Barley Free Fig & Mushroom Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This salad is the kind of dish that feels effortlessly elegant — sweet, jammy figs nestled over peppery arugula with golden, garlicky mushrooms that are deeply savory and satisfying. The apple cider vinaigrette ties everything together with a bright, tangy warmth from turmeric and ginger that makes every bite feel intentional. Every single ingredient here is naturally free of barley, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or swap anything out — it's just clean, whole food from start to finish. Searing the mushrooms in batches is the secret to getting that gorgeous caramelized crust rather than a steamy, soggy pile, and it's absolutely worth the extra few minutes. The contrast of warm mushrooms against cool, dressed greens and fresh figs is genuinely stunning on the plate. Whether you're serving it as a light main or a showstopper starter, this one is going to earn serious compliments at the table.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
For the mushrooms
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 lb mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, oyster), cleaned and torn or sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
For the salad
- 5 oz baby arugula
- 8 fresh figs, stemmed and quartered
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, turmeric, ginger, and 1/4 tsp salt until the honey dissolves. Slowly drizzle in 3 tbsp olive oil while whisking continuously until the vinaigrette is emulsified and slightly thickened. Set aside.
- 2
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the mushrooms in a single layer — work in two batches if needed to avoid crowding — and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until the undersides are deep golden brown.
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