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    Home » Grateful Grazer

    Published: Aug 16, 2017 · Modified: Mar 14, 2022 by Stephanie McKercher, RDN · 6 Comments

    Grilled Fig Quinoa Salad

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Wondering how to use fresh figs now that they're in season this summer and fall? I topped a simple quinoa salad with the grilled fruit, and it has quickly become my go-to seasonal side dish.

    Wondering how to use fresh figs when they're in season? I topped quinoa salad with the grilled fruit, and it quickly became my go-to summer/fall side dish.

    Do you try to eat seasonally? One of the many benefits I’ve gotten out of switching up my produce with the seasons is a greater appreciation for more fruits and vegetables.

    Wondering how to use fresh figs when they're in season? I topped quinoa salad with the grilled fruit, and it quickly became my go-to summer/fall side dish.

    I’d eaten dried figs before, and fig cookies, but never the sweet deliciousness of fresh figs until I made an effort to eat more seasonally. Some foods become a little bit more special when they aren’t always available.

    Wondering how to use fresh figs when they're in season? I topped quinoa salad with the grilled fruit, and it quickly became my go-to summer/fall side dish.

    When they’re perfectly ripe, raw figs are incredible as-is for a healthy snack. (I like to pair them with pistachios.) If you’re in the mood for something special this summer and fall, though, you’ve got to try your fresh figs grilled!

    Wondering how to use fresh figs when they're in season? I topped quinoa salad with the grilled fruit, and it quickly became my go-to summer/fall side dish.

    I added grilled fresh figs to a simple green quinoa salad, and tossed it all with an easy homemade apple cider vinaigrette. No need to splurge on store-bought salad dressings here—this one only has five pantry staple ingredients, and you can make it in under a minute!

    Wondering how to use fresh figs when they're in season? I topped quinoa salad with the grilled fruit, and it quickly became my go-to summer/fall side dish.

    Grilled Fig Quinoa Salad

    This quinoa salad topped with the grilled fruit will quickly become your go-to summer/fall side dish or light lunch.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Save Saved! Rate
    Course: entree, lunch, Salad, Side Dish
    Cuisine: dairy-free, gluten-free, plant-based, vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 2 -4
    Author: Stephanie McKercher, RDN

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup cooked quinoa make ahead of time, or thaw from frozen
    • 5 halved fresh figs
    • 1 cup salad greens of choice I used a blend of baby arugula and baby spinach
    • 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
    • ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Cook or thaw quinoa (if needed), and set aside.
    • Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Place figs flesh-side-down on the grill, and cook until hot, about 4 minutes. Remove figs from heat, and set aside.
    • In a large bowl, toss together quinoa, figs, greens, sunflower seeds, and basil.
    • Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, flax, honey, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss with quinoa salad, and enjoy.

    Notes

    Use dried figs or dates if fresh figs aren’t available. Use maple syrup instead of honey (or omit sweetener) for a vegan option.
    Tried this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention @GratefulGrazer or tag #gratefulgrazer.

    [clickToTweet tweet="Wondering how to use fresh #figs this season? I'm loving this Grilled Fig Quinoa Salad!" quote="Wondering how to use fresh #figs this season? I'm loving this Grilled Fig Quinoa Salad!"]

    Wondering how to use fresh figs when they're in season? I topped quinoa salad with the grilled fruit, and it quickly became my go-to summer/fall side dish.

    What seasonal fruit are you most excited to dig into this summer/fall?

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    Comments

    1. Sheila says

      September 13, 2017 at 8:09 am

      I love fresh figs and yes, it would be great to try to eat more seasonally. I usually add pistachios or walnuts. This post just made me crave for some quinoa salad.

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        September 13, 2017 at 8:13 am

        Thanks, Sheila! This would be so delicious with pistachios or walnuts. Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Rebecca says

      August 17, 2017 at 9:12 am

      This is a really beautiful salad! I usually don't love fresh figs, but I might have to try them grilled in this salad!

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        August 28, 2017 at 1:16 pm

        Thanks Rebecca! Feel free to sub in peaches or nectarines, too! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Sara says

      August 16, 2017 at 7:50 pm

      There's something magical about fruit and lettuce together! This looks divine!!!

      Reply
      • Stephanie McKercher, RDN says

        August 17, 2017 at 7:33 am

        Totally! I'm always a huge fan of fruit in my salads. It adds the perfect touch of sweetness!

        Reply

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    Hello! My name is Stephanie. I'm a registered dietitian, recipe developer, and cookbook author. Here on Grateful Grazer, you'll find easy, plant-forward recipes, vegetarian nutrition information, and approachable guides to meal planning and prep.

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