Arugula Burrata Salad With Figs

This Arugula Burrata Salad with Figs is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines fresh, high-quality ingredients for a truly indulgent experience. The peppery arugula, creamy burrata cheese, and naturally sweet figs come together in harmony, all topped with a tangy balsamic dressing. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick and healthy side dish, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

This simple arugula burrata salad with figs is bursting with flavor while still being healthy! It is the perfect light lunch or side dish for any hearty meal. All you need are 6 simple ingredients!

Arugula Burrata Salad With Figs

This arugula burrata salad with figs is one of my favorite salads to make when I want something a little fancy. The fresh figs provide just the right amount of sweetness while the arugula provides a peppery kick. If you enjoy goat cheese, you will love this dish as well since it is made from burrata cheese which is similar to goat’s milk mozzarella but creamier in texture.

It isn’t necessarily a kid-friendly option, especially not for picky eaters. But, it is a great salad for adults and pairs perfectly with most main courses as a light side dish!

Why You’ll Love Arugula Burrata Salad With Figs

• Bursting with Flavor: The creamy burrata pairs perfectly with the sweet figs and tangy balsamic dressing, creating a flavor profile that’s both balanced and exciting. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that will keep you coming back for more.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With only six ingredients and no cooking required, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something delicious but don’t have time to spend in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Entertaining: The elegant presentation of this salad makes it ideal for serving guests. The combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures it looks as impressive as it tastes.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from the arugula, antioxidants from the figs, and healthy fats from the olive oil, this salad is as nutritious as it is tasty. It’s a guilt-free indulgence for any meal.
• Versatile Pairing Options: Whether served as a light main course, a starter, or a side dish, this salad complements a variety of meals. Pair it with grilled chicken, seafood, or a vegetarian pasta dish for a well-rounded menu.

Ingredients For Arugula Burrata Salad With Figs

• Arugula – The peppery base of the salad adds a bold and fresh flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Halved for bite-sized sweetness and juiciness.
• Fresh Figs – Provide a natural sweetness and soft texture that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
• Burrata Cheese – A creamy and indulgent addition that elevates the salad’s richness.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – The foundation for a simple yet flavorful dressing.
• Balsamic Vinegar – Adds tangy sweetness and ties all the flavors together.
• Salt and Pepper – Enhances and balances the flavors of the dish.

For the exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Arugula Burrata Salad With Figs

• Large Salad Bowl – Perfect for mixing and serving the salad.
• Knife – For slicing the cherry tomatoes and fresh figs.
• Cutting Board – A sturdy surface to prep your ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure out the olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the dressing.

How To Make Arugula Burrata Salad

To make this crazy easy arugula burrata salad, start by placing all of your arugula leaves in a bowl. Next, add in your halved cherry tomatoes.

Cut your fresh figs into quarters and add them to the arugula before crumbling the burrata cheese over everything.

In a separate container, make the salad dressing by combining the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whisk quickly and then pour over the salad.

Toss the salad until everything is coated in the dressing, and add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve and enjoy!

Tips For Making Arugula and Burrata Salad

• Make the salad right before you plan to serve it. It takes only a few minutes to throw together and tastes best when served freshly made.
• If you want more flavor, you could add a touch of maple syrup to the dressing, along with some fresh herbs. Basil would complement this salad nicely, but you can choose your favorite herbs.
• If you do not have balsamic vinegar, you could use apple cider vinegar instead. Only use ½ a tbsp. and add a pinch of brown sugar to replicate the sweetness.
• You could also add dried cranberries or chopped apples to this salad to give it more sweetness. These two options would pair beautifully with the figs and burrata cheese.
• If you want to save time and prepare this salad ahead of time, cut your figs and cherry tomatoes and store them in a container in the fridge. You can also go ahead and make the salad dressing and store it in the fridge as well.

What To Serve With Arugula And Burrata Salad With Figs

This salad is fresh and light while still having cheesy appeal and plenty of flavor, making it perfect as a lighter lunch option or as a side to your main course.

I love to have this salad with a lean protein, like chicken. But for a full Italian meal, I highly recommend cooking up a few Italian sausages in the air fryer with some Italian bell peppers.

This salad is the perfect healthy option for a side dish that still leaves you feeling satisfied! You could also serve it with some Italian meatballs, chicken parmesan, or some air-fried eggplant parmesan.

Variations And Substitutions

• Switch the Greens: If you’re not a fan of arugula, substitute it with spinach, kale, or mixed greens. These options will still pair beautifully with the burrata and figs while offering different textures and flavors.
• Cheese Alternatives: While burrata is creamy and indulgent, you can swap it for fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, or even feta for a tangier twist.
• Fruity Additions: Enhance the sweetness with other fruits like sliced pears, apples, or even dried cranberries. These pair well with the figs and complement the salad’s overall flavor.
• Alternative Dressings: Try a lemon vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing for a fresh take. For more depth, use a fig-infused balsamic glaze instead of regular balsamic vinegar.
• Nutty Extras: Add texture with nuts like walnuts, pecans, or slivered almonds. Toast them lightly for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace burrata with a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip it altogether, letting the figs and arugula shine as the stars of the salad.
• Protein Boost: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.
• Herbaceous Touch: Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley over the salad for an aromatic upgrade.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the undressed components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The arugula should be kept dry to prevent wilting.
• Dressing Storage: Prepare the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing in advance and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Shake or whisk it before using to ensure it’s well-mixed.
• Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not require reheating. If you’ve added any proteins like chicken or shrimp, reheat them separately in the oven or microwave before adding them back to the salad.
• Assemble Fresh: To preserve the best texture and flavor, wait to combine the salad ingredients with the dressing until just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of fresh figs?

If fresh figs are unavailable, you can substitute them with dried figs, but soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them before adding to the salad. Alternatively, other fruits like sliced pears, apples, or even fresh peaches work wonderfully.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep some components ahead of time. Slice the figs and tomatoes and store them in separate containers in the fridge. However, it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What’s the difference between burrata and mozzarella?

Burrata is a richer, creamier version of mozzarella. While mozzarella is firm and stretchy, burrata has a soft, creamy interior that makes it a luxurious addition to this salad.

Is this salad kid-friendly?

This salad’s bold flavors and textures may not appeal to picky eaters, but you can make it more kid-friendly by substituting arugula with milder greens like spinach and leaving the dressing on the side for them to add as desired.

How do I pick the best figs for the salad?

Look for figs that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. They should have a sweet aroma and unblemished skin. Avoid overly firm or very soft figs, as they may lack flavor or be overripe.

Can I use a store-bought dressing?

Absolutely! While homemade dressing enhances the flavor, a high-quality store-bought balsamic vinaigrette or fig-infused balsamic glaze can be a convenient alternative.

More Salad Recipes

If you loved this salad recipe as much as I do, you should try these other salads as well!

• Broccoli Apple Salad
• Greek Chicken Mason Jar Salad
• Imitation Crab and Canned Corn Salad
• Shrimp Egg Avocado Salad
• Zucchini Radish Salad

See also:

• Air Fryer Roasted Figs
• Oven Roasted Figs
• Homemade Fig Jam
• Figs and Ice Cream Dessert