Ingredients
5 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh shallots
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, skins rubbed off, coarsely chopped
10 cups mesclun (baby mixed greens), about 5 ounces
8 small (or 4 large) fresh ripe figs, stems trimmed, halved lengthwise
4 ounces crumbled blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola
Preparation
In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, 3 tablespoons oil, shallots, and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Place hazelnuts and mesclun in a large bowl and set aside.
Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a heavy large skillet (do not crowd figs) over high heat until shimmering, which occurs just before the smoke point. Add figs cut-side down and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, toss greens and nuts with dressing and salt and pepper to taste.
Place equal mounds of salad in center of four plates. Arrange cheese on top. Distribute figs evenly on top of the greens. Serve immediately.
