TOMATO, FRESH FIG AND BLUE CHEESE SALAD

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Tomato, Fresh Fig and Blue Cheese Salad image

Whether you get them from your backyard garden or the local farmers' market, tomatoes are one of summer's sweetest staples. In the kitchen, one of the best things a cook can do with a surfeit of ripe summer tomatoes is not to cook them. With such tasty beauties available (and given the tomato-pleasing heat), salads make more sense. Start simply by slicing big tomatoes into rounds and cutting smaller ones into wedges and the cherry and grape varieties in half. Very gently toss them with fresh herbs, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and good salt. Use whatever you've got to hand to dress up the pile. Here, we've used some crumbled blue cheese for tang, fresh figs for sweetness and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     easy, quick, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons pine nuts
1 large or 2 small ripe tomatoes, about 8 ounces, thinly sliced
1/2 pound fresh figs, cut into quarters
1 ounce crumbled blue cheese, like Fourme d'Ambert, more to taste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Black pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar and salt. Whisk in oil.
  • In a small skillet over medium-low heat, toast pine nuts, shaking the pan occasionally, until light golden, about 2 minutes.
  • Spread tomato slices on a large plate. Scatter fig quarters and pine nuts over tomatoes. Sprinkle with cheese and thyme, drizzle with dressing and finish with pepper.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 237, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 230 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams

J0hnny Duett
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This is the best salad I've ever had. I'll definitely be making it again and again.


Lousnow Nieves
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I've never had a salad like this before. It's so unique and flavorful.


Ch Naeem
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This salad is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck.


Saleem Dahri
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I love the colors in this salad. It's so vibrant and cheerful.


Jadon Cuevas
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This salad is a great make-ahead meal. You can make it the night before and it will still be delicious the next day.


Ivaylo Tonchev
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I'm not a big fan of blue cheese, so I used feta cheese instead. It was still delicious!


Andjela Butorovic
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This salad is a great way to use up leftover tomatoes and figs. It's also a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables.


jesse shelley
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I added some grilled chicken to this salad and it was a great addition. It made the salad more filling and satisfying.


Baguma Moses
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This salad is so easy to make and it's absolutely delicious. I love the pop of sweetness from the figs.


Edian Barnard
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I was a bit hesitant to try this salad, but I'm so glad I did! The flavors and textures are amazing. I'll definitely be making this again.


Mis Rabiya
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This recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times now and it's always a hit. The combination of flavors is amazing and the salad is so refreshing.


ajewole lekinsin
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This salad was a delightful burst of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the figs, the tanginess of the tomatoes, and the creaminess of the blue cheese all came together perfectly. I especially loved the addition of the balsamic vinegar, which add