As the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, figs come into season, offering their perfect balance of sweetness and subtle earthiness. While many know figs from their appearance in dried form, such as in the classic fig newtons, fresh figs are a true autumn treasure. These small fruits boast a tender, juicy pulp filled with tiny seeds, and their flavors are reminiscent of honey and strawberries.
Beyond their delightful taste, figs are a nutritional powerhouse. A medium-sized fig contains just 37 calories, no fat or cholesterol, and provides 1.5 grams of fiber. They’re also packed with calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium—essential nutrients that support everything from blood pressure regulation to metabolism and healthy weight management.
Whether eaten fresh during fig season or enjoyed dried year-round, figs can enhance a variety of dishes with their natural sweetness and valuable fiber content. In this article, we’ve gathered 10 of our favorite fig recipes, perfect for fall, ranging from savory entrees to sweet snacks and breakfasts. Each recipe highlights the versatility of figs, helping you discover just why they’ve been a beloved treat across cultures for centuries.
Turn any dinner into an elegant meal with this simple yet sophisticated dish. It starts with plump chicken breast that’s loaded with protein but low in saturated fats. Slice an opening into the chicken and stuff it with a blend of creamy goat cheese, dried figs, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, rosemary and balsamic glaze. Whether you’re serving this dish to guests or to your family on a weeknight, make extra to freeze and enjoy when time is tight and you want a satisfying dinner.
Get the Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Figs and Balsamic recipe.
Put the nutritional power of figs to work in a sweet and satisfying bar that’s lower in calories and sugar than the store-bought version. The first step is to prepare a simple filling by soaking dried figs, orange juice, orange zest and cinnamon in hot water, then whipping them into a jam in the blender. It’s spread inside a dough made with oats and almond flour, along with applesauce for moisture and cinnamon for a spark of flavor. The bars come out of the oven golden brown on the outside, delightfully gooey inside.
Get the Healthy Fig Bars recipe.
A well-crafted salad can load you up with powerful nutrients and treat your tastebuds to an exciting medley of tastes and textures. We build this hearty version with quinoa, the high-protein grain with the nutty flavor, and dark leafy greens like kale and arugula. Red onions add a zesty note, goat cheese brings the creaminess and pumpkin seeds provide the crunch. Chopped dried figs sweeten the mix. The flavors are all tied together by a homemade vinaigrette featuring maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard.
Get the Fig Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe.
Store-bought jellies and jams are loaded with sugar and often light on actual fruit. Try this easy alternative that’s naturally sweet, thanks to dried figs and apricots. All you do is simmer the fruit for about 30 minutes until it’s soft, then whip it in the blender to create the smooth texture. Spread it on whole grain toast or crackers, or enjoy it as a dip for apple or pear slices.
Get the 3-Ingredient Apricot Fig Spread recipe.
Crostini is classic Italian appetizer made with different toppings on small slices of grilled or toasted bread. We’ve created a healthier version by replacing the bread with thin sweet potato slices baked until crisp in the air fryer. This version features a sweet and savory selection of rich crème fraiche, crunchy sliced almonds, tart dried cranberries and sugary figs. They’re sure to be a hit for your office party, book club meeting or any other get-together. Or just make them for when you deserve a special snack!
Get the Air Fryer Crème Fraiche and Fruit Sweet Potato Crostini recipe.
Fall is prime time for Brussels sprouts, the super-nutritious veggie that becomes tastier and turns crisp when roasted. We pair them with figs for added sweetness and then drizzle them with balsamic vinegar for an extra-rich flavor. Serve these at a holiday dinner instead of a high-calorie side dish or whip them up anytime you want to break up the same-old veggie routine.
Get the Roasted Balsamic Figs and Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Here’s a pizza you can enjoy without derailing your weight loss progress. The crusts are eggplant slices baked until they’re firm and lightly crisp. Once they’re ready, top them with creamy ricotta cheese, zesty pesto, and fig pieces for a sweet and savory flavor. You get two “pies” and lots of satisfaction in every serving.
Get the Ricotta Pesto Eggplant Pizza recipe.
When you need to power up to get through a busy day, pass on the high-calorie, sugar-laden energy bars in vending machines and convenience stores. Instead, make a few batches of these tasty little nuggets. They’re easy to prepare with Nutrisystem’s Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal blended with walnuts and dried figs in a food processor. All you do is roll the mixture into bite-size balls and they’re ready to eat. There’s no baking needed. You can keep the extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week.
Get the Maple Fig Energy Bites recipe.
Brie is a soft cheese with a firm rind, and it has a rich flavor and creamy texture. For a dazzling presentation and memorable flavor, we top a wheel of brie with dried figs and simple homemade fig spread, dried apricots, walnuts, fresh thyme and orange zest. It’s all baked in the oven until the tastes are infused and cheese is melty. Try it on apple or pear slices, or on whole grain crackers.
Get the Fruit and Nut Baked Brie recipe.
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this easy appetizer. To make it, top lightly toasted slices of whole wheat baguette with a smear of goat cheese, along with fresh fig slices, a drizzle of honey and crunchy pistachio nuts. Serve at a dinner party or potluck, or just enjoy it yourself for breakfast or lunch.
Get the Fig and Goat Cheese Toast recipe.
Falling for Figs: 10 Sweet and Savory Fig Recipes to Celebrate Autumn
