Imagine indulging in a dish that perfectly balances creamy, warm goat cheese with the crunch of toasted nuts and seeds, all atop a bed of fresh greens. The "Seeded Warm Goat Cheese Salad" is not just a salad; it's a culinary experience that transports you straight to a quaint French bistro. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this delightful recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your salad game? Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 4 ounces goat cheese, sliced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toast walnuts and sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Slice goat cheese into 4 equal rounds, approximately 1/2 inch thick. If cheese is too soft, chill in refrigerator for 10 minutes to make slicing easier.
- Prepare a shallow dish with a mixture of toasted walnuts and sunflower seeds. Gently press each goat cheese round into the seed mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place seed-coated goat cheese rounds into the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and slightly softened.
- While cheese is cooking, arrange mixed greens on four individual serving plates, distributing them evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk balsamic vinegar with remaining olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to create a simple vinaigrette.
- Place a warm goat cheese round on top of each salad. Drizzle with prepared balsamic vinaigrette.
- Garnish with remaining toasted nuts and seeds. Serve immediately while cheese is still warm.
Tips
- Perfectly Toasted Nuts: To achieve the best flavor, make sure to toast your walnuts and sunflower seeds until they're fragrant and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly!
- Chill the Cheese: If your goat cheese is too soft to slice, pop it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into perfect rounds.
- Coating Technique: When pressing the goat cheese rounds into the seed mixture, be gentle but firm to ensure an even coating that will hold up during cooking.
- Non-Stick Skillet: Use a non-stick skillet for frying the goat cheese to prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful golden crust without the fuss.
- Fresh Greens: Opt for a mix of your favorite greens, such as arugula, spinach, or mesclun, to add a variety of textures and flavors to your salad.
- Vinaigrette Balance: Adjust the balsamic vinaigrette to your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed right after assembling while the goat cheese is still warm and gooey.With these tips, you’ll create a stunning salad that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
