Goat Cheese Delicacy: Best Dressing Pairings Revealed

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 pairing goat's cheese with a dressing, there are several options to consider. A popular choice is a honey-dijon vinaigrette, which combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of dijon mustard and the acidity of red wine vinegar. This dressing complements the creaminess of the goat's cheese and enhances the overall flavour of the dish. Another option is a sharp emulsion of olive oil, lemon juice, and dijon mustard, which adds a contrasting sharpness to the richness of the cheese. Additionally, a spicy dressing made with red pepper can be a tasty addition to a warm goat cheese salad, providing a slight kick to the sweetness of the cheese and honey.

Honey-Dijon vinaigrette

A basic honey-dijon vinaigrette can be made with just four ingredients: honey, dijon mustard, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Some recipes also include salt and pepper, and garlic for a sharper flavour. The ingredients are simply whisked together in a bowl or shaken in a jar, and the resulting dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

This versatile dressing can be used in a variety of ways. It can be drizzled over roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or potatoes, or used as a marinade for meats like chicken and pork. It also works well as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries or fresh vegetables.

For a goat's cheese salad, the cheese can be served warm, grilled on a thick slice of toast, with the vinaigrette drizzled over a bed of mixed greens, rocket, or watercress, and grilled vegetables such as courgette or cucumber. The salad can be topped with nuts, seeds, or fruit, but it is important not to overwhelm the delicate flavour of the goat's cheese with too many strong, sweet, or oily ingredients.

So, the next time you're looking for a delicious dressing to pair with your goat's cheese, give honey-dijon vinaigrette a try! It's a simple, versatile, and tasty option that will elevate your meal.

Olive oil, lemon juice, and dijon mustard

To make a lemon vinaigrette, you can add lemon juice, dijon mustard, and olive oil to a bowl and whisk until emulsified. Alternatively, you can add the ingredients to a jar, cover it with a lid, and shake vigorously to blend. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic, honey, maple syrup, or thyme to enhance the flavor. The vinaigrette can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

A similar combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and dijon mustard can be used to make a honey-dijon vinaigrette, which goes well with goat cheese. This dressing can be made by combining honey, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, shallots, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Then, olive oil is gradually added while whisking to create a creamy dressing. This dressing can be drizzled over mixed greens, topped with beets, walnuts, and goat cheese.

In addition to vinaigrettes, a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, and dijon mustard can be used as a dressing for a goat cheese salad. This dressing is light and sharp, complementing the richness of the goat cheese. It adds a tangy depth of flavor to the salad.

Spicy dressing with red pepper

A spicy dressing with red pepper is a great complement to goat cheese, especially when served with sourdough bread, walnuts, and cherry tomatoes. The warmth of the pepper and the tanginess of the cheese create a delightful combination.

Ingredients

• 1 small red pepper, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

• 4 slices of sourdough bread
• 1 tablespoon butter, for frying
• 4 thick slices of goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs
• 200g salad (lettuce or other greens)
• Bacon, diced
• Walnuts
• Cherry tomatoes

Method

• Fry the bread on both sides in a frying pan with butter.
• Place the bread slices on a baking tray covered with parchment paper.
• Add the goat cheese on top of each slice, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and drizzle with honey.
• Bake until the cheese turns a nice brown colour.
• Fry the bacon in a pan without added fat for about 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly.
• Place the salad greens on plates, add the cherry tomatoes, walnuts, and bacon, then place the goat cheese toast on top.
• Grind some fresh pepper on top.
• Mix all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and drizzle over the salad. Serve warm, while the cheese is still hot.

Variations and Tips

• For a sharper flavour, substitute apple cider vinegar for the balsamic vinegar.
• For a more intense red pepper flavour, roast the pepper before chopping and adding to the dressing.
• For a creamier texture, blend all the dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender.
• If you prefer a milder cheese, opt for a young goat cheese, which is lighter and less tangy.

Walnut oil, red wine vinegar, shallots, mustard, salt, and pepper

A vinaigrette made with walnut oil, red wine vinegar, shallots, mustard, salt, and pepper is a great choice to pair with goat cheese. This combination of flavours is a classic, and for good reason. The tangy, creamy goat cheese is offset by the acidity and depth of flavour from the red wine vinegar, the subtle onion flavour of the shallots, and the tang of the mustard. The walnut oil adds a nutty flavour and the perfect amount of smoothness to the dressing. Salt and pepper enhance the overall taste of the dressing.

This dressing can be made in big batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. It is a versatile dressing that can be used on a variety of salads, including those with goat cheese, roasted vegetables, or bitter greens.

Ingredients:

• Mixed greens
• Goat cheese
• Walnuts, coarsely chopped
• Red wine vinegar
• Shallots, minced
• Dijon mustard
• Walnut oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

• In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, shallots, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
• Slowly add the walnut oil in a steady stream, whisking constantly, until the dressing is emulsified.
• Place the mixed greens in a large bowl. Drizzle with the desired amount of vinaigrette and toss to combine.
• Top the salad with crumbled goat cheese and walnuts.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding other ingredients, such as roasted beets, cucumber, or avocado, to create a unique and delicious goat cheese salad.

Balsamic vinegar

A simple balsamic vinaigrette can be made by blending balsamic vinegar with olive oil, honey, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing can be drizzled over a variety of salads, such as arugula and tomato, or butter lettuce with red beets. For a unique twist, you can also incorporate the goat cheese into the dressing itself by blending it with balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and garlic salt.

When creating a goat cheese salad with balsamic vinaigrette, it is essential to consider the other ingredients that will complement the distinct flavours of the cheese and dressing. Fresh, salty vegetables like watercress, rocket, or little gem lettuce can provide a "clean" edge to the dish. Grilled courgette, cucumber, or roasted red peppers can add a sweet and silky contrast to the acidity of the dressing.

Additionally, you can experiment with different textures by adding ingredients like crunchy nuts or fried goat cheese medallions coated in panko breadcrumbs. However, it is worth noting that some sources suggest avoiding an overload of sweet elements, such as honey or balsamic reductions, as they can make the dish cloying.

In summary, when pairing balsamic vinegar with goat cheese, it is best to focus on creating a balanced combination of flavours and textures that enhance the unique characteristics of both elements.

Frequently asked questions