A salad with tomatoes and goat cheese combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. This pairing is not only delicious but also adds a sophisticated touch to your salad. Here’s a simple recipe to create this delightful dish:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or baby greens)
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or 2 medium tomatoes, diced)
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Salad:
-
Wash and Dry Greens:
- Rinse the salad greens under cold water. Spin dry using a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels.
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Prepare Vegetables:
- Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, dice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
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Combine Ingredients:
- In a large salad bowl, toss together the salad greens, tomatoes, red onion, and black olives (if using).
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Add Cheese and Nuts (if using):
- Gently toss in crumbled goat cheese and toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
Make the Dressing:
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Whisk Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess.
Dress the Salad:
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Toss Salad:
- Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the salad.
Tips:
- Tomato Variety: Use a mix of tomatoes for varied texture and flavor. Heirloom tomatoes can add a wonderful depth of taste.
- Cheese: If you prefer, you can use a goat cheese log and crumble it yourself for a fresher taste.
- Additions: For added texture and flavor, consider adding thinly sliced avocado, roasted red peppers, or even grilled chicken.
This tomato and goat cheese salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that can be enjoyed as a light main course or as a side dish. Enjoy!
