Grilled Fig & Arugula Salad

Grilled Fig & Arugula Salad

from the girl & the fig

Serves 6

For the vinaigrette:

(or you can purchase the girl & the fig Vinaigrette)

3 dried Black Mission figs

1 cup ruby port

¼ cup red wine vinegar

½ tablespoon minced shallots

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 tablespoons canola oil

Salt and pepper to taste

For the salad:

½ cup pancetta, diced

12 fresh figs, halved

6 bunches baby arugula

1 cup pecans, toasted

1 cup goat cheese, crumbled (preferably Laura Chenel Chévre)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

To prepare the vinaigrette:

Pour the port in a bowl, add the figs, and re-hydrate until soft. Transfer the port and figs to a saucepan. Reduce the port over medium heat to ½ cup, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the port mixture to a food processor and add the vinegar. Purée until smooth. Add the shallots and slowly whisk in the oil . Season to taste with salt and pepper to taste.

To prepare the salad:

Sauté the pancetta in a small sauté pan over medium heat until the pancetta is crisp. Set the pancetta aside, reserving the “oil.” Brush the figs with the pancetta “oil.” Grill the figs for 45 seconds on each side. In a stainless-steel bowl, toss the arugula, pecans, pancetta, and goat cheese with the vinaigrette.

To serve:

Divide the salad among 6 chilled plates and surround it with the grilled figs. Grind the pepper over each salad.