Sweet & Savory Fig & Prosciutto Salad You Need to Try

There’s something undeniably elegant about the combination of sweet figs and salty prosciutto. This Fig & Prosciutto Salad is a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures, bringing together creamy cheese, peppery arugula, and a tangy balsamic glaze for a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for a light lunch, a sophisticated starter, or even a show-stopping side at your next dinner party, this salad is quick to assemble yet impressive enough to wow any crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This Fig & Prosciutto Salad is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. The ripe figs add a natural sweetness, while the prosciutto brings a rich, salty depth. Paired with peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, every bite is a perfect balance. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make—ready in just 15 minutes—yet looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant.

Ingredients & Equipment

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salad:

  • 8 fresh figs, halved or quartered
  • 4 slices of prosciutto, torn into pieces
  • 4 cups arugula (or mixed greens)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (or feta)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)

Equipment: A large salad bowl, a small whisk or fork for dressing, and a baking sheet if toasting walnuts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Toast the walnuts: If using raw walnuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let them cool slightly.
  3. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss the arugula with half of the dressing until lightly coated. Arrange the dressed greens on a serving platter.
  4. Add the toppings: Scatter the figs, prosciutto, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts over the arugula.
  5. Drizzle and serve: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and finish with a generous swirl of balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips

  • For the best flavor, use ripe but firm figs. Overripe figs can become too mushy.
  • If you can’t find fresh figs, dried figs can be rehydrated in warm water for 10 minutes as a substitute.
  • Swap the cheese: Blue cheese or burrata would also work beautifully in place of goat cheese.
  • Make it ahead: Prep the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to keep the greens crisp.

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing separate if possible, as the arugula will wilt over time. The figs may soften, but the flavors will still be delicious!

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Fig & Prosciutto Salad


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  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

A sweet–savory salad of ripe figs, silky prosciutto, peppery arugula, and creamy goat cheese, finished with a glossy balsamic–honey vinaigrette and a crunch of toasted pistachios.


Ingredients

5 oz arugula (about 5 packed cups)

8 fresh figs, stems trimmed and quartered

4 oz prosciutto, torn into bite-size ribbons

3 oz goat cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 cup)

1/4 cup pistachios, toasted and roughly chopped

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Pinch of kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Optional: a few basil leaves, torn; flaky salt for finishing


Instructions

1. Whisk the olive oil, balsamic, honey, Dijon, a pinch of salt, and several grinds of black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.

2. Add the arugula to a large mixing bowl, drizzle with about half the dressing, and toss gently to lightly coat.

3. Layer on the figs and prosciutto, then sprinkle over the goat cheese and pistachios (and basil, if using).

4. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss very gently just to distribute without crushing the figs.

5. Taste, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, finish with a pinch of flaky salt if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra creaminess, swap goat cheese with burrata or fresh mozzarella (tear and tuck in).

Nut options: try toasted walnuts or almonds if pistachios aren’t handy.

Figs not in season? Use ripe peaches, nectarines, or roasted grapes.

Make-ahead: whisk dressing up to 3 days in advance; store refrigerated and shake before using. Dress the salad right before serving to keep greens crisp.

Gluten-free as written; add torn crusty bread or cooked farro to make it a heartier meal.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: Italian

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