Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad

Introduction

Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad, or Salade de Chèvre Chaud, is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of goat’s cheese with fresh vegetables and crispy bacon. This salad is perfect as a starter or a light main meal. The warm, crumbed goat’s cheese sits atop a bed of mixed greens, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s a wonderful way to showcase fresh ingredients, and the warm cheese adds an indulgent touch. Goat’s cheese is also versatile and offers a unique flavor that most people love. Plus, with crispy bacon, toasted nuts, and a homemade dressing, this salad tantalizes your taste buds while being visually appealing.

How to Make Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad

Making this salad is straightforward. You’ll prepare the goat’s cheese by crumbing it, cook the bacon, and toss everything with a homemade dressing. Follow the steps below for the best results.

Ingredients

2 x 60g / 2oz ripened goat’s cheese (each round 5-6cm wide, ideally AOC)
1 egg
2 tbsp flour (plain / all-purpose)
1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular kind, else sub panko)
30g / 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
2 tsp pine nuts
1/4 cup walnuts
100g / 3.5oz bacon (streaky; cut into lardons)
1/2 head of red oak or bibb lettuce (large; washed and dried)
1 large tomato (cut into 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
4 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/8 tsp salt

Directions

Crumb Goat’s Cheese

Slice cheese: Cut goat’s cheese into ~1.25cm thick rounds.
Prepare bowls: Place flour, whisked egg, and breadcrumbs in three small bowls.
Crumb cheese: Coat cheese in flour, shake off the excess, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.

Prepare Salad

Toast nuts: Spread nuts on a tray and toast in a 180°C oven for around 5 minutes until lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
Cook bacon: Place bacon in a cold pan, warm gradually, then cook until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Dressing: Shake dressing ingredients (Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt) in a jar.
Assemble salad: Place lettuce in a bowl, arrange tomatoes, sprinkle with toasted nuts and bacon.

Pan-fry Cheese

Melt butter: Heat butter in a non-stick pan over medium-high.
Cook cheese: Fry crumbed cheese on each side until golden. Drain on paper towels.

Finish Salad

Drizzle dressing: Add dressing and place crumbed cheese on top of each salad.
Serve immediately: Enjoy while the cheese is still hot and melty!

How to Serve Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad

Serve the salad immediately while the cheese is warm. It pairs well with a nice crisp white wine, which complements the flavors of the goat’s cheese and vegetables.

How to Store Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the components separately in the fridge. The lettuce and dressing should be kept in airtight containers, while the cheese can be stored in a sealed container. Reheat the cheese when you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers.

Tips to Make Warm French Goat’s Cheese Salad

Use high-quality goat’s cheese for better flavor.
Toast the nuts carefully to avoid burning.
You can prepare the dressing in advance for convenience.

Variation

You can add other ingredients like roasted beetroot, avocado, or different types of cheese to customize the salad to your taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other cheeses, but note that flavors may vary.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare some components in advance, such as the dressing and toasted nuts, but it’s best to assemble just before serving to keep the salad fresh.