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Roasted Fig and Goat Cheese Salad with Black Pepper Croutons

This colorful salad with sweet roasted figs, creamy goat cheese and quick black pepper croutons makes a great side dish for a simple protein or a light dinner all on its own. Make each of the components up to a day ahead and toss everything together right before serving.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Salad
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef

Ingredients

  • 1/2 small Red Onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup White Wine Vinegar
  • 8 small Figs (4 large), any variety
  • 1/2 tsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
  • 1/2 lb loaf Italian Bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1-2 tsp fresh-cracked Black Pepper
  • 3 oz Goat Cheese, crumbled
  • 4 oz Spring Lettuce Mix

For the Vinaigrette:

  • 2 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp Honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil

Instructions

  • Turn on the oven's broiler and move a rack so that it is about 6 inches under the heat. Lightly coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray or olive oil.
  • In a small bowl, combine the red onion and vinegar (add more vinegar if needed to cover the red onion). Set aside.
  • Cut the figs in half and place them cut-side up on the baking sheet. Combine the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle a bit over each fig. Place under the broiler until lightly caramelized, about 4 minutes (watch them closely to be sure they don't burn). Set aside to cool.
  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and bread cubes and toast, stirring often, until bread is golden brown and very crisp. (This should take 6 to 10 minutes, depending on how thick and how fresh the bread is.) In the last couple minutes of cooking, drizzle with a bit more oil and add salt and a generous amount of black pepper.
  • To make the vinaigrette, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey and mustard. Add the oil while whisking. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • To serve, drain the liquid off the red onions. Top lettuce with red onions, croutons, figs and goat cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 589mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 22g