This fresh fig salad is the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, creamy and crunchy. Fresh figs, goat cheese and candied pecans are tossed with mixed greens and a simple shallot herb vinaigrette for an easy salad that feels a little special.

fig salad with goat cheese, candied pecans, shallot herb vinaigrette

Table of Contents

Fresh figs have a short season, so when they show up at the grocery store or farmers market, this is one instantly gets into the lunch rotation. It comes together almost immediately and works just as well for a solo lunch as it does on a table full of guests. Let’s make it!

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What you’ll need

Mixed greens
Fresh figs – Any variety of figs will do, I usually use black figs.
Goat cheese
Candied pecans – I’ve been leaning on Trader Joe’s premade candied pecans, but I include a quick-candy method in the notes on the recipe card if you can’t find them or want to make your own.
Vinaigrette: white wine vinegar, avocado oil, honey, shallot, parsley, salt and pepper

I highly recommend using avocado oil in dressings instead of olive oil. It has a more neutral flavor that won’t overpower so the lovely flavors in the salad can be fully enjoyed!

How to make it

I originally made this salad with my usual vinaigrette, but after making it a few times, I started adding minced shallot and fresh parsley and swapping the red wine vinegar for white wine vinegar. It sounds like a small change, but it makes the whole salad taste brighter and more balanced.

I sincerely believe a salad is only as good as its dressing! And I absolutely love this shallot herb vinaigrette.

To make it, simply combine all the ingredients in a jar and shake!

Then arrange your salad ingredients how you see fit, drizzle away and enjoy!

fig salad with goat cheese and shallot herb vinaigrette

What to serve with this

Serve this salad with a side of fresh crusty bread to soak up all the yummy dressing and stray bits of goat cheese. It also pairs well with grilled chicken or salmon. Or make a Panera-style Pick-2 meal and pair it with half of a Turkey Pesto Sandwich.

Storage Instructions

For best results, place undressed salad in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days. Place the remaining vinaigrette in a separate airtight container such as a mason jar or this handy salad shaker. Dressing can be enjoyed for up to two weeks if kept in the fridge.

Additions and Substitutions

Goat cheese – feta cheese works well in this salad if you don’t love goat cheese

Pecans – candied walnuts are equally as good in this recipe.

Parsley – you can try a mix of other fresh herbs in the dressing, but parsley is my favorite!

How to store fresh figs

Fresh figs are delicate and don’t last long — if you’re eating them within a day or two, the counter is actually better for flavor. If you need more time, the fridge is the right call and will keep them fresh for up to a week. Either way, store them in a single layer so they don’t bruise each other, and check the batch when you get home — one bad fig can speed up the rest.

When picking figs at the store, look for ones that are plump and richly colored. A little stickiness at the bottom is actually a good sign — it means they’re at peak ripeness.

Tried this recipe?

fresh fig salad with goat cheese, candied pecans and shallot herb vinaigrette

If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating below and let me know how it went. I’d love to hear from you! You can also find me on Pinterest!