Grilled Goat Cheese Salad With UK Inspiration
There’s something undeniably delightful about a salad that offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. One such salad that does just that is the Grilled Goat Cheese Salad. Combining the creamy richness of goat cheese with the freshness of leafy greens, sweet fruits, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a refreshing addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a vibrant appetizer, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
In this post, we’re sharing the steps to create a grilled goat cheese salad that’s easy to prepare and delivers a unique burst of flavors. Let’s take a look at what makes this salad so special.
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Stag’s Head Inn, Dunster, England
Our Introduction To Grilled Goat Cheese Salad
Our first dinner in Dunster, England was at the Stags Head Inn Restaurant. Just steps away from our lodging, this quaint restaurant gave us our first taste of food in Dunster. One of our starters was a Grilled Goat Cheese Salad. This recipe is inspired by our dinner in Dunster.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this recipe, you’ll be working with simple ingredients that come together harmoniously:
- Fresh greens: Choose a mix of your favorite salad greens such as arugula, baby spinach, or a spring mix.
- Goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, goat cheese adds a distinctive flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory elements.
- Fruits: Slices of apples or pears bring a touch of sweetness and crunch to this salad.
- Nuts: Toasted nuts, like walnuts or pecans, add another layer of texture and depth.
- Dressing: A simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard enhances the freshness of the salad while tying all the flavors together.
- Optional toppings: Consider adding dried cranberries, figs, or a sprinkle of seeds for extra flair.
The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. You can mix and match ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in season.
Grilled Goat Cheese
Grilling the goat cheese is the star technique in this recipe. This step is essential because grilling the cheese adds a warm, gooey texture to the salad that complements the crispness of the fresh greens.
Assembling the Salad
Once you have your grilled goat cheese ready, it’s time to assemble the salad.
- Start by placing your greens in a large serving bowl or plate.
- Add your prepared fruits, like thinly sliced apples or pears, to the bed of greens.
- Toss in the toasted nuts for a crunchy bite.
- Finally, carefully place the grilled goat cheese rounds on top and drizzle with your homemade vinaigrette.
Serve immediately to enjoy the goat cheese while it’s still warm and slightly melted.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
The combination of flavors in this salad is nothing short of spectacular. The creamy goat cheese contrasts beautifully with the crisp greens and fruits, while the tangy vinaigrette ties everything together. Plus, this salad is both light and satisfying, making it perfect for any time of day.
It’s also an ideal option for entertaining, as it looks elegant on the plate yet takes minimal effort to prepare. You can customize it with different fruits and nuts or add some grilled vegetables for a heartier version. It’s a salad that’s sure to impress!
Grilled Goat Cheese Salad Recipe
Grilled Goat Cheese Salad
Grilled goat cheese salad is easy to prepare and delivers a unique burst of flavors.
Ingredients
- INGREDIENTS FOR DRESSING
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard or 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Dash of salt
- Black pepper to taste
- INGREDIENTS FOR SALAD
- 8 ounces goat cheese log, cut into ½ inch slices
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 3 cups lettuce leaves, tear into bite-size pieces (you can substitute other salad greens like arugula, baby spinach, or a spring mix)
- ½ cucumber sliced
- 12 to 16 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1 roasted beet, diced
- 1 pear, sliced (you can substitute apple)
- 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon honey (to drizzle over the salad)
Instructions
- Roast beet and set aside.
- Halve the cheese rounds to make four discs. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Preheat the grill or oven to high heat and line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking mat.
- Halve and core the pear, cut each half into slices, and arrange them on the baking sheet. Lightly brush the pears with oil, then grill for seven minutes.
Add the cheese rounds to the baking sheet. - Cook the pears and cheese on grill or oven for no more than three minutes.
- Make the dressing. In a bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients.
- Add the lettuce leaves and salad ingredients to coat with the dressing.
- Top each salad with 2 or 3 grilled goat cheese rounds and walnut pieces. Serve immediately.
Conclusion: A Salad to Savor
The Grilled Goat Cheese Salad is more than just a side dish – it’s an experience in taste and texture. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or as a show-stopping appetizer at your next dinner party, this salad will leave your guests asking for seconds. It’s the perfect way to enjoy fresh ingredients with the added indulgence of warm, grilled goat cheese.
#goatcheesesalad
More Recipes Inspired By Our Travels In England
Banana Stuffed French Toast
Butternut squash and chickpea stew
Chickpea and roasted pepper curry
