Looking for a simple, delicious recipe for a last-minute dinner? As someone who's hosted countless gatherings, this warm goat cheese salad is my go-to. Guests rave about it every time, and it's balanced, quick to prepare, and easy on the wallet.
This classic warm goat cheese salad never fails to impress. Here's my tried-and-true recipe:
- 1 small goat cheese round (crottin) per person, or a goat cheese log
- 1 rustic country bread
- Mixed salad greens, such as lamb's lettuce (mâche)
- 2 or 3 tomatoes
- 2 or 3 apples
- Liquid honey
- Olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) on the grill/broil setting.
2. Slice the country bread and set aside.
3. Wash and peel the apples.
4. Cut into thin slices.
5. Wash the tomatoes.
6. Dice them into small pieces.
7. Wash the salad greens and spin dry.
8. On each plate, arrange the greens, tomatoes, and apple slices.
9. Place a goat cheese round on each bread slice. If using a log, halve it widthwise if thick.
10. Drizzle with olive oil.
11. Bake for 5-7 minutes. Watch closely so the cheese becomes creamy, not runny.
12. Whisk the vinaigrette: start with mustard, add vinegar, then olive oil, salt, and pepper.
13. Top the salad with the warm goat cheese toasts.
14. Drizzle a touch of honey over each toast.
15. Serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious warm goat cheese salad! Pro tip: Prep the salad ahead and toast the cheese at the last minute for the ideal warm, creamy texture. Elevate it further with Provençal herbs, bacon bits, grapes, or nuts for extra flavor.
