Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that will elevate your salad game from mundane to extraordinary! This European-inspired Goat Cheese and Hazelnut Oil Salad is not just a dish, but a symphony of flavors that dances elegantly between creamy, nutty, and tangy notes. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality salad that will make your dinner guests wonder if a professional chef secretly visited your kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: European
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Mixed greens
- Goat cheese
- Hazelnut oil
- Toasted hazelnuts
- Salt
- Pepper
- Balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Carefully wash the mixed greens under cold running water, then thoroughly pat dry using a clean kitchen towel or salad spinner to ensure crisp texture.
- Gently crumble the goat cheese into small, irregular pieces, allowing them to have a rustic, artisanal appearance.
- Toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat when they become fragrant and develop a golden-brown color, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- In a large salad bowl, arrange the mixed greens as a base, creating a light, airy foundation for the salad.
- Distribute the crumbled goat cheese evenly across the greens, ensuring each serving will have a balanced amount of cheese.
- Drizzle the hazelnut oil generously over the salad, allowing it to lightly coat the greens and cheese.
- Sprinkle the toasted hazelnuts over the salad, providing a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Finish by lightly drizzling balsamic vinegar in a delicate, zigzag pattern across the salad.
- Serve immediately to preserve the freshness and texture of the ingredients.
Tips
- Ingredient Temperature Matters: Ensure your goat cheese is slightly room temperature for the most creamy crumbling effect.
- Toasting Nuts Technique: Watch hazelnuts carefully while toasting - they can burn quickly. The moment you smell a nutty aroma, they're perfectly done.
- Dressing Application: Drizzle hazelnut oil and balsamic vinegar sparingly. The goal is to enhance, not drown, the delicate flavors.
- Greens Preparation: Use the freshest mixed greens possible and dry them thoroughly to prevent a soggy salad.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after preparation to maintain the crisp texture of greens and the warm crunch of hazelnuts.Pro tip: For an extra luxurious touch, slightly warm the goat cheese before crumbling to release its most complex flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 269kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
