I can sense that fig season is winding down. It makes me sad. I simply adore these purple orbs of joy. The bright, vivid garnet color and tiny seeds that glisten with the light hits them, have a regal appeal. From my infamous Balsamic Fig Jam to pizza adorned with figs, I am simply mad about figs.
I guess when the season is complete; I will always have the dried mission figs from Trader Joes along with my stash of jam I made. Speaking of Trader Joes, it just has to be one of the BEST places on earth. My love affair with this store is strong. Each visit seems to yield a new product that either I have overlooked or is simply just that – new!
Ever since visiting Oxbow Market in Napa several months ago, I am obsessed with anything smoky. We tasted smoked olive oil and different salts with smoky additions. I was strolling down the cheese section at Trader Joes and found Smoked Mozzarella. The hint of smoke is muddled throughout this creamy delight. I used it on lavash bread with an addition of cherry tomatoes to make a refreshing pizza. With this salad I thought it would be a wonderful accompaniment to the figs and the smoky almonds from Trader Joes.
I was craving a salad and after pursuing the refrigerator and pantry, these ingredients simply sang to me. The sweetness of the figs along with the smoky components and the creamy balsamic dressing were a marriage made in heaven.
Smoky Arugula & Fig Salad with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette
8 C. Arugula
½ Medium Red Onion, sliced thin
¾ C. Smoked Mozzarella Cheese, grated
½ C. Smoked Almonds, rough chop
8 to 10 Fresh Figs, quartered
Creamy Balsamic Dressing
1 Shallot, minced
2 T. Mayonnaise
1 T. Dijon mustard
2 t. Honey
½ t. Salt
8 Grinds of fresh ground pepper
½ C. Balsamic Vinegar
1 C. Olive Oil
Add all ingredients to a pint sized mason jar and place the lid on top. Shake well and let sit in refrigerator for at least one hour to develop flavors. Refrigerate after using.
Toss with salad ingredients and enjoy!
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