Grilled Fig, Onion, and Tomato Salad

(Yes, I forgot the picture, forgive me...)

The Mediterranean knows how to do many things right, and figs are just one more example of their amazing food prowess. These delightful treats are sticky and sweet, reminiscent of dessert, but blend perfectly in savory dishes as well for a main meal dish rather than just a sweet post-dinner treat. Here, I combine them with vidalia onions, also grilled, and some fresh tomatoes, ripe and delicious at the peak of their season. The flavors are all sweet and savory at the same time, with varying textures that combine for a delightful treat.

I made this salad alongside some fresh swordfish, tossed onto the new grills on my roof deck. I simply marinated them in some white wine and garlic and then grilled them - leaving them with slight char marks on the outside from the grill but juicy and tender in the middle. The Mediterranean is definitely not a bad place to mimic when it comes to food.

Difficulty: easy
Time: 15 minutes
Cost: $19



Grilled Fig, Onion, and Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
2 c black mission figs, quartered
1 c vidalia onion, sliced
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp black pepper
mesclun mix
1 c cherry tomatoes, halved
3 tbsp fresh mint, diced

Heat your grill to medium. While it's hot, use some aluminum foil to create two little trays, folding up all four sides. Fill one tray with onion and the other with the figs.

When the grill is hot, place the foil tray with onions carefully on the grill. Grill for five minutes, then flip the onions in their tray. Add the tray of figs to the grill as well. Grill for another 3-4 minutes, then remove the onion and figs. You do not want to overcook the figs or they'll become tough, rather than keeping their naturally chewy texture.

Combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, and black pepper in a salad bowl. Whisk until combined. Then, add the mesclun mix, cherry tomatoes, mint, grilled figs, and grilled onion. Toss until everything is evenly coated and well mixed. Enjoy!

Servings: 8
Serving size: cup of salad
Nutrition: calories 70; carbs 14g; fat 1 g; protein 1g; sodium 11mg; iron 5mg