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You are here: Home / Pasta / Fig Bacon Balsamic Couscous Salad

Fig Bacon Balsamic Couscous Salad

August 14, 2017 By Spices in My DNA Leave a Comment

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Fig Bacon Balsamic Couscous Salad
Aaaand my fig obsession continues. Every year around this time, I buy as many as I can because I love them so much. Their season is WAY too short! I found the most GORGEOUS figs last week at the store and knew I had to make something delicious with them.

Fig Bacon Couscous Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

I mean, can you even stand how beautiful they are? Then green ones are my favorite. These were actually “tiger figs” which I don’t think I’ve ever had. I used black mission figs which are wonderful too. I think they’re just a tad less sweet. I love figs because they have that “pop” from the seeds, because texture is my favorite thing ever, and I love the fact that they’re not toooo sweet. I’m not much of a sweets person. I pick salty over sweet any day of the week. When they’re together though, that’s another story.

Fig Bacon Couscous Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Like in this instance! Sweet figs, salty bacon, mozzarella, and sweet balsamic vinaigrette and glaze make for the most delicious combo. Fresh basil and chives too! I guess that counts as the green in this salad. Ha.

Fig Bacon Couscous Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

For the dressing, I made a version of my fig balsamic vinaigrette from this salad. It’s just fig jam, balsamic, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. The fig jam makes it thicker and more emulsified than a classic balsamic vinaigrette. SO insanely good.

Fig Bacon Couscous Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

I almost used orzo for this salad, which you could totally do, but the store didn’t have any. I grew up eating a lot of orzo salads so it’s super nostalgic for me. My mom would make orzo with sautéed onions and parm as a side dish for many dinners and it was so good! Haven’t had it in years but I can still taste it.

Instead, I opted for Israeli couscous which is so fun! I haven’t had it in awhile and I forgot how much I loved it. It’s just so fun to eat! Because hello, texture.

Fig Bacon Balsamic Couscous Salad

And for an extra layer of sweet balsamic goodness, I added balsamic glaze over the top! Optional but highly recommended. Sometimes I make my own, but the squeeze bottles they’re selling now make it so easy! And it’s super thick and luxurious. Win win.

Fig Bacon Balsamic Couscous Salad

Love this so much.

Print

Fig Bacon Couscous Salad with Mozzarella, Basil, Chives, and Balsamic Vinaigrette

This summery couscous salad is filled with gorgeous fresh figs, bacon, mozzarella, basil, chives, and a super simple balsamic vinaigrette!

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

For the salad

  • 1 (8 ounce) package Israeli couscous (can sub orzo if desired)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 8 fresh figs, quartered, plus a few extra for topping
  • 3/4 cup fresh mini mozzarella balls, halved
  • 2 tablespoons chopped chives, plus extra for serving
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus extra for serving
  • balsamic glaze for topping

For the dressing

  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fig jam
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil for the orzo. Cook according to package directions. Drain and then rinse with cold water. Make sure it has cooled before assembling the salad.

  2. Make the dressing. Combine garlic, fig jam, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

  3. To assemble the salad, combine cooled couscous, bacon, figs, and mozzarella balls in a large bowl and stir gently to combine. Add desired amount of dressing (you will have a bit leftover), as well as the chives and basil and stir to combine.

  4. To serve, top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, extra chopped chives and basil, and more fresh figs!

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Filed Under: Main Course Recipes, Pasta, Salad, Sides Tagged With: 30 minute meal, bacon, balsamic, bowl meal, easy, easy meal, entertaining, figs, lunch, meal prep, mozzarella, pasta, pasta salad, side, summer

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Welcome! I'm so happy you're here. This is the space where I share healthy recipes with a sprinkle of indulgence mixed in! I’m wildly passionate about food, and I grew up in a family of foodies. I was surrounded by it from an early age and immediately fell in love. I love to share super flavorful, unique, and healthy recipes, as well as indulgent, comforting meals we all need from time to time!

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