This Healthy Fig Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese & Candied Nuts is the perfect balance of peppery greens, sweet figs, tangy cheese, and crunchy nuts—all drizzled with a light dressing. In this article, you’ll discover why this salad became a fast favorite, what fresh ingredients make it shine, how to assemble it in under 15 minutes, plus FAQs and serving tips.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
From brunch table inspiration
I first served this salad at a weekend brunch when figs were just coming into season. I had a fresh arugula bunch, ripe figs, goat cheese, and a bit of leftover honey-nut glaze from my candied nut batch. As soon as I assembled it, the salty-sweet-crunchy combo felt like magic. Friends asked for the recipe right away—it had that same crowd-pleasing appeal as our Fresh Fig Bars, just made pourable over greens instead of handheld.
Why this salad satisfies
This salad offers contrast in every bite: peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, soft figs, and crunchy candied nuts. It makes a satisfying lunch or elegant starter without heavy effort. The combination echoes flavors in our Rustic Fresh Fig Cake, but here, all bright, fresh elements stand on their own—no baking required.
Ingredients & Prep
Core ingredients you’ll need
- 4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
- 6–8 fresh figs, quartered
- 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup candied nuts (almonds or pecans)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper
For a light protein boost, top with sliced chicken breast—similar to our 4‑Ingredient Boneless Chicken Breast Dinner.
Prep tips for speed and freshness
Quartering figs and crumbling cheese ahead helps speed assembly. Candied nuts can be store-bought or homemade (see our Easy Oven-Baked Boneless Chicken Breast page for nut toasting basics). Whisk dressing by combining oil, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper just before serving for the best bright flavor.
How to Assemble & Serve
Building the base
Arrange arugula on a large platter or in a bowl. Scatter figs, crumbled goat cheese, and nuts evenly over the greens. Add a light pinch of salt and grind black pepper on top.
Drizzle dressing and toss gently
Right before serving, drizzle the olive oil–balsamic–honey dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine without bruising the figs. Serve immediately to preserve texture and flavor. This preparation echoes the fresh simplicity of our Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast, but here it’s all fresh and no-cook.
Print
Healthy Fig Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese & Candied Nuts
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and delicious salad combining peppery arugula, sweet figs, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy candied nuts in a honey-balsamic dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh arugula, washed
- 6–8 fresh figs, quartered
- 3 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup candied nuts (almonds or pecans)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place arugula in a large bowl or platter.
- Top with figs, goat cheese, and candied nuts.
- Whisk together oil, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving.
- Toss gently and serve immediately.
Notes
Prep components in advance. Keep dressing separate and combine just before serving. Optional: add grilled chicken for protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: fig arugula salad, healthy fig salad, goat cheese salad, candied nut salad
FAQ
Can I use dried figs?
You can—but rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes for best flavor and softness.
Is there a vegan option?
Yes—sub crumbled firm tofu or vegan cheese, and replace honey with maple syrup.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep dressing separate and store salad in airtight container for up to one day. Dress just before serving.
Can I batch prep components?
Yes—prep figs, cheese, nuts, and dressing ahead. Assemble everything within an hour of serving to preserve freshness.
Conclusion
The Healthy Fig Arugula Salad with goat cheese and candied nuts is fresh, flavorful, and ready in minutes—perfect for brunch, light dinner, or a snack that feels like a treat. Its simplicity and sophistication make it a go-to when figs are available or anytime you need an easy, upscale dish. Serve it with grilled chicken or alongside rustic bread for a complete meal.