Walnut Free Fig & Endive Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This salad is a stunning combination of bitter, sweet, and bright — the kind of dish that looks like it came from a restaurant but comes together in minutes. Crisp Belgian endive leaves cradle juicy quartered figs and paper-thin shallots, while fresh parsley and torn mint add a fragrant, herby lift to every bite. The apple cider vinaigrette ties it all together beautifully — a quick whisk of vinegar, honey, ground ginger, and olive oil creates a tangy, lightly sweet dressing that complements the figs without overpowering them. Many composed salads like this one sneak in candied or chopped tree nuts for texture, but this recipe skips them entirely and still delivers plenty of interest through layered flavors and contrasting textures. Everything here is whole, fresh, and straightforward — no hidden ingredients to second-guess, just produce and pantry staples you can feel confident about. It's an ideal starter for a dinner party or a light lunch that feels genuinely special without any fuss.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 3 heads belgian endive (about 12 oz total)
- 8 fresh figs, quartered
- 2 shallots, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn
For the vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, ground ginger, and fine sea salt until the honey dissolves. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the vinaigrette is emulsified and slightly thickened.
- 2
Arrange the endive leaves in a large salad bowl. Scatter the quartered figs and sliced shallots over the endive.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!