Herbed Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Herbed Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans. This vibrant dish features warm, herb-infused goat cheese that melts into a bed of baby greens, complemented by the sweetness of candied pecans and a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a striking appetizer for gatherings, this salad offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh elements that will impress your guests. Make it an unforgettable experience by sharing this recipe with friends and family as they will love the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh minced garlic
1/2 cup (minced)
Minced fresh thyme
2 tablespoons (minced)
Fresh ground pepper
2 tablespoons (ground)
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons
Olive oil
1 cup (additional for coating)
Goat cheese logs
2 (3 ounces each) (cut into 4 pieces)
Seasoned bread crumbs
1 1/2 cups
Aged balsamic vinegar
1 cup (good quality)
Minced fresh garlic (for dressing)
1 teaspoon (minced)
Minced shallot
1 teaspoon (minced)
Chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon
Soy sauce
2 teaspoons
Rice vinegar
2 tablespoons
Cracked pepper
1 teaspoon
Extra virgin olive oil
1 cup (for dressing)
Baby greens
8 ounces
Candied pecans (optional)
1/2 cup (optional)
Shaved carrot (optional)
1/4 cup (optional)
Red onion (optional)
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
Prepare the herbed goat cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, thyme, ground pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil. Whisk together until well integrated.
2
Slice the goat cheese logs into 8 equal pieces. Place the cheese into the herb mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Prepare the salad dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together the minced garlic, minced shallot, basil, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cracked pepper. Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is emulsified. Refrigerate until ready to use.
4
When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place a cookie sheet inside to heat.
5
On a shallow plate, spread the seasoned bread crumbs. Roll each piece of marinated goat cheese in the crumbs, ensuring they are well-coated.
6
Transfer the coated cheese to the hot cookie sheet and bake for about 8 minutes, or until golden and warm.
7
In a large bowl, toss the baby greens with the desired amount of dressing. If you’re using them, add in cannied pecans, shaved carrots, and red onion for extra flavor and texture.
8
Plate the salad on individual serving dishes and top each with a warm piece of goat cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy while the cheese is still warm!
Nutrition Information
31g
Fat
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is an Herbed Goat Cheese Salad with Candied Pecans, featuring warm, herb-infused goat cheese on baby greens.
How many pieces of goat cheese should I prepare?
You should slice two 3-ounce goat cheese logs into a total of 8 equal pieces.
What ingredients are in the goat cheese marinade?
The marinade consists of minced garlic, fresh thyme, ground pepper, kosher salt, and olive oil.
How long does the goat cheese need to marinate?
The goat cheese should be covered and refrigerated overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
What temperature should the oven be set to for the cheese?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should the herb-coated cheese bake?
The goat cheese should bake for about 8 minutes until it is golden and warm.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from seasoned bread crumbs on the cheese and the addition of candied pecans.
What type of vinegar is used in the salad dressing?
The dressing uses rice vinegar and is intended to be served with aged balsamic vinegar.
Is garlic used in the salad dressing?
Yes, the dressing includes one teaspoon of minced fresh garlic.
What kind of greens are recommended for this salad?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of baby greens.
How much fat is in one serving of this salad?
There are 31 grams of fat per serving.
Is this goat cheese salad a good source of protein?
Each serving contains 10 grams of protein.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
One serving of the Herbed Goat Cheese Salad contains 375 calories.
What are the optional ingredients for this recipe?
Optional ingredients include candied pecans, shaved carrots, and red onion.
How do I coat the cheese before baking?
Roll each piece of marinated goat cheese in seasoned bread crumbs until they are well-coated.
Can this salad be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is described as a perfect light lunch or a striking appetizer for gatherings.
What kind of mustard is used in the dressing?
The dressing requires one tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
Is soy sauce an ingredient in this recipe?
Yes, two teaspoons of soy sauce are added to the salad dressing.
Should the cheese be refrigerated after the marinade is applied?
Yes, you must refrigerate the cheese in the herb mixture overnight.
What type of pepper is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for two tablespoons of fresh ground pepper for the herb mixture.
What kind of salt should I use for the cheese?
The recipe specifically recommends using kosher salt.
How many goat cheese logs are needed?
You will need two 3-ounce goat cheese logs.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
The recipe consists of 20 different ingredients.
How do I emulsify the salad dressing?
Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is fully emulsified.
Is fresh basil required for the dressing?
Yes, the recipe calls for two tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.
Should I preheat the cookie sheet?
Yes, place a cookie sheet inside the oven while it preheats to ensure the cheese starts cooking immediately.
What texture should the goat cheese have when served?
The cheese should be warm and melting, with a golden, crunchy bread crumb exterior.
Can I add red onions to this salad?
Yes, 1/4 cup of red onion is suggested as an optional addition for extra flavor.
Is the salad dressing tangy?
Yes, the combination of rice vinegar, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard creates a tangy flavor profile.
What kind of thyme is used for the goat cheese?
The recipe uses two tablespoons of minced fresh thyme.