This easy Winter Salad with Fig Jam Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe is full of fresh greens and winter fruits tossed in a sweet and tangy vinaigrette!
Winter Salad with Fig Jam Balsamic Vinaigrette
This salad is a good one and I’m not just saying it because I made it for you. It’s the perfect side salad when you’re in a rush with dinner during the week and makes a great side to any holiday menu.
My favorite part about this tasty winter salad is how easy it is to swap out ingredients and use what already have on hand.
easy swaps to make this salad
This Winter Salad with Fig Jam Balsamic Vinaigrette is such an easy salad recipe, but in case you want to change it up, here are some ideas:
- 6 cups mixed greens of choice: baby romaine or baby kale, lacinato kale, curly endive or spinach.
- 1 cup walnuts: or pecans, almond slivers, or pistachios.
- 1 cup dried cranberries: or golden raisins, dried cherries, etc.
- 8 ounces goat cheese: swap for gorgonzola or even blue cheese.
- arils from one pomegranate – can use a fresh pom, or buy these store-bought.
But really, it’s a wonderful salad to bring for any holiday dinner – or any event you need a quick dish for. I used baby romaine, goat cheese (how I love thee), walnuts, cranberries, and pomegranate arils and the flavors are SO fresh and tangy with loads of texture.
If you’re looking to change up your salad game for lunch or dinner for something seasonal, add chicken or salmon to make this recipe a complete meal.
Fig Jam Balsamic Vinaigrette
This vinaigrette is out of of this world tangy and sweet and creamy, thanks to the blender. ANY blender will do, and most often for easy things like this, I’ll just use a smoothie blender, but any brand will do here.
Or you can whisk vigorously to get that creamy (emulsified) texture.
Most homemade dressings I make call for either a little raw honey, or we forgo the sweeteners altogether. But for this recipe, we use 2-tablespoons of fig jam and it’s the perfect addition to this salad recipe!
You can easily make your own fig jam or feel free to use store-bought. Whatever is easiest for you.
winter salad with fig jam balsamic vinaigrette
Ingredients
salad
- 6 cups mixed greens of choice - I used a baby romaine mix
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries - sugar free, suggested
- 8 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- arils from one pomegranate - can use a fresh pom, or buy these store-bought
fig jam balsamic vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup avocado oil - can also use olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fig jam - (preserves)
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
salad
- To a large salad bowl, add the greens, walnuts, dried cranberries and pomegranate arils, Mix to combine. This can be made ahead of time, if desired. When ready to serve, top with goat cheese, if using, and toss vinaigrette (recipe to follow), to salad mix. Salad can easily be prepped in advance (wait to toss in dressing until ready to serve)
fig jam balsamic vinaigrette
- In a blender, add oil, balsamic vinegar, fig jam, and salt and pepper until combined and creamy (emulsified).
Notes
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Isabel says
It’s amazing! Got lots of compliments and had to share the recipe. It didn’t hurt that I made fig jam a few days ago from gifted figs.
Nichole says
So great to hear Isabel! Glad it was a hit!
Sherry says
Easy to make and tasted okay.
Debra says
This is a great salad. I added a chopped apple to the recipe. Everyone wanted the recipe!
Nichole says
Love the addition of chopped apple! Thanks for sharing, Debra!
Drew says
Made this salad three different times, I’m one for changing things around. That’s the fun of cooking. In the blender I also added a ripe Avocado & it came out amazing. The other times I deleted the Avails & it still came out perfect. Last one no blender just used a fork vigorousy same results. This is a go to salad when ever you want to impress. The soft log of goat cheese works the best.
Nichole says
Love that you changed things up with this one Drew! I love the idea of adding a ripe avo to the blender – I’ll have to try that next time I make this!
Sharon Armstrong says
I made this salad for a holiday gathering. It was a big hit! And the colors were beautiful!
Nichole says
I am so glad you all liked it, Sharon!
Rachelle V says
I am making this for Christmas dinner with French onion au jus beef tenderloin roast, Asiago potatoe stacks, roasted asparagus, peas and Hawaiian rolls. Hope it turns out! Just omitting cranberry’s and will roast some walnuts with maple syrup.
Nichole says
Rachelle, that sounds heavenly! The entire menu! I’m sure the salad and vinaigrette will be a hit! please let me know. Merry Christmas!
Wilkins says
This really is a healthy bowl of comfort! Looks wonderful!
marie says
oh this looks so good!! I love salads.
Jen says
I need this salad in my life! It looks and sounds amazing!