Fig and Goat Cheese Salad with Blood Orange and Pecans

One day, I hope to have a fig tree growing right in my own backyard. Until then, I’ll happily take figs any way I can get them. Fresh figs are a treat when you can find them, but they’re often expensive and fleeting. Dried figs, on the other hand, are available year-round and deliver an intensely sweet, almost jammy flavor that feels just as special.

While my boys already love fig newtons and most dried fruits, it took a little convincing to get them to try dried figs on their own. Noah and Simon were instant fans. Jude? Not so much, which honestly just meant more for me. Once you taste how figs shine in savory recipes, it’s hard not to fall in love.

Why This Fig Salad Works

This fig salad checks every box of what makes a truly crave-worthy salad: sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy, and fresh. The dried figs add natural sweetness, goat cheese brings tangy creaminess, blood orange adds brightness, and pecans provide that buttery crunch that makes every bite satisfying.

It’s the kind of salad that feels elevated without being complicated, perfect for a casual dinner, a holiday spread, or a lunch that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Fig Salad Ingredients

• Lettuce or Mixed Green
• Crumbled Goat Cheese
• 1 Blood Orange peeled, cut into pieces
• Dried Figs, cut into pieces
• Crushed Pecans

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Greens: Romaine adds crunch, mixed greens bring softness, and arugula adds a peppery bite.
• Cheese: Swap goat cheese for feta, blue cheese, or shaved parmesan if preferred.
• Citrus: Blood oranges are beautiful and slightly sweet, but navel oranges, mandarins, or even grapefruit work well.
• Nuts: Pecans add richness, but walnuts, almonds, or pistachios are great alternatives.
• Extra Add-Ins: Thinly sliced red onion, avocado, or grilled chicken can turn this salad into a full meal.

Why Dried Figs Are So Good for You

Dried figs aren’t just delicious — they’re also packed with nutrients. They’re a good source of fiber, which helps with digestion, and they contain natural sweetness without added sugar. Paired with healthy fats from nuts and protein from goat cheese, this fig and goat cheese salad is both satisfying and nourishing.

How to Make Fig Salad

• Add lettuce or mixed greens to a large bowl.
• Top with chopped dried figs, blood orange pieces, crumbled goat cheese, and crushed pecans.
• Toss gently to combine.
• Serve as-is or with your favorite dressing.

Dressing Ideas for Fig Salad

This fig salad is flavorful enough to stand on its own, but the right dressing can make it unforgettable. I used a poppy seed dressing, which plays beautifully with the sweetness of the figs and citrus. Other great pairings include:

• Balsamic vinaigrette for a rich, classic finish
• Honey mustard for a sweet-and-savory contrast
• Citrus vinaigrette made with fresh orange juice and olive oil
• A homemade honey or fig vinaigrette for an extra layer of depth

I’m currently experimenting with creating a dressing just for this salad — something light, slightly sweet, and designed to let the figs truly shine without overpowering the other ingredients.

A Simple Fig Salad Worth Repeating

Whether you’re a longtime fig lover or just discovering how versatile dried figs can be, this fig and goat cheese salad is an easy recipe worth adding to your rotation. It’s proof that a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.