Fig Balsamic Dressing Recipe
This Fig Balsamic Dressing is infused with vanilla and is perfect for fall salads: pear salads or apple salads. Vegan and Gluten-free.

How to Make the Best Fig Balsamic Dressing
This Fig Balsamic Dressing is the perfect way to elevate your fall salads. The combination of sweet fig jam, tangy balsamic vinegar, and a hint of vanilla creates a dressing that’s both sophisticated and incredibly easy to make. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for guests with dietary restrictions.
What makes this dressing special is the unexpected addition of vanilla, which adds a subtle warmth that complements the fruity sweetness of the fig jam. The balsamic vinegar provides just the right amount of acidity to balance everything out, while the olive oil creates a silky smooth texture that coats your greens beautifully.
Try drizzling this dressing over a bed of mixed greens topped with sliced pears, crumbled goat cheese, and toasted walnuts for a stunning autumn salad. It also works wonderfully with arugula and apple slices, or as a light glaze for roasted vegetables. Once you try this homemade dressing, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

Fig Balsamic Dressing
This Fig Balsamic Dressing is infused with vanilla and is perfect for fall salads: pear salads or apple salads. Vegan and Gluten-free.
Ingredients
Fig Balsamic Dressing
Instructions
Fig Balsamic Dressing
- Whisk all ingredients together—olive oil, balsamic vinegar, vanilla, fig jam, salt, pepper, and optional garlic clove—in a small bowl, taking care to break up all the jam bits.
- Taste and adjust to your preferences. If you prefer it sweeter, add more fig jam to taste. Add more salt as needed.
- Makes about 1/3 cup, enough to coat 5 ounces of salad greens. Double the batch for larger salads.
Notes
- For a more savory flavor, substitute 1 tablespoon of finely minced shallot for the garlic.
- This dressing pairs beautifully with pear or apple salads, especially topped with goat cheese and candied walnuts.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.