Overhead view of Fig and Walnut Arugula Salad with Chickpeas and Gorgonzola
Dressings & Marinades,  Gluten Free,  Healthy Choices,  Salads & Side Dishes

Fig & Walnut Arugula Salad with Chickpeas & Gorgonzola

The ingredients in this Fig & Walnut Arugula Salad with Chickpeas & Gorgonzola play so nicely together.

Heaven on a plate!

While I haven’t always loved arugula, I’m a fan now! It’s quickly becoming my go-to green!

First off, it’s eats well. Do you know what I mean?

You can stick your fork into an arugula salad and more often than not, you’ll have yourself a pretty perfect bite! You can’t say that about every salad.

Fig and Walnut Arugula Salad with Chickpeas and Gorgonzola on a lovely green plate

For this scrumptious salad there are a multiple shining stars.

Certainly the seasonal fresh figs bring a beautiful sweetness and are gorgeous on the plate. And Walnuts add great texture and a nice buttery flavor.

Overhead view of Fig and Walnut Arugula Salad with Chickpeas and Gorgonzola

But the chickpeas and gorgonzola are fighting for top honors.

I believe I have under utilized garbanzo beans. Obviously they’re the star of our Classic Hummus, but they absolutely transform this salad from a “foo-foo pretty on the plate” to a satisfying meal.

Okay maybe light lunch, but nonetheless, chickpeas are where it’s at.

Lastly the gorgonzola. We haven’t discussed the white balsamic vinaigrette yet, but the two are dreamy together.

A lovely arugula salad with figs and walnuts topped with chickpeas and Gorgonzola cheese

I do believe my cooking reached a new level when I discovered the power of a good vinaigrette. Whether it’s a nice fresh herby variety or one with a subtle and smooth finish, vinaigrettes are our friend! If you’re looking for inspiration here’s the link to our Dressing & Marinade Recipes.

Super Simple ingredient White Balsamic Vinaigrette

From an ingredient standpoint, white balsamic vinaigrette is about as basic as you can get. Olive oil, white balsamic, honey or maple syrup, salt & pepper. From a flavor perspective there are loads of ways to mix it up. Hop over to my White Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe to see how I change it up!

One of our local restaurants serves a similar salad but with pears. I may have to recreate that Autumn-Thyme salad this fall.

Just the right tang from blue cheese and white balsamic, mellowed slightly by the creamy chickpeas. I LOVE this salad. You’ve got to try it!

Don’t forget to follow us @LemonyThyme on Instagram and Facebook! And check out our latest TikTok videos and Pinterest boards too!

All my best,
xo Libby

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Fig & Walnut Arugula Salad with Chickpeas & Gorgonzola with a White Balsamic Vinaigrette.
Overhead view of Fig and Walnut Arugula Salad with Chickpeas and Gorgonzola

Fig & Walnut Arugula Salad with Chickpeas & Gorgonzola

Libby with Lemony Thyme
The ingredients in this Fig & Walnut Arugula Salad with Chickpeas & Gorgonzola play so nicely together. Heaven on a plate!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Salad
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 5 ounces arugula
  • 6 fresh figs, stems removed quartered
  • 1 cup shelled walnuts
  • 1 cup gorgonzola cheese crumbled
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas rinsed and drained

For the White Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white balsamic vinaigrette or more to taste
  • 2 Tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

For Salad

  • Place all salad ingredients in a large bowl.

For White Balsamic Vinaigrette

  • Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well. Dress the salad lightly, then toss. Add more vinaigrette to taste. Store unused vinaigrette in refrigerator for up to a month.

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