Patrick Oconnell
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of salad recipes. From a simple combination of greens, fruits, and nuts to more complex creations with meat and bread, goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy flavour and a rich texture to any salad. In this article, we will explore different ways to cook and prepare goat cheese for salads, including baking, frying, and heating the cheese, as well as offering suggestions for complementary ingredients and flavour combinations.
How to Cook Goat Cheese for a Salad
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat Cheese Type | Plain, honey-flavoured, cranberry-coated, or log |
| Texture | Crumbed, creamy, or coated in beaten egg and breadcrumbs |
| Cooking Method | Baked, fried, or warmed in the oven or microwave |
| Salad Ingredients | Arugula, mixed greens, spinach, chopped romaine, Lebanese cucumbers, purple onions, grapes, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, strawberries, apples, raisins, walnuts, poppy seeds, candied pecans, or croutons |
| Dressing Ingredients | Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper |
| Salad Type | Side or main dish |
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What You'll Learn
Crumble or slice goat cheese
Crumbling or slicing goat cheese is a great way to add a creamy texture and tangy flavour to your salad. You can buy pre-crumbled goat cheese, or crumble it yourself by using a fork to break up a log of goat cheese into large pieces. You can also slice or cut the goat cheese into uneven chunks.
There are many ways to prepare goat cheese for a salad. Some recipes suggest frying the goat cheese, coating it in beaten egg and a thin layer of breadcrumbs, and then cooking it in a hot pan until it is dark gold. This method, known as Salade de Chèvre Chaud, is a simple yet show-stopping dish. Alternatively, you can heat the goat cheese in the oven or microwave with olive oil and herbs, and then place it on top of your dressed greens. This method is perfect for a warm summer evening, reminding you of the French countryside.
If you're looking for a quicker option, simply crumbling or slicing the goat cheese and adding it to your salad is a great option. This allows the cheese to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a well-rounded dish. You can also try coating the goat cheese in cranberries, providing a sweet and tart contrast to the creamy cheese. This unexpected combination is sure to impress your guests and elevate your salad game.
For a more substantial salad, consider adding protein such as bacon or pancetta, or even grilled fish on the side. The salty, savoury notes of the meat will complement the creamy, tangy goat cheese beautifully. You can also experiment with different types of greens, such as arugula, spinach, or romaine, to add a bitter or spicy kick to your salad. Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
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Assemble salad with toppings
Once you have prepared your chosen salad ingredients, it's time to assemble your goat cheese salad. The ingredients you choose to include will depend on your taste preferences, dietary requirements, and seasonal availability.
For a classic goat cheese salad, start by adding a base layer of mixed salad greens to your bowl. You can use peppery arugula, spinach, or romaine lettuce, or a combination of these. Next, add your chosen toppings. For a well-rounded salad, aim for a variety of textures and flavors. Some topping options include sliced cucumbers, strawberries, apples, grapes, dried cranberries, raisins, or nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Fresh or dried herbs such as dill or parsley will add a bright lift to your salad. You can also include sliced shallots or onions for a sharp, pungent flavor. Just be sure to dice raw onions finely to reduce their pungency.
Now, it's time to add the star ingredient: the goat cheese. You can use a spoon to break up the goat cheese into uneven chunks, or crumble the cheese with a fork before sprinkling it over the salad. If you prefer a warm goat cheese, you can coat rounds of goat cheese in beaten egg and breadcrumbs and fry them in a hot pan until dark gold, adding them to the salad while they're still warm. Alternatively, simply warm some goat cheese in the oven or microwave and add it to your salad.
Finally, dress your salad with your chosen vinaigrette. You can drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, or serve it on the side. Some popular dressing options for goat cheese salads include balsamic vinaigrette, lemon vinaigrette, or red wine vinaigrette. Don't forget to season your salad with salt and pepper to taste.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and combinations. You can also try adding other cheeses, such as feta or blue cheese, for a more complex flavor profile. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious goat cheese salad!
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Bake or fry goat cheese
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be baked or fried and added to a variety of salads. Here are some methods for baking or frying goat cheese to add an extra flavour dimension to your salads.
Baking Goat Cheese
Baking goat cheese is a simple process that can add a crispy texture and extra flavour to your salads. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Finely chop some rosemary and divide it into 8 portions, or more, depending on your preference.
- Place a sheet of filo pastry with the tip facing you.
- Sprinkle the rosemary in the middle of the pastry, creating a strip along its entire length.
- Add a strip of crumbled goat cheese next to the rosemary.
- Spread a tablespoon of a sweet and tangy condiment, such as sweet jalapeño, over the cheese.
- Carefully roll the filo dough over the cheese, forming a cheese stick or stem.
- Repeat this process for each portion of cheese and rosemary.
- Place the cheese sticks side by side on the prepared baking tray and bake until crispy.
- Serve the baked goat cheese on a platter with a dip, such as sweet jalapeño, and enjoy the crispy, savoury treat.
Frying Goat Cheese
Frying goat cheese creates a warm, gooey, and melty centre with a golden crust. It can be a delicious addition to any salad, providing a contrast of textures and flavours. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the goat cheese by slicing a log of creamy goat cheese into 8 thick slices or 1-ounce sections.
- Use your hands to gently squeeze and tightly pack each slice into a round shape.
- Set up a dredging station by placing flour, a beaten egg, and breadcrumbs into three separate bowls. You can also add some freshly ground black pepper to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.
- Lightly bread the goat cheese by first dipping it in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dipping it in the egg, and finally coating it with the breadcrumbs.
- Place the breaded goat cheese rounds on a clean plate and refrigerate for at least an hour to ensure they hold their shape during frying.
- Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil in a pan.
- Fry the breaded goat cheese rounds until golden and crispy on the outside, and warm and melty on the inside.
- Serve the fried goat cheese on your favourite salad or enjoy it as an appetizer with a drizzle of honey or some crackers.
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Use ripened goat cheese
Ripened goat cheese is a great option for a warm goat cheese salad, or Salade au Chèvre Chaud. This type of cheese has a rind and a creamy centre that melts when heated, making it perfect for pan-frying or grilling. When choosing a ripened goat cheese for your salad, look for small discs or logs that you can slice into medallions. The rind will help keep the cheese from running everywhere when cooking.
If you can't find ripened goat cheese with a rind, you can use fresh goat cheese and grill it on bread. Spread the cheese on bread and grill it briefly, then place it on your salad. You can also use a sharp knife or your fingers to break the cheese into pieces that look like crumbles.
For a simple, sweet and tangy goat cheese salad, combine arugula, Lebanese cucumbers, purple onions, grapes, and dried cranberries in a large bowl. Top with a healthy serving of ripened goat cheese and poppy seeds for a pop of texture. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of poppy seeds for a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
If you're looking for something more substantial, try adding salty bacon, tangy and creamy goat cheese, sweet strawberries, and savory garlic butter croutons. Or, for a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with pancetta or prosciutto. This salad is versatile and can be adapted to your taste and what you have on hand.
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Pair with wine
When it comes to pairing wine with a goat cheese salad, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, goat cheese itself has a complex and sometimes funky character with bright, lemony acidity, so it is important to choose a wine that will complement these flavours. Secondly, consider the other ingredients in your salad, as you want a wine that will complement the overall flavour profile of the dish.
A dry, zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a classic choice to pair with goat cheese. The zippy acidity in the wine matches the acidity in the cheese, resulting in a fresh and invigorating combination. Sauvignon Blanc is also produced in the same regions as some goat cheeses, making it a natural pairing.
Chenin Blanc, an off-dry Riesling, or a cider are also recommended pairings for goat cheese. These drinks offer a riper, rounder, and slightly sweeter profile that can balance the acidity of the cheese. A Chardonnay with a creamy texture and refreshing flavours of apples and pears, such as a French Macon-Villages, Pouilly-Fuisse, or Chablis, is another excellent choice to serve with aged goat cheeses.
If you're looking for a red wine option, a Sancerre rouge or a Syrah from Washington state or California are worth considering. The Sancerre rouge, made with Pinot Noir grapes, will have a bright acidity that pairs well with the goat cheese. Meanwhile, the big flavours of ripe summer berries in the Syrah will mellow out the funky, bitter flavours that some people find overwhelming in soft goat cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to cook goat cheese for a salad. You can coat rounds of goat cheese in beaten egg and breadcrumbs and fry them in a pan until dark gold. Alternatively, you can crumble the goat cheese into a salad or heat it in the oven or microwave and eat it with dressed greens and crusty bread.
Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different types of salads. Some common ingredients used in goat cheese salads include arugula, spinach, romaine, or mixed greens, as well as fruits and nuts such as apples, strawberries, grapes, cranberries, almonds, and walnuts.
A tangy vinaigrette, such as a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette, is a good choice for a goat cheese salad. You can also make a dressing with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
A quick and easy goat cheese salad can be made by combining mixed greens, fruits such as apples, raisins, or grapes, and nuts such as walnuts or pecans. Then, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, and garlic to make a dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad and top with crumbled goat cheese.
