Fig and Mozzarella Salad

One of my friends was keen to try this salad with the first ever figs from her fig tree after I mentioned it to her and has since made and enjoyed it using lambs lettuce. Here in the picture, there's the last few leaves of lettuce from the garden mixed with some rocket. I probably won't be able to try it with lambs lettuce as there won't be any figs when I get the first crop later in the autumn.

2 figs per person
1/2 mozzarella per person, cut into segments or just roughly torn
baby lettuce leaves
freshly ground pepper
sea salt
2tbsp balsamic vinegar
2-3tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1-2tsp maple syrup, to taste

1. Make the dressing. This should be enough for 4 servings.

2. Scatter the lettuce leaves on a large plate or on individual plates.

3. Cut the figs into segments but don't cut right through so they're still attached to the base and fall open like a flower. Arrange the figs and mozzarella on top of the lettuce.

4. Drizzle with the dressing.

Serve on its own or with warm ciabatta.