Arugula, Fig, and Pecorino Salad with Honey

I love how each bite of this salad has a variety of tastes and textures: crisp, nutty arugula, tender sweet figs, and salty cheese—all heightened with honey. A not-too-sharp cheese is perfect here, such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Another way to go is crumbled fresh goat cheese. When figs are out of season, make the salad with slices of ripe pears or Fuyu persimmons.

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Salt
• 2 bunches arugula, trimmed and torn into bite-size pieces (about 6 cups)
• 8–12 ripe figs, quartered
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2-ounce piece of Pecorino Toscano for shaving

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt to taste.
2. Add the torn arugula to the bowl and toss well to coat the leaves with the dressing.
3. Pile the dressed arugula onto four serving plates.
4. Garnish the arugula with the quartered figs.
5. Sprinkle freshly ground pepper over the salad to taste.
6. Drizzle the honey over the arugula and figs.
7. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the Pecorino Toscano over the salad.
8. Serve and enjoy!

VARIATIONS:

• Nutty Twist: Add some toasted walnuts or pecans to the salad for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. The combination of the sweet figs, peppery arugula, and the earthy nuts creates a delightful balance of tastes and textures.
• Creamy Goat Cheese: Crumble some creamy goat cheese over the salad to add a tangy and creamy element. The combination of the sweet figs, peppery arugula, salty pecorino, and tangy goat cheese creates a wonderful flavor profile.
• Prosciutto Accent: Wrap thin slices of prosciutto around the figs before adding them to the salad. The salty and savory prosciutto complements the sweetness of the figs and adds a layer of complexity to the salad.
• Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the salad for a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. The balsamic glaze adds depth to the salad and enhances the natural sweetness of the figs.
• Arugula Mix: Mix arugula with other leafy greens like baby spinach or mixed greens to add more variety and texture to the salad. This variation adds a milder flavor to balance the sweetness of the figs and the saltiness of the pecorino.
• Citrus Twist: Add segments of fresh oranges or grapefruits to the salad for a burst of citrusy flavor. The citrus segments bring a refreshing and bright element to the salad, complementing the sweetness of the figs.

These variations allow you to personalize the Arugula, Fig, and Pecorino Salad with Honey to your taste preferences and experiment with different flavor combinations. Whether you choose to add nuts, cheese, prosciutto, or a citrus twist, these variations will enhance the overall flavor and make the salad even more enjoyable.