If you don’t give a fig about most fruits and end the day shy of your recommended five servings, hear this. Just four figs will sweetly add a serving to your daily quota. You might also be surprised to learn that figs are actually flowers and the seeds are the portion classified as “fruit.” Far from the dried variety you remember spotting in your grandma’s pantry, fresh figs are tender-skinned (yes, you can eat the skins!), juicy-fleshed and are a remarkably versatile way to add a hint of natural sweetness to any dish. Need more convincing? Try any or all of these sweet and savory fig recipes.
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10 Irresistible Fig Recipes to Make Today
1. Fresh Fig and Avocado Grilled Cheese
Neon yellow cheese singles have nothing on this grown-up grilled cheese recipe. With avocado for a dose of healthy fats and creamy texture, spinach for antioxidants and figs for sweetness, this sandwich offers nice balance to the richness of the cheese. Photo and recipe: Marina Delio / Yummy Mummy Kitchen
2. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes and Figs
“Save the calories for pie and wine.” Now that’s a motto we can get behind! It’s also how the mastermind of this light recipe describes the genius of sheet pan side dishes. Figs, Brussels sprouts, grapes, herbs and a simple balsamic vinaigrette combine to make 130-calorie meal magic. Photo and recipe: Abbey Sharp / Abbey’s Kitchen
3. Fig and Goat Cheese Pizza with a Whole-Wheat Crust
You could stick to standard a pepperoni and cheese pizza. Or you could opt for a totally Instagram-worthy upgrade with a homemade whole-wheat crust, goat cheese, fresh fig slices and arugula. The best part is you can make your pie as sweet or salty as you like with a drizzle of honey or a few slices of prosciutto. Photo and recipe: Delphine Fortin / Del’s Cooking Twist
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4. Vanilla Fig Oatmeal with Pistachios and Honey
News flash: Coffee is not breakfast. One of those oatmeal packets is, but eating it alone will likely leave you hungry in an hour. Elevate your morning oats with this fig-crowned, gluten-free breakfast bowl, which will keep you satisfied and smiling until lunch. The Greek yogurt addition amps up the protein level to 18 grams per serving. Photo and recipe: Danae Halliday / Recipe Runner
5. Cinnamon Fig Shake
Instead of a sugary dessert, this dairy-free shake recipes is sweetened up with a serving of figs. Freeze them before blending with a handful of ice, almond milk and some seasonings for a texture that’s reminiscent of an ice cream treat. Photo and recipe: Kelley / Kelley and Cricket
6. Oatmeal Fig Bars
If you love Fig Newtons but hate the lengthy additive list that includes palm oil and corn syrup, try these DIY fig snacks instead. They feature items our ancestors would recognize like gluten-free rolled oats, coconut oil, maple syrup, and of course, figs. Photo and recipe: Rachel Conners / Bakerita
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7. Green Goddess Fig Nourish Bowls
Try this spiralized apple and veggie bowl with either fresh figs (when in season) or dried (in late winter and early spring). Made with spinach, sprouts, and green cabbage, you’ll also get a hefty dose of nutrient-dense greens. And even with the homemade green goddess dressing, each salad clocks in at just about 250 calories. Photo and recipe: Lindsay Cotter / Cotter Crunch
8. Creamy Fig and Cinnamon Fall Smoothie
The fig, banana and oat base is nice and all, but the scene-stealers in this smoothie are the toppings! Fresh figs, mulberries, granola, yogurt and more transform this smoothie into a mouthwatering drink. It’s almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Photo and recipe: Jennifer Rossano / Neurotic Mommy
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9. Fig Honey Paleo Cheesecake
Amongst the fig recipes on this list, this one is perfect the holidays. With a nut and date crust, a cashew cream filling and fresh fig slices, this whole food dessert is healthy enough to eat for breakfast! To keep portion size in check, prepare this dessert in a pan that can allow for 12 to 14 slices. Photo and recipe: Kaylie Johnson / Paleo Gluten Free Eats
10. Fresh Fig Arugula Salad with Blackberries
Peppery arugula, sweet figs and berries, tangy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts…this fresh salad recipe will cure all of your cravings. Top with protein, like grilled chicken glazed with fig jam, to make it a meal. Photo and recipe: Elaine Nessman / Flavour & Savour
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