BHA & BHT Free Fig & Watermelon Radish Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Few salads stop people in their tracks visually, but thinly sliced watermelon radishes — with their vivid magenta rings — do exactly that when fanned across a bed of peppery arugula. Quartered fresh figs add a jammy sweetness that plays beautifully against the radish's mild bite and the arugula's sharpness, while torn mint lifts the whole thing with a cool, herby finish. The homemade apple cider vinaigrette is where this recipe really shines for anyone avoiding synthetic preservatives: it's just vinegar, raw honey, ground ginger, sea salt, and olive oil — nothing more, nothing less. That matters because bottled dressings are one of the sneakiest places BHA and BHT tend to hide, often listed in fine print under "to preserve freshness." Whisking the dressing yourself takes about two minutes and gives you complete control over every ingredient on the plate. The whole salad comes together quickly with minimal cooking, making it an effortless choice for a light lunch, a dinner party starter, or any time you want something that looks far more impressive than the effort required.
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
- 2 medium watermelon radishes, trimmed
- 8 fresh figs, stemmed and quartered
- 4 cups baby arugula
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn
For the vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp raw honey
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the watermelon radishes into rounds about 1/16-inch thick, thin enough to be translucent at the edges and show their magenta interior.
- 2
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, honey, ground ginger, and sea salt until the honey dissolves. Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!