Warm Goat Cheese Salad (Salade De Chèvre Chaud)

This delicious recipe for a composed salad is a delightful appetizer, inspired by the French tradition of serving a salade composée at the beginning of a meal. In contrast to a simple salad with a light dressing, this dish features a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will surely excite your taste buds. The recipe is part of a Julia Child class, often taught during the winter season, making it a perfect choice for a cozy and comforting dining experience.

Serves four

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 2 oz packages chèvre (soft goat cheese), well chilled or slightly frozen
• 3 slices stale bread, made into bread crumbs, or prepared bread crumbs
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 4–6 cups washed and dried salad greens
• 8 pieces thinly sliced baguette
• 1 batch French Vinaigrette Dressing

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. If using bread for bread crumbs, remove the crusts, and place the bread in a food processor. Pulse the bread until fine crumbs form. Season the breadcrumbs with a few dashes of salt and pepper.
2. Using a piece of dental floss, slice the chilled or slightly frozen goat cheese cross-wise into eight equal pieces, each about ¾ inch thick.
3. Place the breadcrumbs on a dinner plate. Brush each goat cheese disk with beaten egg, then press them into the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. Flip the cheese disks over and repeat the process.
4. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly brush the baguette slices with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes or until they become slightly toasted.
5. Toss the washed and dried salad greens with the French Vinaigrette Dressing until they are well coated.
6. In a skillet, heat one to two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the coated goat cheese disks in the pan.
7. Allow the cheese to brown for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, carefully flipping them over to brown the other side.
8. Once both sides of the cheese disks have browned to perfection, remove them from the pan.
9. Divide the dressed salad greens evenly among four salad plates.
10. Place two slices of the toasted baguette on each plate.
11. Carefully place one goat cheese disk on top of each baguette slice.
12. Your delectable composed salad is now ready to be served! The combination of flavors from the crispy baguette, creamy goat cheese, and fresh salad greens, all complemented by the tangy French vinaigrette, will surely impress your guests. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy it at its best.

TIPS:

• Experiment with Greens: Feel free to use a variety of salad greens for added color and flavor. You can try a mix of arugula, baby spinach, mesclun, or any other fresh greens you prefer.

• Serving Temperature: The goat cheese disks are best served hot and freshly cooked. Ensure that the salad greens and baguette slices are also fresh and at room temperature when assembling the salad.

• Speed and Timing: The goat cheese disks cook quickly, so it’s essential to have all the components ready to assemble the salad swiftly. Prepare the bread crumbs, salad greens, and vinaigrette in advance to expedite the process.

• Variations: Get creative with the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients. For example, you can incorporate toasted nuts, dried fruits, or even fresh berries to enhance the salad’s overall appeal.

• Pairing Suggestions: This composed salad pairs wonderfully with a glass of light, crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling beverage. It’s an excellent choice for a light lunch, appetizer, or as part of a delightful French-inspired meal.

• Presenting the Salad: Pay attention to the presentation of the dish. Arrange the salad greens neatly on the plates and place the warm, crispy baguette slices with goat cheese on top, creating an appealing visual presentation.

This composed salad is a perfect appetizer to kickstart a French-inspired meal or can be enjoyed as a light and satisfying lunch on its own. The contrast between the warm, breaded goat cheese and the cool, crisp salad greens creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Bon appétit!