YES, when I spotted these gorgeous fresh figs at my local Farmer’s Market the other day, I could have gone the easy route and paired them with prosciutto. But, why? Seriously, it took me all day to think up the most perfect way to display these fresh figs in a salad. Honestly, hours of thinking as to what the best combination of flavors would look like. Also, I wanted to use ingredients that were already in my pantry. Additionally, I knew that the base of the salad had to be unique. So, here it is. This Fresh Fig Parsley Salad is nothing short of fabulous!
Of course, I created a short TikTok video preparing this fabulous Fig Salad. Be sure to check it out below in the recipe. If you have not yet signed up for this social media platform, use my code 5SSIS800K0H06 to create an account.
WHAT DO FRESH FIGS TASTE LIKE?
Fresh figs are sweet, and almost honey-like in flavor. They have a soft, jammy texture and provide the perfect amount of juiciness when you bite into them. Yes, they do contain seeds. However, they are super tiny and edible.
The season for fresh figs is relatively short. Typically, you will see a very short season in June and then again, between August and October. Take advantage of them while you can! If you are lucky enough to own your own fig tree, see below for alternative ways to enjoy them.
HOW TO USE FRESH FIGS
A quick rinse and pull of the stem, fresh figs are ready to be enjoyed! Believe me, if I owned a fig tree, I would eat these babies right off the tree. Fresh figs are quite versatile. Enjoy them in sweet, and/or savory dishes.
WAYS TO ENJOY FRESH FIGS
In addition to this recipe for Fresh Fig Parsley Salad, here are a few ideas to enjoy these beauties:
- on their own
- roasted
- in yogurt or oatmeal
- paired with chocolate or tangy cheese (great addition to a charcuterie and formage board
- caramelized
- made into jam
- on a pizza paired with prosciutto
- in a salad
- part of a smoothie
HOW TO STORE FRESH FIGS
Given the delicate nature of fresh figs, they will tend to go bad quickly. If the figs have been sitting on the counter for a few days, it’s time to either use, or store them. To extend the shelf-life of fresh figs, it’s a great idea to place them on a platter, in a single layer, into the fridge. This will extend the life by a few more days.
However, if you will not be able to use them within that week, fresh figs should be frozen, canned, and/or dried to further extend their shelf-life.
PARSLEY, REALLY?
OK, so I know you may be somewhat confused about the parsley. In an effort not to overpower the fresh figs, the fresh parsley base was perfection! See, I am a huge fan. For this recipe, use both the leaves and stems. Just be sure to finely chop the stems.
Chopped celery leaves would be a great substitution. However, avoid substituting with fresh cilantro. In my opinion, the flavors would not marry well.
TIPS TO MAKE THE PERFECT FRESH FIG AND PARSLEY SALAD
- use fresh figs (dried figs will not be a great substitution)
- thoroughly rinse the parsley
- be sure the bacon is super crispy
- keep the dressing light (feel free to adjust the amounts to your flavor preference…this is just a guide)
- use a high-quality blue cheese
- for an added flavor element, toast the walnuts
TO SERVE THE FRESH FIG AND PARSLEY SALAD
Enjoy this Fresh Fig and Parsley Salad for lunch, as a side dish, or even as a main course. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a summertime salad. Yes, if you really must, you can substitute the crisp bacon with crispy prosciutto, or even turkey bacon.
Additionally, leave out the bacon and make it a vegetarian salad! ENJOY!
Print
FRESH FIG PARSLEY SALAD
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Late Summer, into early Fall is the season for fresh figs. Take advantage of this short window, and create this fabulous Fresh Fig Parsley Salad. The perfect combination of sweet, savory and salty. One unique way to enjoy fresh figs!
Ingredients
- 14 small fresh figs, halved
- 1 bunch parsley, chopped
- 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 red onion, sliced thin
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 3 to 4 ounces blue or Gorgonzola cheese, torn into tiny pieces
- 1/4 C chopped walnuts
FOR THE DRESSING:
- 1/2 C olive oil
- 1/3 C golden balsamic vinegar
- 2 TBLS maple syrup
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Crisp the bacon. Dice.
- Rinse the fresh figs. Slice in half.
- In a large bowl, add the chopped parsley, thinly sliced celery and red onion.
- Toss in the fresh figs.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Add in the blue cheese, chopped walnuts and crisp bacon (reserve a bit of the walnuts and bacon for garnish).
- In a small bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the dressing. Taste. Adjust as needed.
- Dress the salad.
- Garnish with the reserved bacon and walnuts.
- ENJOY!
Notes
SEE POST!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
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