Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, often paired with arugula, walnuts, berries, and a variety of dressings. When it comes to choosing the perfect salad dressing to complement goat cheese, there are several options to consider. A classic choice is a vinaigrette, such as a red wine vinaigrette or a balsamic vinaigrette, which adds a touch of sweetness. For those who prefer a sweeter dressing, honey or honey mustard can be a delicious option. Additionally, creamy dressings made with goat cheese itself can be a unique and tasty choice, such as a BLT salad with a creamy goat cheese dressing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salad ingredients | Arugula, strawberries, walnuts, shrimp, chicken, salmon, beans, avocado, radish, kale, romaine, radicchio, lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, basil, red onion, sourdough bread, bacon |
| Dressing ingredients | Honey, balsamic vinegar, honey mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, buttermilk, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, vinegar |
| Type of cheese | Goat cheese, feta, blue cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Vinaigrettes: red wine, raspberry, balsamic, and honey
When it comes to vinaigrettes, there are several options that pair well with goat cheese. Here are some ideas for vinaigrettes that will complement the flavour of goat cheese:
Red Wine Vinaigrette
Goat cheese pairs well with red wines from the Loire Valley, such as Cabernet Franc, which has lighter styles with more herbaceous notes and tart acidity. This type of red wine vinaigrette will add a sophisticated touch to your salad.
Raspberry Vinaigrette
A raspberry vinaigrette is a delightful choice for a summer salad. The sweetness of the raspberries and the tangy flavour of the goat cheese create a beautiful combination. Adding some arugula leaves and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing can further enhance the flavours.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic choice for a goat cheese salad. The tangy and creamy goat cheese blends perfectly with the slightly acidic and sweet notes of balsamic vinaigrette. This combination is a great way to wake up your taste buds and enhance the flavours of your salad.
Honey Vinaigrette
Honey adds a sweet contrast to the creamy and tangy flavour of goat cheese. Combining goat cheese with honey and herbs creates a versatile appetizer that pairs well with wine or adds a touch of elegance to a cheese board. Drizzling extra virgin olive oil over the herbed goat cheese mixture can further elevate the flavours.
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Fruity flavours: strawberry, orange, lemon, and pomegranate
Fruit flavours can add a refreshing twist to a goat cheese salad. Here are some ideas for salad dressings that incorporate strawberry, orange, lemon, and pomegranate:
Strawberry
Strawberries can be used to create a sweet and tangy dressing that pairs well with goat cheese. For a simple option, mash or blend strawberries with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey to taste. Season with salt and pepper, and toss with arugula, walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese. You can also add shrimp or chicken for a heartier salad.
Orange
Oranges provide a bright, citrusy note to your salad. For an orangey dressing, blend fresh orange juice with olive oil, a splash of vinegar (such as balsamic or red wine vinegar), and a hint of Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper, and toss with arugula, walnuts, and crumbled goat cheese. You can also add shrimp, chicken, or salmon for extra protein.
Lemon
Lemon juice adds a bright, acidic kick to your salad dressing. For a simple lemon vinaigrette, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This dressing goes well with arugula, avocado, radish, and goat cheese crumbles. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for a more substantial meal.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate seeds can be used to add a burst of sweetness and colour to your salad. For a pomegranate vinaigrette, blend pomegranate seeds with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey. Season with salt and pepper, and toss with arugula, avocado, and goat cheese crumbles. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for a heartier option.
These fruity flavours complement the creaminess of the goat cheese, creating unique and delicious salad combinations.
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Sweet additions: honey, sweetened cranberries, and buttermilk
Sweet additions like honey, sweetened cranberries, and buttermilk can complement the tangy flavour of goat cheese in a salad. Honey, for instance, can be drizzled over the cheese, massaged into the leaves, or added to a vinaigrette to create a sweet and tangy dressing. For instance, a blend of honey, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper can be used to dress a salad with goat cheese, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and bacon.
Sweetened cranberries, on the other hand, can be used to cover the goat cheese itself. Dried sweetened cranberries can be added to a salad with goat cheese, sliced shallots, and crisp cucumbers, all tossed in a simple red wine vinaigrette. This combination of flavours creates a wholesome, sweet, and simple salad. To prepare the cranberries, it is recommended to soak them in hot water to soften them before adding them to the salad.
Buttermilk can also be used as a base for a creamy goat cheese dressing. When combined with honey, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper, it creates a smooth and creamy dressing that can be drizzled over a BLT salad with goat cheese. This type of dressing is perfect for a filling and tasty summer salad.
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Savoury options: bacon, blue cheese, and feta
When it comes to savoury options for salad dressings to pair with goat cheese, bacon, blue cheese, and feta are all excellent choices that can take your salad to the next level. Here are some ideas to consider:
Bacon
The salty, savoury flavour of bacon pairs wonderfully with goat cheese, especially when paired with other fresh ingredients. Try frying up some crispy bacon bits and adding them to your salad. You can also incorporate toasted breadcrumbs and a creamy dressing for a delicious BLT salad. For the dressing, blend together goat cheese, buttermilk, honey, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This combination will create a savoury and slightly sweet dressing that complements the bacon and goat cheese perfectly.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is another savoury option that goes well with goat cheese. Consider making a blue cheese vinaigrette, which can be drizzled over an arugula and tomato salad. To make the dressing, simply mix the blue cheese with balsamic vinegar and oil, creating a sweet and tangy flavour profile. This dressing will also work well with other types of salads, adding a savoury and creamy element to your dish.
Feta
Feta cheese is a great substitute for goat cheese or can be used alongside it in a salad. It has a salty, tangy flavour that can enhance your salad. For a simple option, create a vinaigrette directly in the bowl you'll be serving it in. This method allows you to build layers of flavour and ensures that your lettuce stays crunchy. You can also add sliced shallots, crisp cucumbers, and cranberry-covered goat cheese for a sweet and savoury combination.
These savoury options provide a range of flavours and textures that will elevate your goat cheese salad, offering a delightful culinary experience.
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Herbs and spices: Cajun seasoning, basil, and pepper
When it comes to herbs and spices, Cajun seasoning, basil, and pepper are all versatile ingredients that can be used to create delicious salad dressings to pair with goat cheese. Here are some ideas and recipes to try:
Cajun Seasoning
Cajun seasoning is a bold and flavourful blend of spices that can be used to create a creamy Cajun salad dressing. This type of dressing is tangy, spicy, and absolutely delicious. To make it, simply mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and Cajun seasoning to taste in a small bowl or mason jar. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper. This dressing pairs well with goat cheese, as the creaminess of the cheese balances out the tanginess of the dressing.
Basil
Basil is a fresh and fragrant herb that makes an excellent addition to salad dressings. A simple basil vinaigrette can be made by blending fresh basil, a small shallot, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt to taste. You can also add other herbs such as cilantro, parsley, or chives to create a more complex flavour profile. This dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days and is perfect for those who want a taste of summer in their salad.
Pepper
While pepper may seem like a basic ingredient, it can be used to create a variety of salad dressings, including a roasted red pepper dressing. This dressing is smooth, red, and absolutely addictive. It is made by blending roasted red peppers, balsamic vinegar, honey, and olive oil. The dressing has a French dressing taste and is perfect for those who want a sweet and tangy flavour to complement their goat cheese.
Feel free to experiment with these herbs and spices, adjusting the quantities and adding other ingredients to create unique and tasty salad dressings to pair with goat cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several salad dressings that go well with goat cheese. A few options include a simple red wine vinaigrette, balsamic vinaigrette, or honey.
Some ingredients that pair well with goat cheese in a salad include arugula, cranberries, walnuts, strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.
One tip is to make the dressing directly in the bowl, so that the dressing stays underneath the lettuce and the salad doesn't get soggy. You can also try adding something warm to the salad, like grilled chicken or shrimp, which will melt some of the goat cheese and create a warm salad.
