Paraben Free Fig & Watermelon Radish Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This salad is a showstopper the moment it hits the table — jewel-toned magenta radish rounds fanned over peppery arugula, with plump quartered figs and bright torn mint making every plate look like something from a high-end restaurant. The watermelon radishes are sliced paper-thin so their vivid interior really glows, and the contrast against the deep purple figs is genuinely stunning. The apple cider vinaigrette comes together in minutes — just a whisk of vinegar, raw honey, ground ginger, and sea salt before you stream in the olive oil until it emulsifies into something silky and sharp. Every single ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, which matters when you're trying to avoid synthetic preservatives and additives that sneak into bottled dressings and pre-packaged salad kits. Making the dressing yourself means you know exactly what's going in it — no hidden stabilizers, no mystery preservatives, just clean pantry staples. The peppery bite of arugula, the cool sweetness of fig, and the gentle heat from ginger all balance each other beautifully. Serve it immediately so the greens stay crisp and the radishes keep that gorgeous translucent edge.
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!