Goat Cheese Delicacy: Best Dressing Pairings For A Tangy Treat

Goat's cheese is a versatile product that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to baked goods. When it comes to dressings that complement goat's cheese, there are several options to consider. A honey-dijon vinaigrette, made with ingredients like honey, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, shallots, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil, is a popular choice for a goat's cheese salad. This dressing adds a subtle sweetness and a tangy flavour to the dish. Alternatively, a sharp emulsion of olive oil, lemon juice, and dijon mustard can also be used as a dressing for a goat's cheese salad, providing a contrasting flavour profile. In terms of ingredients that pair well with goat's cheese, walnuts, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, and fresh figs are often used to add texture and flavour.

Honey-Dijon vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
• 3/4 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1-2 Tbsp honey

Instructions:

• Combine all ingredients in a mason jar or a small bowl.
• If using a mason jar, secure the lid tightly and shake until the ingredients are well combined. If using a bowl, whisk the ingredients together until blended.
• Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
• This vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

This vinaigrette is perfect for drizzling over a salad with goat cheese, roasted vegetables, or even as a marinade for meat. It adds a delicious blend of sweet and tangy flavours to your dish.

For a goat cheese salad, consider using a base of mixed greens, baby spinach, or arugula. You can also add in some walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch, and dried cranberries or fresh apples for a touch of sweetness. The vinaigrette will bring all the flavours together, creating a well-balanced and tasty salad.

So, the next time you're looking for a dressing to pair with your goat cheese, give Honey-Dijon vinaigrette a try! It's a simple yet delicious way to elevate your meal.

Olive oil, lemon juice, and dijon mustard

The olive oil provides a smooth base for the dressing, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing zing. The dijon mustard gives the dressing a little extra kick and helps to emulsify the ingredients. This dressing is perfect for a summery goat's cheese salad, adding a sharp and tangy flavour that complements the sweetness of the cheese.

To make this dressing, simply whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and dijon mustard. You can adjust the proportions to your taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Drizzle this dressing over a bed of mixed greens, such as watercress and rocket, or little gem lettuce. Top with goat's cheese, and perhaps some grilled vegetables like courgette or roasted red peppers, for a delicious and refreshing salad.

For a warm goat's cheese salad, try frying some sourdough bread in butter, then topping it with goat's cheese and fresh herbs, and baking until the cheese is golden. Serve this on a bed of lettuce with cherry tomatoes, walnuts, and diced bacon, and drizzle with the olive oil, lemon juice, and dijon mustard dressing for a savoury and satisfying meal.

Walnut oil and extra-virgin olive oil

A suggested recipe for a dressing using these oils is as follows:

> In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, shallot, mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the oil to make a creamy dressing.

This dressing goes well with a spinach salad containing goat cheese and walnuts. To make the salad, put most of the spinach in a large bowl and toss with most of the dressing. Add the remaining spinach and continue tossing until well coated. Serve immediately topped with goat cheese and walnuts.

Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper

The Dressing

The dressing is a simple yet effective mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The olive oil provides a smooth, subtle base that allows the balsamic vinegar to shine. The vinegar adds a sharp, acidic edge to the dressing, creating a nice contrast with the rich, creamy goat cheese. This combination is a classic for a reason! You can adjust the ratio of oil to vinegar to suit your taste—add more vinegar for a bolder, tangier dressing, or more oil for a milder, smoother option.

The Red Pepper

The addition of red pepper takes this dressing up a notch. Red peppers have a natural sweetness that, when finely chopped and added to the dressing, creates a delightful contrast with the acidity of the vinegar. The red pepper also adds a subtle spicy kick, enhancing the overall flavour profile. This spicy-sweet element is a perfect complement to the goat cheese, creating a well-rounded and intriguing taste experience.

Serving Suggestions

This dressing is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to complement goat cheese. Here are some ideas:

• Drizzle it over a warm goat cheese salad, featuring toasted sourdough slices topped with melted goat cheese, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of honey.
• Toss it with mixed greens, such as watercress, rocket, or little gem lettuce, and top with goat cheese, baked beetroot, or red onions for a refreshing summer dish.
• For a heartier option, combine it with roasted vegetables like beetroot, red peppers, and red onions, and serve alongside grilled goat cheese on toast.
• Create a colourful and flavourful pasta salad by tossing cooked pasta with the dressing, crumbled goat cheese, and roasted red peppers.

Final Thoughts

The combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper is a wonderful way to enhance the flavour of goat cheese. The sweetness and acidity of the dressing provide a lovely contrast to the creamy, tangy cheese. Whether used as a drizzle, a coating, or a component of a larger dish, this dressing is a perfect way to elevate your goat cheese creations.

Red wine vinegar and shallots

A simple way to make a vinaigrette is to combine red wine vinegar, shallots, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. You can then gradually whisk in walnut oil, or a mixture of walnut and extra-virgin olive oil, to create a creamy dressing. This dressing goes well with a spinach salad with goat's cheese and walnuts.

Another option is to whisk in vegetable oil instead of walnut oil, creating a sharper dressing that pairs well with the sweetness of the goat's cheese. This dressing works well with a base of mixed greens, topped with beets, walnuts, and goat's cheese.

For a warm goat's cheese salad, you can fry sourdough bread in butter, top it with goat's cheese, and drizzle a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and finely chopped red pepper over the salad.

The tangy and acidic flavours of red wine vinegar and shallots in a dressing complement the richness and sweetness of goat's cheese, making it a great choice for a variety of salads.

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