Savory dried fruit recipes are all the rage. If you’re not already adding dried fruit to savory dishes, you should be!

It’s no secret that we’re huge fans of dried fruit. Obviously, dried fruit is an amazing addition to your favorite desserts but did you know that dried fruit works beautifully in savory dishes as well? Dried fruits add a subtle sweetness that can help to temper spicy notes. They also add welcome texture and complexity to creamy sauces. If you’ve never tried adding dried fruit to a savory dish, consider this your sign!

What dried fruits are produced in California?

Most fruits can be dried, but some of the most popular dried fruits produced in California include prunes, figs, raisins and apricots.

How are fruits dried?

Fruit is dried a number of different ways. Traditionally, farmers sun-dried their fruit. After harvest, farmers placed the fruit either on trays or on sheets of paper and set out in the sun to dry. Our friends at Fairhaven Orchards sundry their ridiculously popular dried apricots. DOV raisins are also sundried, but they are dried on the vine before they are harvested. Other dried fruits, like prunes and figs, are dried in commercial dryers that precisely remove the moisture from the fruit.

Our favorite savory dried fruit recipes

From grain bowls to pasta, salads and skewers, there are about a million different ways to incorporate dried fruits into savory recipes. Here are a few of our favorites!

Pasta Foriana

This recipe has become a fast favorite in the California Grown community. California raisins add a lovely texture and the perfect touch of sweetness to this easy pasta recipe.

Ham and Cheese Hand Pies

If you think California Prunes are a weird addition to Alison‘s Ham and Cheese Hand Pies, you’ve clearly never made a grilled cheese sandwich with leftover glazed ham. Just trust us, it’s delicious.

Fig and Mandarin Focaccia

Ready to try your hand at homemade bread? Start here! Our Fig and Mandarin Focaccia is easy enough for a beginner but still totally impressive.

Chipotle and Toasted Walnut Wheatberry Salad

Ever added raisins to a grain bowl? You should! This savory salad from our friends at Salt and Wind is full of complex flavors and sure to satisfy.

Moroccan Lamb Tagine

Ready for the secret ingredient in our friend Irvin‘s Moroccan Lamb Tagine? It’s California Prunes! Subtly sweet prunes cut the richness of the lamb, balancing the dish beautifully!

Citrus-Marinated Prune and Chicken Skewers

This delicious Citrus-Marinated Onion, Prune + Chicken Skewers recipe is full of always-in-season goodness! The tangy citrus, slight sweetness of the prunes and the pop of onion really make the flavors of these easy skewers shine.

Pork Tamales with Mole Coloradito

California raisins add a subtle sweetness to the spicy mole sauce used in these Pork Tamales from Hola Jalapeno!

Roasted Sweetpotatoes with Scallions and Figs

This savory side dish, courtesy of our friend Yotam Ottolenghi, is equally delicious made with fresh or dried figs!

Instant Pot Chicken Mole Tacos with Pomegranate Salsa

If you’re looking for an easier take on mole, try Alison‘s chicken mole tacos! This dish only takes 45 minutes from start to finish, so don’t slack off and skip the pomegranate salsa. You can thank us later.

Fig Pizza

Dried figs and feta are a match made in heaven. Add in Teri‘s famous marinated onions and a handful of arugula, and you’ll transform pizza night from mundane to magical!

Creamy Penne with Chicken, Figs and Walnuts

Craving comfort food? We’ve got you covered. Dried figs add just the right touch of sweetness to the creamy, cheesy sauce that drenches this delicious pasta dish.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Prunes

Looking for an appetizer that’s super easy but also super delicious. Look no further. G-Free Foodie‘s Prosciutto-Wrapped Prunes are ready in about 20 minutes and a perennial favorite!

Fruit and Nut Wild Rice Salad

Loaded with healthy ingredients like wild rice, grapes, citrus and dried apricots, this savory salad only feels like an indulgence.

Warm Grape & Pancetta Salad with Walnuts

Our Warm California Grape & Pancetta Salad with Walnuts is a flavor and texture bomb you didn’t know you needed! Sweet dried apricots + roasted grapes mingle with crunchy walnuts, crisp lettuce and tangy goat cheese!

Cranberry Apricot Chicken

We’re big fans of one-pan meals. Our friend Tawny‘s Cranberry Apricot Chicken delivers big flavors in almost no time – with less mess. What’s not to love?

Want to learn more about some of your favorite dried fruits?