Warm Goat Cheese Salad
A delightful salad featuring crisp mixed greens, tangy warm goat cheese medallions, and crunchy nuts, all dressed in a sweet and tangy balsamic vinaigrette. A perfect light meal for two.
Prepare goat cheese medallions
Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the 4 ounce goat cheese log into 4 equal medallions (round slices). Gently press about 1 tablespoon finely chopped pecans or walnuts onto both sides of each goat cheese medallion. This coating will provide a nice crunch.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Chilling the goat cheese slightly beforehand can make it easier to slice cleanly.
- •Pressing the nuts firmly helps them stick during baking.
Bake the goat cheese
Place the coated goat cheese medallions on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is softened and the nuts are lightly toasted. The cheese should be warm and slightly gooey but still hold its shape.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Watch the cheese closely to prevent it from melting too much or burning.
- •Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Make the vinaigrette
While the cheese bakes, make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is well combined and emulsified (smooth and well-mixed).
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Emulsified means smooth and well-mixed, like mayonnaise.
- •Adjust the sweetness of the honey/maple syrup to your taste.
Assemble and serve
In a medium bowl, gently toss 2 cups mixed greens with 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion and 1/4 cup dried cranberries. Divide the salad greens evenly between two plates. Top each salad with two warm goat cheese medallions. Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette evenly over both salads. Serve immediately with 2 slices crusty baguette or bread on the side. The bread makes the dish not gluten-free.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
- •Serving immediately ensures the cheese is warm and gooey.
- Small bowl (for goat cheese coating)
- Small baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small bowl (for vinaigrette)
- Whisk
- Medium bowl (for salad greens)
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 💡For a gluten-free option, omit the bread or serve with gluten-free crackers or bread.
- 💡You can toast the baguette slices lightly for extra crunch.
- 💡Add slices of fresh apple or pear to the salad for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- 💡Walnuts can be used instead of pecans for the goat cheese coating.
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