Ina Garten Salad With Warm Goat Cheese Recipe

This Ina Garten Salad With Warm Goat Cheese Recipe is crisp and creamy, which features fresh goat cheese and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 25 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Ina Garten Salad With Warm Goat Cheese Recipe Ingredients

For the goat cheese rounds:

• 8 ounces fresh goat cheese (log form)
• ½ cup plain dry breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 egg, beaten
• Olive oil, for drizzling

For the salad:

• 5–6 cups mixed greens (mesclun, arugula, or baby spinach)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: toasted walnuts, sliced pears, or apples

How To Make Ina Garten Salad With Warm Goat Cheese Recipe

1. Slice the goat cheese: Cut the goat cheese into ½-inch rounds. Use unflavored dental floss or chill it to avoid crumbling.
2. Bread the cheese: Dip each round in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Press gently. Chill on a tray for 15 minutes.
3. Bake the cheese rounds: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle rounds with olive oil and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden.
4. Make the vinaigrette: Whisk Dijon, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified.
5. Toss the salad: Place greens in a bowl, toss lightly with vinaigrette. Save extra dressing for serving.
6. Assemble and serve: Arrange salad on plates. Top with warm goat cheese. Garnish with walnuts or sliced fruit if using.

Recipe Tips

• How to slice goat cheese without crumbling:
  Use dental floss or chill the cheese briefly before slicing.
• Can I fry the goat cheese instead of baking?
  Yes, pan-fry in a little olive oil until golden on both sides.
• What greens are best for this salad?
  Mesclun, baby arugula, or a spring mix all work beautifully.
• How to store leftover dressing:
  Refrigerate extra vinaigrette in a jar for up to one week.
• Add-ins to elevate the salad:
  Try toasted pecans, dried cranberries, or roasted beets.

What To Serve With Warm Goat Cheese Salad

This elegant salad pairs well with:

• A bowl of tomato basil soup
• Grilled chicken breast or salmon
• Rustic baguette or garlic bread
• A light pasta primavera

How To Store Warm Goat Cheese Salad

Refrigerate:
Store any leftover greens and dressing separately for up to 2 days. Goat cheese rounds are best fresh but can be reheated gently.

Freeze:
Not recommended. The texture of goat cheese doesn’t hold up well in the freezer.

Goat Cheese Salad Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~12g
• Fat: ~30g
• Saturated Fat: ~10g
• Cholesterol: ~60mg
• Sodium: ~400mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

FAQs

Can I use flavored goat cheese?
Yes, herb or garlic goat cheese works great in this salad.

How to make this salad vegan?
Use vegan goat cheese and skip the egg, using plant milk to coat the rounds instead.

Can I prepare goat cheese rounds ahead?
Yes, bread them and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

What dressing substitutes work here?
A balsamic vinaigrette or lemon-honey dressing can be used.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Dill Potato Salad Recipe
• Ina Garten Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
• Ina Garten Pomegranate Salad Recipe