Warm French goat's cheese salad with mixed greens and walnuts

Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad is a delightful dish that combines the creamy texture of goat cheese with the crunch of fresh greens and the savory flavor of bacon. It’s perfect for a light lunch or a starter at dinner. This recipe is not only satisfying but also quick to prepare, making it ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.

How to Make Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 x 60g / 2oz ripened goat’s cheese (each round 5-6cm (2-2.2" wide), ideally AOC)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp flour (plain / all-purpose)
  • 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular kind, or panko)
  • 30g / 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • 2 tsp pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • 100g / 3.5oz bacon (streaky; cut into 0.5 x 1.25cm (1/5 x 1/2") lardons)
  • 1/2 head of red oak or bibb lettuce (large; washed, dried, and torn into 2 or 3 large pieces)
  • 1 large tomato (cut into 8 wedges)
  • 1/2 tsp chives (finely chopped)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic (very finely minced)
  • 1 tbsp eschalot (finely diced)
  • 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar (the best quality you can afford)
  • 4 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (the best quality you can afford)
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Directions:

  1. Crumb Goat’s Cheese: Start by breading the goat’s cheese. Roll each round in flour, then dip it in beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. This will give the cheese a crispy outer layer when cooked.

  2. Prepare Salad: In a pan, cook the bacon lardons until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, toast the pine nuts until golden.

  3. Pan-fry Cheese: Add the butter to the pan and heat it. Then, gently place the crumbed goat cheese rounds in the pan. Cook them for about 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and warm throughout.

  4. Finish Salad: In a bowl, combine the lettuce, tomato wedges, chopped chives, garlic, eschalot, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Add the crispy bacon, walnuts, and toasted pine nuts. Toss everything gently.

How to Serve Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad

Serve the warm goat’s cheese on top of the salad mixture. Drizzle any remaining dressing over the salad and enjoy it immediately while the cheese is still warm and gooey.

How to Store Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store the components separately. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat the goat cheese in a pan before serving again.

Tips to Make Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad

  • Ensure your goat cheese is well chilled before breading to keep its shape while frying.
  • Experiment with different nuts for added flavor and texture.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the salad’s freshness.

Variation

You can add roasted vegetables like zucchini or peppers for more flavor. A drizzle of honey over the warm cheese can also give a delightful sweet contrast.

FAQs

Can I use any type of cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes, you can use other soft cheeses like brie or camembert, but the flavor will be different.

What can I use instead of bacon?
You can substitute bacon with cooked chicken, turkey, or even skip it for a vegetarian option.

How can I make this salad more filling?
Add grains like quinoa or farro to the salad for extra protein and fiber.