Kamil Perry
Goat's cheese is a popular ingredient in salads, adding a creamy richness to every bite. There are many different types of goat's cheese salads, from warm French salads to Greek salads and sweet and creamy salads with fruit and cranberries. Some recipes call for soft goat's cheese, while others suggest using goat's cheese medallions or crumbles. The type of salad and the desired texture and flavour profile will determine the best type of goat's cheese to use.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Starter |
| Cuisine | French, Greek, Californian |
| Temperature | Warm |
| Cheese Type | Goat's Cheese |
| Cheese Texture | Soft, creamy |
| Cheese Preparation | Pan-fried, baked, crumbled |
| Cheese Coatings | Thyme, breadcrumbs, cranberries |
| Salad Base | Oak lettuce, arugula, baby greens, romaine, iceberg, lamb's lettuce, cos/romaine, endive, mixed greens |
| Additional Ingredients | Tomatoes, walnuts, pine nuts, bacon, croutons, garlic, vinaigrette, olive oil, lemon juice, scallions, radishes, black olives, dried oregano, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, pecans, candied pecans, maple syrup, glazed pecans, glazed walnuts, anchovies, fillets, cucumbers, purple onions, grapes, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, jam, salt, pepper, apples, beets, berries, feta |
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What You'll Learn
French goat's cheese salad
Warm French Goat's Cheese Salad, or Salade de Chêvre Chaud, is a classic starter found in bistros across France. It is a fresh leaf salad with nuts and bacon, topped with pan-fried goat's cheese medallions that are golden and oozy.
The best goat's cheese to use for this salad is a Crottin de Chavignol from the Loire Valley. It is a small cylindrical cheese made from raw milk and has a creamy, "brie-like" interior. The cheese can be cut into medallions and pan-fried until golden and oozy. If you cannot find Crottin de Chavignol, any medium-matured goat's cheese will work, such as Crottin des Deux-Sèvres.
For the salad, you can use a variety of lettuces such as oak lettuce, lamb's lettuce, cos or romaine lettuce, or even iceberg lettuce cut into bite-sized pieces. Tomatoes are also a great addition to the salad, especially when cut into wedges rather than rounds. Toasted nuts such as walnuts, pine nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, and pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch.
The goat's cheese medallions can be served on top of the salad or on slices of toasted baguette, also known as crostini, for a more substantial dish. To make the crostini, simply fry slices of baguette in butter until golden, top with the goat's cheese, and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden.
To assemble the salad, toss the lettuce leaves with a vinaigrette and mound them on plates. Top with the warm goat's cheese medallions or crostini, and serve immediately with croutons and crispy bacon bits.
For a twist on the classic recipe, you can add a spicy kick to the dressing with some red pepper, or replace the honey dressing with a mustard dressing. You can also add fresh figs, sun-dried tomatoes, or marinated eggplants to the salad for extra flavour and texture.
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Baked goat's cheese salad
Baked goat cheese salad is a simple yet impressive dish that can be served as a side, a light lunch, or an appetizer. The salad typically consists of a blend of mixed greens or lettuces, such as oak lettuce, lamb's lettuce, or romaine lettuce, combined with warm, baked goat cheese. The goat cheese is often coated in a breadcrumb and thyme mixture, giving it a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, creamy interior.
To prepare the goat cheese for baking, it is recommended to cut the cheese into equal-sized rounds or balls while it is still cold, as room-temperature goat cheese can be difficult to slice. The cheese is then coated in the breadcrumb and thyme mixture and baked in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the goat cheese is baking, the salad can be prepared by tossing the mixed greens or lettuce leaves with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, shallot, salt, and pepper. The dressed salad can then be mounded on plates, and the warm goat cheese rounds can be placed on top, along with crunchy garlic croutons.
For a unique flavour combination, baked goat cheese salad can also be made with the addition of raspberries, providing a sweet and fresh contrast to the creamy cheese. Other ingredients such as cucumbers, pistachios, and a balsamic dressing can also be included to create a summer salad variation.
Baked goat cheese salad is a versatile dish that can be customised to suit different tastes and occasions. It can be served as a starter, main course, or side dish, and pairs well with various proteins such as grilled chicken, fried shrimp, or avocado.
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Greek goat's cheese salad
Greek goat cheese salad is a delicious and healthy meal, full of bright, fresh flavours and satisfying textures. It is a simple dish to prepare, with a combination of ingredients that work well together.
A traditional Greek salad consists of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, lemon juice, olive oil, and feta cheese. However, goat cheese is a wonderful alternative, with its silken texture contrasting beautifully with the lively crunch of the vegetables.
To make a Greek goat cheese salad, you will need:
- Salad greens such as romaine lettuce, shredded or left in larger pieces
- Scallions or spring onions
- Fresh herbs like parsley and oregano
- Vegetables such as cucumbers, radishes, and tomatoes
- Olives, preferably Kalamata
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Walnuts (optional)
- Croutons (optional)
The preparation is simple:
- Toss the salad greens, vegetables, herbs, and olives in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for the vinaigrette.
- Add the vinaigrette to the salad and toss well.
- Crumble the goat cheese over the salad and toss again gently.
- For an extra crunch, add toasted walnuts and homemade croutons.
- Serve immediately.
This salad is a perfect blend of crisp, creamy, tangy, and savoury flavours. It is a great option for those seeking a heart-healthy and nutritious meal that is also delicious and satisfying.
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Sweet and creamy goat's cheese salad
Sweet and creamy goat cheese salad is a delightful blend of flavours and textures. This salad is a perfect blend of tangy and sweet, crispy and creamy. The best goat's cheese to use is ripened goat's cheese, which has a rind and a creamy centre that melts when heated. Ideally, the cheese should come in small discs or medallions, or a log/barrel form that you can slice.
For the greens, you can use a combination of arugula, oak lettuce, lamb's lettuce, cos/romaine lettuce, or even iceberg lettuce. If using oak lettuce, it is best to leave the leaves larger and cut them when eating, as the soft leaves can flatten under the weight of the toppings. Arugula provides a bitter, leafy green base, while the other options offer a crisp texture.
For the toppings, a variety of ingredients can be used, such as cucumbers, purple onions, grapes, cranberries, almonds, and even bacon and nuts. The cucumbers add a refreshing crispness, while the grapes and cranberries bring sweetness. Toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pine nuts, provide a crunchy texture and a subtle nutty flavour. Bacon, fried until crispy, adds a savoury, salty element to the salad.
The dressing is a key component of this salad. A lemon vinaigrette is a perfect choice, made by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds. This dressing adds a tangy, zesty flavour that complements the sweetness of the fruit and the creaminess of the goat cheese.
To assemble the salad, combine the greens and toppings in a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Let the goat cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the salad to achieve a softer, more spreadable texture. Sprinkle the cheese with chives for added flavour and visual appeal.
This sweet and creamy goat cheese salad is a delightful dish, perfect for a summer evening, and can be paired with a dry, zesty white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
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Goat's cheese salad with arugula and apple
Goats Cheese Salad with Arugula and Apple
This salad is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that can be paired with any protein or grain. It is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, with a creamy texture. The peppery arugula, crisp apple slices, creamy goat cheese, and buttery pecans are a perfect combination.
Ingredients:
- Arugula: Baby arugula is preferred as it is milder and more kid-friendly. The larger the arugula leaves, the more bitter the flavor. Spinach is a great substitute for a milder flavor.
- Apples: Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp and hold up well when dressed. However, any apple you enjoy eating works well.
- Goat Cheese: Soft goat cheese or chevre is best. Pre-packaged crumbles can also be used.
- Pecans: These nuts add a slightly creamy texture and a crunchy element to the salad. Walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, or almonds can be used as substitutes.
- Shallot: This is a milder version of a red onion and completes the flavor.
- Dressing: A creamy balsamic dressing with a sweet-tart flavor is a good choice. It can be made with balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Alternatively, a lemon vinaigrette or apple cider vinegar dressing can also be used.
Instructions:
- Make the dressing by whisking together the ingredients in a mason jar. Taste and season according to your preference.
- Thinly slice the apple and shallot.
- Place the arugula on a plate or bowl and toss with half of the dressing.
- Arrange the sliced shallot, apple, pecans, and crumbles of soft goat cheese on top of the arugula.
- Drizzle with the remaining dressing and sprinkle with sea salt.
- For a prettier presentation, reserve a few red onions, apple slices, and goat cheese to arrange on top.
- To make the salad even more flavorful, toast the pecans in the oven or skillet before adding them to the salad.
This salad can be served as a side dish or a main course, paired with proteins such as chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu. It is a quick and simple dish that delivers a burst of flavor and is perfect for any occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
A goat cheese salad is a dish that combines greens, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and goat cheese. The specific ingredients vary depending on the recipe and the chef's preference.
Oak lettuce, spinach, and arugula are commonly used in goat cheese salads.
Apples, raisins, grapes, tomatoes, and beets are popular choices to include in a goat cheese salad.
Soft goat cheese or chevre is commonly used in salads. For a warm goat cheese salad, medallions of goat cheese can be pan-fried until golden and oozing on the inside. Alternatively, goat cheese can be baked with thyme and breadcrumb coating.
