Salad with Herbed Baked Goat Cheese and Vinaigrette

Salad with Herbed Baked Goat Cheese and Vinaigrette is a delightful dish that elevates the classic warm goat cheese salad to a whole new level. Creamy goat cheese infused with fresh herbs, encased in a crisp, golden breading, and served on a bed of lightly dressed greens creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This recipe brings together the richness of warm goat cheese, the freshness of mixed hearty salad greens, and the tanginess of a flavorful vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a side dish to complement any meal.

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon minced shallot
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 14 ounces (14 cups) mixed hearty salad greens
• 1 recipe Herbed Baked Goat Cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisking constantly, drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until well combined. Season with pepper to taste.
2. Add the mixed hearty salad greens to the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat them evenly.
3. Divide the dressed greens among salad plates.
4. Take the Herbed Baked Goat Cheese rounds from the freezer and arrange them on top of the greens.
5. Serve the salad immediately while the goat cheese is still warm and the greens are fresh and crisp.

VARIATION:

Salad with Apples, Walnuts, Dried Cherries, and Herbed Baked Goat Cheese

• Soak the dried cherries in ½ cup of hot water in a bowl until they become plump (about 10 minutes), then drain them.
• Follow the same vinaigrette instructions as in the main recipe.
• Add the mixed hearty salad greens to the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
• Divide the dressed greens among salad plates.
• Sprinkle the soaked cherries, sliced Granny Smith apples, and toasted chopped walnuts over the greens.
• Arrange the warm Herbed Baked Goat Cheese rounds on top and serve promptly.

TIPS:

• Choosing Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, including fresh goat cheese, mixed hearty salad greens like arugula and frisée, and Melba toast crumbs for the breading.
• Freezing the Goat Cheese: To ensure a crisp crust and a smooth interior, freeze the breaded goat cheese rounds for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Hearty Greens: The salad works best with robust and flavorful greens like arugula and frisée, as they can stand up to the warm goat cheese.
• Get Creative with Variations: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own variations of the salad. For example, adding apples, walnuts, and dried cherries can bring a delightful sweetness and crunch.
• Timing: Prepare the salad components while the goat cheese is in the freezer, and toss the greens with the vinaigrette while the cheese cools slightly after baking.

Enjoy this Salad with Herbed Baked Goat Cheese and Vinaigrette as a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the best of warm goat cheese and fresh greens in every bite. Feel free to try different variations to suit your taste preferences and surprise your guests with a unique and delicious salad. Bon appétit!