PARTNER POST — TrySwedish Thursdays is a culinary collaboration between TrySwedish, West Sweden, Gothenburg and Sweden’s most famous and loved cheese Västerbottensost®. Discover the edible delights of the land.
A simple salad takes a bold turn with a beautiful flavor combination of sweet figs, crunchy hazelnuts, savory chicken and Sweden’s unique cheese, Västerbottensost.
Sometimes we forget that salads can be more than a side dish to the main event. This salad recipe is a great way to use a simple chicken and include plenty of vegetables in the meal. Plus, this salad won’t leave you hungry with the addition of hazelnuts, Västerbottensost, and couscous.
Not sure what Västerbottensost is? Learn about the unique cheese from our article here. 
Try Swedish Thursdays: Fresh Fig Salad with Baked Chicken and Västerbottensost
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A vibrant salad combining sweet figs, crunchy hazelnuts, savory baked chicken, and the unique Swedish cheese, Västerbottensost, for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Oven baked chicken
- 200 g (7 oz) Västerbottensost cheese
- 600 g (1 lb 5 oz) chicken thighs
- 50 ml (3 1/2 tbsp) rapeseed oil
- 50 ml (3 1/2 tbsp) fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
Salad
- 200 ml (3/4 cup) giant couscous
- 2 romaine lettuces
- 8 fresh figs
- 100 ml (scant 1/2 cup) hazelnuts
- 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp. (45 ml) liquid honey
- 50-100 ml (3 1/2 tbsp to scant 1/2 cup) gravy from the chicken
- More Västerbottensost cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Mix the rapeseed oil with fresh thyme and salt. Coat the chicken thighs with the mixture.
- Spread the chicken on a baking tray and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- While the chicken is baking, boil the couscous according to package instructions. Once cooked, allow it to cool.
- Cut the fresh figs into halves or quarters, depending on size.
- Toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they are golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool and then roughly chop.
- Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the couscous, sliced chicken, figs, toasted hazelnuts, and Västerbottensost cheese.
- Toss everything gently to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
- Västerbottensost cheese adds a unique flavor, but if unavailable, Parmesan or aged cheddar can be used as substitutes.
- This salad is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Toasting the hazelnuts enhances their flavor, adding a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Swedish Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 25
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 80
Contact person:
Lindsey Olsson Shamshoian
A.V. OLSSON TRADING CO., INC.
VICE PRESIDENT, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
T: +1 203-969-2090 | M: +1 203-253-3738
http://www.avolsson.com/contact.html
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken should I use for the Fresh Fig Salad?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, as they bake well and pair nicely with the salad ingredients.
How should I prepare the Västerbottensost for the salad?
Grate or crumble the Västerbottensost before adding it to the salad to ensure it distributes evenly and enhances the flavor of the dish.
Can I substitute hazelnuts with another nut in the salad?
Yes, you can substitute hazelnuts with walnuts or almonds if you prefer, but the flavor profile will change slightly.
