait until a little later in the year… maybe even try roasting the figs a little so that I can have a warm salad?
Jax x
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
Thanks Jax 🙂 I’m sure you could turn this into a warm salad. Perhaps roast the figs with a little pomegranate molasses, salt and pepper. Then warm up the dressing in a skillet. If you wanted to get sinful, you could replace the olive oil with warm bacon fat then crumble the bacon bits on top 🙂
Debby_miss says
Great recipe for a warm summer 🙂
Pjsearles says
Where can I buy pomegranate molasses?
Pjsearles says
Where can I buy pomegranate molasses?
Pjsearles says
Where can I buy pomegranate molasses?
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says
I’ve found pomegranate molasses at ethnic markets (usually middle eastern). You can also purchase it online or make your own:
Bring 4 cups pomegranate juice, 1/2 cup white sugar and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about an hour (will reduce down to about 1 cup of liquid). Cool then enjoy!
RavieNomNoms says
I love the combination of fig and goat cheese. I feel like feta would work here too if you didn’t have got cheese on hand. Looks great!
Tiffany says
Perfect timing, a friend of ours just dropped off a bag of figs from his tree! I am always looking for new ways to prepare figs this time of year, thanks for this one!
Kara says
This looks beautiful! I’ve never had the fig and pomegranate combo, so I def have to try!
rachelsdigestif says
I love absolutely everything in this salad, which means I have to make it asap! Thanks for the post.
Beth Michelle says
I absolutely LOVE every component of this salad. We are heading into fig season now and I am looking forward to trying this out!
Platanos, Mangoes and Me! says
How can you go wrong with all these ingredients….