Figs with Basil, Goat Cheese and Pomegranate Vinaigrette

Fresh figs are available in the summer, but just for a brief few weeks. When I see them in the market, I can’t resist getting a few boxes of them. Take them home and then figure out what I want to do with them. More often than not, I’d end up eating most of them fresh by themselves.

This salad from Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi is hard to beat, combining the incredible sweetness of the figs and the creaminess of young goat cheese. This is a meal by itself, making figs the key player. Think Mediterranean: figs, goat cheese and pomegranate. That’s the essence of the dish. I’ve made this salad several times already after I discovered the recipe. The purple and green basil plants in my backyard are still going strong in mid-August, perfect to add some color, texture and aroma to a summer salad. Some greens, any greens, for that matter, plus a straight forward pomegranate vinaigrette, is a recipe for keeps for figs lovers.

I’m bringing this salad to the potluck gathering at IHCC, you could see dishes from other home-cooks here. This post is also linked up to Souper Sundays with Deb at Kahakai Kitchen in Hawaii.