September 30, 2025

Fig Arugula Salad

It’s wild that this Fig Arugula Salad recipe contains three ingredients yet is an absolute flavor bomb! The peppery arugula pairs so well with the sweet figs and savory Parmesan cheese. It may just change your life because it’s too easy and delicious to not to serve often! Less is more in this recipe, so most days I don’t even bother to add a dressing. Although, it does pair really well with my Simple Balsamic Vinaigrette if you want to take it up one more notch.

Keys to Success with Fig Arugula Salad

Using fresh ingredients is always going to produce a better result when it come to salad. The fresh figs should be slightly soft and sweet (of course the cook gets an extra one because tasting is a must here!) The arugula should be nice and green, not wilting, as well as washed, and fully dried.
Then a good aged Parmesan cheese really adds that savory umami flavor, but it can be substituted with your favorite cheese if you don’t have it handy. I have used a Syrah soaked Toscano and an aged Gruyere, both of which were great with the arugula.

Quick Tips for Fig Arugula Salad

To shave the Parmesan, hold the block of cheese steady on the cutting board and use a knife and slowly cut down towards the cutting board a little at a time. Alternatively you can use a paring knife and slowly shave the cheese towards your thumb or away from you straight on top of the arugula. No need to be perfect here, but if you have thin slices it will start to curl and add that little punch of flavor needed!

Adjustments for Kids

I know not all kids have this sophisticated of a palate, but they may surprise you once you separate out the components! I like to serve the whole fresh figs with slices of cheese on their plate and my kids usually gobble it right up. I even give them a tiny bit of the arugula on their plate as an option. It is a peppery green so it’s really ok if it’s not their thing, but worth a shot because this dish is so quick and easy you’ll be wanting to make it often!