This Warm Crusted Goat Cheese Salad is a tasty mix of fresh greens topped with crispy, golden goat cheese. It’s a perfect balance of flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser!
I love how the warm cheese just melts in your mouth while you munch on the crunchy salad. It makes me feel fancy, but honestly, it’s super easy to whip up on any day. 🧀🥗
Ingredients & Substitutions
Goat Cheese: The star of the show! You want a nice log of fresh goat cheese. If you’re not a fan, try feta or cream cheese mixed with herbs for a different flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light, crunchy texture. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work too, though they may not be as crispy.
Mixed Salad Greens: Any salad greens will do! You can switch it up with baby kale, mesclun mix, or even cabbage for a different bite.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a robust flavor. If you prefer fresh, diced tomatoes can be used, but add a squeeze of lemon for acidity.
Pecans: Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds can replace pecans if you want a different nutty flavor or are nut-free.
Balsamic Vinegar: This helps with the dressing’s tang. Other vinegars like red wine or apple cider work too, but they’ll change the salad’s overall taste.
How Do You Get the Goat Cheese Perfectly Crusted?
Breading the goat cheese requires some patience, but it’s straightforward! Make sure your heating oil is hot enough to create a great crust without soaking the cheese.
- Slice the goat cheese evenly for consistent cooking.
- Dip in the egg fully, letting the excess drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Coat it in breadcrumbs and press slightly to make them stick.
- Heat your skillet on medium—add oil and once shimmering, place the cheese in carefully to avoid splashes.
- Cook until golden brown, then quickly transfer to the oven to warm through. This step keeps the inside creamy!
How to Make Warm Crusted Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Goat Cheese:
- 4 oz goat cheese (1 log)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 egg
For the Salad:
- 2 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as parsley or chives)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10-15 minutes for cooking. You’ll be able to enjoy this warm and delicious dish in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Goat Cheese:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, take the goat cheese log and slice it into 4 equal rounds. Set these aside for now.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In this step, you’ll create a simple breading station. Grab two bowls: in one bowl, place your breadcrumbs; in the other, beat the egg until mixed. This will help coat your cheese perfectly!
3. Bread the Goat Cheese:
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty! Take each slice of goat cheese and dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Next, coat each slice in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make sure they stick well. Repeat this until all the cheese rounds are ready!
4. Cook the Goat Cheese:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and drizzle a bit of olive oil to coat the bottom. Once the pan is hot, carefully add the breaded goat cheese rounds. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. When done, transfer the cheese to a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 5-7 minutes to ensure they’re warmed through.
5. Make the Salad:
While the cheese is finishing in the oven, grab a large mixing bowl. Add in the mixed salad greens, shredded carrots, sun-dried tomatoes, chopped pecans, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the top, then sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Toss everything together until it’s well combined and coated.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Now it’s time to serve! Place the salad on plates or in bowls and top each serving with the warm crusted goat cheese. For a little extra flair, garnish with fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy your salad immediately while the goat cheese is warm and delicious!
Can I Use Pre-Crumbled Goat Cheese?
Yes, you can use pre-crumbled goat cheese, but be aware that it won’t have the same crusty texture as the breaded slices. If using pre-crumbled cheese, consider mixing it into the salad instead of heating it, or you could form it into patties and follow the breading process for a similar effect!
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko, but keep in mind that the texture might be a bit denser. Alternatively, you can crush some crackers, like Ritz or saltines, for a flavorful coating!
How Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
To prepare in advance, wash and chop the salad greens and veggies, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also prepare the goat cheese rounds and keep them breaded, covered in the fridge, for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to bake or pan-fry them right before serving for that warm, crispy goodness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge without the warm goat cheese, as it will become soggy. The salad mix can last about 1-2 days. Simply reheat the leftover goat cheese in the oven or skillet to enjoy with the fresh salad again!
