Caramelised Fig & Walnut Salad

A Salad That Feels Like Summer in a Bowl (Even in Winter!)

When it comes to easy entertaining or elevating a mid-week meal, this Fig and Walnut Salad is your go-to. It’s fresh, flavour-packed, and feels a little bit fancy—without the fuss.

At Pomodoras Fine Foods, we believe salads should never be boring. They should be vibrant, seasonal, and layered with flavour. That’s why this recipe is a favourite in our kitchen. Sweet figs, crunchy walnuts, peppery rocket, and creamy goat’s cheese come together in perfect harmony—but the real star of the show is our Orange Vincotto Balsamic Dressing.

With its rich, slightly sweet citrus notes and deep balsamic base, this dressing ties everything together beautifully. A little drizzle is all it takes to turn a simple salad into something extraordinary.


Why You’ll Love This Salad

Quick & easy: Ready in just 10 minutes
Perfect balance: Sweet, savoury, creamy, and crunchy in every bite
Seasonal hero: Works beautifully with fresh or dried figs
Elegant enough for guests: Ideal as a starter or side dish at dinner parties
Dressed to impress: Pomodoras Orange Vincotto Balsamic adds a gourmet touch in seconds


The Story Behind the Dressing

Our Orange Vincotto Balsamic Dressing was inspired by sun-ripened citrus groves and traditional Italian cooking techniques. It’s slow-cooked and gently reduced, resulting in a velvety balsamic with layers of orange, caramel, and a subtle tang.

It’s the kind of dressing that doesn’t just sit on the side of the plate—it becomes the hero of the dish. Drizzle it over salads, grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even fruit and cheese platters for an instant upgrade.


Serving Suggestions

This Fig and Walnut Salad is as versatile as it is beautiful:

  • Serve it alongside roast lamb or chicken for a fresh contrast
  • Add grilled haloumi or prosciutto for extra protein
  • Swap goat’s cheese for feta or blue cheese, depending on your mood
  • Make it a meal by adding quinoa or grilled chicken
  • Pack it in a jar for a stylish lunch on the go

Want to go one step further? Pair it with a glass of chilled rosé and a crusty baguette for a picnic that feels like a European holiday—no passport required.


A Beautiful Salad for Every Season

While this salad sings of summer, it works just as well for winter entertaining. Use fresh figs when in season (typically late summer to early autumn in Australia), or substitute dried figs softened in warm water during the colder months. The contrast of sweet figs and rich balsamic makes it feel warming and indulgent—perfect for cosy lunches or Sunday roasts.


Make It a Gift

Hosting a dinner party or heading to a friend’s house? Bring a bottle of Pomodoras Orange Vincotto Dressing along with the recipe card for this salad. It’s a thoughtful, unique gift that says “thanks for having us” in the most delicious way.


Taste the Pomodoras Difference

At Pomodoras Fine Foods, we’re proud to create artisan dressings made with love and real ingredients. Our Orange Vincotto Balsamic is just one of the flavour-packed dressings in our pantry—but it’s one that continues to surprise and delight our customers (and their guests!).

You can find it in select IGA stores across Queensland or shop online to have it delivered to your door. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a pantry essential.

CARAMELIZED Fig & Walnut salad

Recipe by Pomodoras Fine FoodsCourse: Sides, SaladsCuisine: Gluten Free, Summer
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes

Ingredients

Directions

  • Pre heat oven up to 210 degrees
  • Slice figs in half and cut off the stem
  • Pre heat a sautéed pan on a medium heat and add a good splash of Orange Vincotto Balsamic Dressing
  • Add the figs FACE down (making sure the figs come in contact with the balsamic for that caramelisation
  • Cook until nice and brown / caramelised then figs turn over for 1 minute
  • Then take out of pan and place on a tray and put in the oven for 8 minutes
  • To Serve
  • Put 3 figs around the plate
  • place rocket & spinach in the middle of the plate
  • Sprinkle the walnuts and olives over the salad
  • place a slice of gorgonzola on top and then dress with Orange Vincotto Balsamic Dressing

Notes

  • You could also serve with as a side salad to accompany Crispy Duck, Roasted Pork belly or even pumpkin arancini (see more recipes)

For this recipe you’ll need…

Orange Vincotto Balsamic Dressing

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