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    Home » Recipes » 30 Minutes or Less

    Fig and Barley Arugula Salad

    Published: Oct 17, 2018 / Modified: Jul 1, 2021 by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN / This post may contain affiliate links / 4 Comments

    • 19
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    Fig and barley arugula salad

    Let me tell you about these figs. I searched high and low, all over the Twin Cities, to find them! After two weeks of a citywide shortage, I finally spotted them at the Wedge Co-op. This is pretty surprising, since it is prime fig season after all, but I guess not that surprising, since I learned that figs rarely grow in the Midwest. (They can’t survive in temperatures below freezing).

    So while this may be a seasonal recipe for some areas of the U.S., it’s not technically one for us Midwest folk. Regardless, this Fig and Barley Arugula Salad was still a fun recipe to make! I had never really worked with figs before.

    In developing this recipe, I also learned that fresh figs are quite different than their dried counterparts. For one, they have a sweet taste and soft, chewy texture. I didn’t find the fresh ones to be as sweet at the dried ones, but I liked their mouth feel more.

    Once I found a stash of figs and gave them a try, I knew I could somehow pair them with a vegetable. Arugula, with its peppery bite, sounded like a wonderful base for a fig-heavy salad. I tossed in some barley for a little extra something. Then I finished it all off with a simple balsamic vinaigrette and fresh shavings of aged parmesan.

    Fig and Barley Arugula Salad

    I think you’ll find this Fig and Barley Arugula Salad to be a light, yet filling, fall dish! Serve it as a main course with shredded chicken, lentils, or soft-boiled eggs. It would also be a great addition to a holiday feast or alongside pork tenderloin for dinner.

    However you serve it, remember to savor those fresh figs…because you might not find them again (at least in my case, until next year!).

    Fig and Barley Arugula Salad

    Arugula fig and barley salad

    Fig and Barley Arugula Salad

    Fresh figs are the star of this arugula salad, topped with cooked barley, shaved parmesan, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 15 mins
    Total Time: 20 mins
    Servings: 3 people
    Calories: 344kcal
    Author: Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

    Ingredients

    • 3 cups arugula
    • 8 figs - quartered; I used Black Mission
    • 1.5 cups barley - cooked
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
    • 1.5 teaspoon honey
    • Sea salt - to taste
    • Aged parmesan - shaved, to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Cook the barley according to package instructions. To save time, check out Trader Joe's 10 Minute Barley. To prepare the figs, make a thin slice off the top and bottom and quarter each one.
    • In a large bowl, combine the arugula, figs, and barley. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a dash of sea salt. Pour over the salad and toss well. Serve with shaved parmesan flakes, to taste. 

    Notes

    Add shredded chicken, lentils, or soft boiled eggs for a complete meal. Or serve alongside pork tenderloin for dinner.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 12mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 664IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @its_a_vegworld_afterall and follow me today!

    -Lizzie

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    • 19

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    1. Caroline | RD-Licious

      October 21, 2018 at 5:17 pm

      Anything with figs….YUM! This looks delish!

      Reply
      • Lizzie

        October 22, 2018 at 8:50 am

        Thanks so much!! I’m glad you think so :-)!

        Reply
    2. Selina

      October 20, 2018 at 1:31 am

      5 stars
      As a Nutritionist i can say this food is 100% healthy and nutritious. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe, I will must try to home.

      Reply
      • Lizzie

        October 21, 2018 at 2:50 pm

        Thanks so much! I hope you love it!

        Reply

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    Welcome! I'm Lizzie, a Registered Dietitian and cookbook author who loves vegetables. And I'm here to help you love them too! My easy, veggie-forward recipes will help you get comfortable in the kitchen and celebrate the seasons.

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