Trader Joe’s Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad

September 5, 2013

This Trader Joe’s Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad is a delicious summer-to-fall salad made with baby arugula, baby spinach, black figs, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic vinegar. 

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Flat lay photo of Trader Joe's Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad pictured with fork, arugula leaves, tomato, fresh mozzarella balls, and a fresh fig.

The sample station at Trader Joe’s is always a dangerous place to be around.  It usually smells so good over there and I find myself wandering over to have a nibble (or a sip) of whatever they’re sharing that day.  This past visit, they were sampling a salad that looked so good I had to have a bite!

The salad was made with a Sorrento salad kit (made with a mix of baby arugula, baby spinach, and other baby lettuces), figs, tomatoes, mozzarella, and finished with balsamic vinegar.  I couldn’t get the salad concoction out of my brain! But since I don’t get to Trader Joe’s too often, so I knew I had to find a way to recreate this salad at home.

Close up of Trader Joe's Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad.

I have to say, I think that I did pretty good with this salad in comparison to the one served at the sample station.  Instead of using the Trader Joe’s salad kit, this salad is made with a combination of baby arugula and baby spinach (I left the baby lettuces out).

Then, it’s topped with Black Mission Figs, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, seasoned with pepper, and drizzled with balsamic vinegar or glaze.  So simple, but such a delicious variety of flavors!

Trader Joe’s Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad

This salad is such a tasty way to transition into fall flavors and embrace fig season.  Especially if those warm, summer days are still hanging on and you’re looking for something light and easy to eat.

Baby arugula and baby spinach in a bowl. Tomatoes sit in background of photo.

So to start this salad, we’re going to mix up the base.  In a large salad bowl, add the baby arugula and baby spinach.  Toss to combine.

Trader Joe's Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad plated without balsamic vinegar.

Next, add the figs, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.  You could either cut up a fresh mozzarella log or use fresh mozzarella balls.  I like ciliegine.

Trader Joe's Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad with tomato and fresh mozzarella balls also sitting in photo.

All that’s left to do is season the salad with a bit of black pepper and drizzle balsamic vinegar, or glaze, on top.  Then, serve and enjoy!

Trader Joe’s Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad

Trader Joe’s Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad

Ingredients

  • 3 cups baby arugula
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 2-3 black figs, quartered
  • 1 small tomato, cut into chunks
  • 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls
  • Black pepper, to season
  • 2-4 tbsps. balsamic vinaigrette or glaze

Instructions

  1. In a large salad, bowl, add the arugula and spinach. Toss to combine.
  2. Then, add the figs, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Toss to combine.
  3. Season with black pepper. Then, dress the salad with balsamic vinegar or glaze and serve.
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Partial top view of Trader Joe's Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad with fork and baby arugula leaves in photo.

I love the peppery flavor of arugula, but if it’s not your thing, you can made this salad with only baby spinach.  It will be just as delicious! And you can absolutely make this salad ahead of time.  Just hold off on the balsamic until serving.

Did you make this Trader Joe’s Inspired Black Fig and Balsamic Salad recipe? Share it on social media using the hashtag #livinglavidaeats. Don’t forget to tag me @lavidaholoka!

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