Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a French-inspired salad that transforms ordinary greens into a gourmet masterpiece! This isn't just a salad; it's a luxurious dance of flavors that will transport you from your dining table straight to the charming countryside of France. With creamy goat cheese, sweet cherries, and a seductive port wine dressing, this recipe promises to elevate your everyday meal into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tablespoons port wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by thoroughly washing the mixed salad greens and spinning or patting them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once fragrant and lightly golden, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Pit and halve the fresh cherries, ensuring they are clean and free from stems.
- In a small bowl, whisk together port wine and olive oil to create the dressing. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the flavors.
- Arrange the mixed salad greens on a large serving platter or divide among four individual plates.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over the greens, ensuring each serving gets an equal amount.
- Distribute the halved cherries across the salad, allowing them to rest naturally on the greens.
- Scatter the toasted walnuts over the salad for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Drizzle the port wine dressing over the entire salad just before serving, ensuring an even distribution.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, crisp greens and the rich, tangy flavors of the goat cheese and port dressing.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients - the key to an exceptional salad is using the freshest produce and premium goat cheese.
- When toasting walnuts, watch them carefully and stir constantly to prevent burning. The goal is a golden, fragrant nut with a rich, deep flavor.
- For the best texture, make sure your salad greens are completely dry before assembling to prevent a soggy salad.
- Chill your serving plates beforehand to keep the salad crisp and cool, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- The port wine dressing is best drizzled just before serving to maintain the salad's freshness and prevent wilting of the greens.
- Consider using seasonal cherries for the most vibrant and sweet flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
