Warm Goat Cheese Salad Recipe

If there’s one salad that knows how to flex in both style and flavor, it’s this toasted walnut and goat cheese delight with a balsamic kick—trust me, your taste buds are going to want an encore.

I adore how this Warm Goat Cheese Salad combines vivid flavors and textures in a nutritious dish. Creamy goat cheese wrapped in crispy panko is complemented by crisp greens and juicy cherry tomatoes.

This salad is elevated by the superb crunch of toasted walnuts. The balsamic vinaigrette, with a hint of Dijon, ties it all together beautifully.

Warm Goat Cheese Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Goat Cheese: Rich in protein and calcium; adds creaminess and tang.
• Mixed Salad Greens: Low in calories, high in vitamins; crunchy and fresh.
• Walnuts: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants; nutty texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: High in vitamins A and C; sweet and juicy.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy, deep flavor; low calorie and boosts taste.

Warm Goat Cheese Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 ounces goat cheese
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

How to Make this Warm Goat Cheese Salad Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up.

2. Cut the goat cheese into four equal rounds.

3. Panko breadcrumbs should be used to coat each goat cheese round, and they should be pressed lightly enough to make sure they stick.

4. 1 tablespoon of olive oil should be heated in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. The skillet should be large enough to hold all the goat cheese rounds without crowding them. If your skillet isn’t large enough, you can sear the rounds in batches. When the oil is hot, add the goat cheese rounds and sear them for about 2 minutes on one side.

5. Move the seared rounds of goat cheese to a baking sheet and place in an oven set to 350°F. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is warmed throughout.

6. In a big bowl, blend the salad greens and halved cherry tomatoes.

7. To prepare the dressing, combine the following ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk together:

– Balsamic vinegar
– Dijon mustard
– Salt
– Pepper
– Extra-virgin olive oil

8. Drizzle the dressing over the salad greens and tomatoes, tossing gently to coat them completely.

9. Distribute the salad onto plates or into bowls. Then, over the top, sprinkle the toasted walnuts.

10. On each serving of salad, place a warm round of goat cheese, and serve immediately.

Warm Goat Cheese Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Knife
3. Non-stick skillet
4. Baking sheet
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Small mixing bowl
7. Whisk
8. Cutting board
9. Tongs or spatula
10. Measuring spoons
11. Measuring cup

FAQ

• Q: Can I substitute panko breadcrumbs with another type of breadcrumb?A: Yes, you can use standard breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers in place of panko, although they may not have the same texture.
• Q: What type of goat cheese should I use?A: For the best results, use a log of soft, fresh goat cheese. You can easily slice and bread it for frying.
• Q: How can I toast the walnuts?A: You can toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are aromatic and golden.
• Q: Is there an alternative to balsamic vinegar for the dressing?Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can serve as substitutes, but they will change the flavor to some degree.
• Q: How should I store leftovers of this salad?A: For up to 1 day, any salad left over can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The greens may, however, wither in that time.
• Q: Can I prepare any components in advance?You may prepare the walnuts ahead of time by toasting them and storing them in an airtight container. You can also make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate it.

Warm Goat Cheese Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Cheese made from goat’s milk: Substitute with feta made from goat’s milk or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Panko breadcrumbs: Substitute with standard breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Pecans or almonds can be substituted for walnuts in any recipe. They will give a different yet still delicious nutty flavor to your dish.
Grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes can be used instead of cherry tomatoes.
Balsamic vinegar: Substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different type of tang.

Pro Tips

1. Freeze the Goat Cheese Before slicing the goat cheese, place it in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. This will firm up the cheese and make it easier to slice into neat rounds without crumbling.

2. Enhanced Panko Coating Mix the panko breadcrumbs with some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra layer of flavor. A pinch of garlic powder can also elevate the taste.

3. Perfect Toasted Walnuts For more evenly toasted walnuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

4. Customized Dressing If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard.

5. Variations for Extra Crunch Add thinly sliced red onions or bell peppers to the salad for additional crunch and color. This can also enhance the flavor profile and give the salad more texture variety.