What is one thing that most leafy greens have in common? They tend to have a slightly bitter flavor profile, which is why you incorporate other seasonings, fruits, or vegetables into the mix when preparing them. Some leafy greens, like spinach, have milder flavor profiles and don’t assert themselves in smoothies or salads. In the case of a bag of mixed greens, you often get a collection of greens that can exhibit peppery and bitter flavors. That’s why you need something sweet to balance your salad, making figs the perfect addition to a mixed green salad.

Figs have a rich, sweet flavor that is like a cross between raspberry and honey. The soft chew texture and fragrant aroma make them quite addictive, with some varieties being sweeter than others. Figs that ripen later in the season may even have a spicier or savory taste. Because of their complex flavor profile, figs make for excellent additions to sweet and savory dishes.

You can’t just have a salad of mixed greens and figs, though. The dressing has to be on point when you salad ingredient list is short. Liven up the parter with a slightly sweet apple cider vinaigrette that has mustard powder. It’s almost like a honey mustard dressing, only it’s cleanse-approved and free of preservatives, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. We hope you enjoy it! Oh, and if you can’t find fresh figs, feel free to incorporate dried figs into your salad, so long as they are free of preservatives and added sugars.