Indulge in the delightful flavors of France with our Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts! This exquisite dish combines the creamy richness of goat cheese, the crunch of toasted walnuts, and the freshness of mixed greens, making it the perfect appetizer or light meal. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of 25 minutes, you’ll be savoring this gourmet salad in no time. Ready to impress your family and friends with a touch of culinary elegance? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will be the temperature for toasting the walnuts and warming the goat cheese.
- Spread the walnuts evenly on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and toast the walnuts for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Be sure to stir them halfway through to ensure even toasting.
- While the walnuts are toasting, prepare the mixed greens. Rinse them under cold water and spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them gently with a clean kitchen towel. Place the greens in a large salad bowl.
- Once the walnuts are toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. After they have cooled, roughly chop the walnuts into smaller pieces if desired, and set them aside.
- Next, prepare the goat cheese. If you prefer, you can form the goat cheese into small rounds or leave it crumbled, depending on your presentation preference.
- In a small oven-safe dish, place the goat cheese and put it in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until it is warm and slightly softened. Keep an eye on it to avoid melting completely.
- While the goat cheese is warming, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinaigrette with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Once the goat cheese is warm, remove it from the oven. Add the toasted walnuts to the mixed greens in the salad bowl.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over the greens and walnuts, tossing gently to combine and ensure everything is coated with the dressing.
- Finally, top the salad with the warm goat cheese, either in rounds or crumbles, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Warm Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts!
Tips
- Toasting Walnuts: Keep a close eye on the walnuts while they toast in the oven. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so stir them halfway through for even toasting.
- Goat Cheese Texture: For a more visually appealing presentation, consider forming the goat cheese into small rounds before warming it. This adds a gourmet touch to your salad.
- Dressing Variations: Feel free to experiment with different dressings! A honey mustard or citrus vinaigrette can add a unique twist to the flavor profile of your salad.
- Add Extra Ingredients: Enhance your salad by adding seasonal fruits like sliced pears or figs for a sweet contrast, or include some sliced red onions for an extra kick.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine, making it a perfect choice for a dinner party or a romantic evening at home.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
