Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a French-inspired culinary masterpiece that transforms a simple salad into a gourmet experience! The Baked Goat Cheese Salad is not just a meal, but a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to a charming Parisian bistro. Imagine warm, creamy goat cheese melting delicately over crisp mixed greens, complemented by the crunch of toasted walnuts and the sweet burst of dried cranberries - this dish is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the goat cheese from refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly. Cut the goat cheese into 4 equal rounds, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the goat cheese rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Bake the goat cheese in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is soft and slightly golden around the edges but still maintains its shape.
- While the cheese is baking, prepare the salad dressing by whisking together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed greens with the prepared dressing until leaves are lightly coated.
- Divide the dressed greens among four plates. Carefully place a warm baked goat cheese round on top of each salad.
- Sprinkle toasted walnuts and dried cranberries over each salad.
- Serve immediately while the goat cheese is still warm, allowing the cheese to slightly melt over the fresh greens.
Tips
- To elevate your Baked Goat Cheese Salad from good to extraordinary, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Temperature is key: Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature before baking to ensure even heating and a perfect creamy texture.
- Watch your walnuts carefully when toasting - they can burn quickly! Keep stirring and remove from heat as soon as they become fragrant.
- Use high-quality, fresh goat cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the cheese at its most luxurious, slightly melted state.
- For added elegance, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs like thyme or chives over the salad before serving.
- If you want extra richness, drizzle a small amount of honey over the warm goat cheese for a sweet contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
