FIG, ROCKET AND WALNUT SALAD

AvatarCaxton magazines staffRecipesSalads

At home Antonia De Luca’s cooking style echoes that of her restaurant, Leafy Greens Café: deliciously fresh and tasty vegan meals. Visit leafygreens.co.za

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE SALAD:

  • 3 cups black figs, quartered
  • 4 cups rocket
  • 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 45ml soft and creamy vegan ‘cheese’ or goats’ cheese
  • 15ml agave nectar, maple syrup or honey
  • salt and milled black pepper

FOR THE CREAMY VEGAN ‘CHEESE’:

  • 3 cups cashew nuts
  • 2 cups water
  • 15ml nutritional yeast (available at health stores)
  • 1/8 red onion, peeled
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 5ml olive oil
  • salt, to taste

METHOD

 TO MAKE THE CREAMY VEGAN ‘CHEESE’:
1. Place the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend, on high, until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into jars and chill in the fridge to firm up. This ‘cheese’ lasts up to 5 days in the fridge and freezes well; it has the texture of runny cream cheese.

This recipe makes 4 cups of creamy ‘cheese’.

TO MAKE THE SALAD:
1. Place all the ingredients in a bowl and toss lightly, until just combined. Season to taste and chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
2. Transfer to a dish and serve.

This salad serves 6-8.