Warm Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Salad Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 | Calories per Serving: 325.4
This Warm Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Salad is one of those dishes that is simply heavenly. A classic recipe from Linda McCartney’s vegetarian cookbook, it’s a perfect combination of creamy, slightly tangy goat cheese paired with the rich, savory flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. What truly makes this dish stand out is the way the goat cheese is broiled until it’s warm and slightly golden, creating a beautiful contrast with the fresh, crisp greens and the bright vinaigrette dressing. This salad is both indulgent and light, making it the ideal starter for a gourmet meal, or a main course when paired with a warm bowl of soup and crusty bread.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Watercress | 1 bunch |
| Red onions | 1 7/8 cups (thinly sliced) |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) | 1 cup |
| Olive oil (for dressing) | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil (for brushing goat cheese) | 4 tablespoons |
| Yellow mustard | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh lemon juice | 6 tablespoons |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Salt | 1-2 teaspoons |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 325.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 33.6 mg |
| Sodium | 284 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 5.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 3.5 g |
| Protein | 10.2 g |
Instructions
For the Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the yellow mustard, fresh lemon juice, and vinegar.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Slowly whisk in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, allowing the dressing to thicken as it emulsifies.
- Add the minced garlic and mix until well incorporated.
- Set the dressing aside and let it stand for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
For the Salad
- Preheat the broiler in your oven.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the watercress and other salad greens of your choice (such as arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens).
- Add the thinly sliced red onions and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tossing gently to combine.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Divide the salad into individual serving plates.
For the Goat Cheese
- Slice the goat cheese into rounds, each about 1/2 inch thick.
- Lightly brush the goat cheese slices with olive oil on both sides.
- Place the goat cheese rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Broil the cheese for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes warm, slightly golden, and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once the goat cheese is ready, carefully place the warm slices on top of the individual salads.
To Serve
Serve immediately while the goat cheese is still warm. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, with the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth goat cheese complementing the crisp, fresh greens and the tangy vinaigrette. It makes for a stunning and flavorful start to any meal.
Tips for Success:
- You can substitute the goat cheese with another creamy cheese such as brie or camembert if you prefer a milder flavor.
- For an added depth of flavor, you can sprinkle a small handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts over the top of the salad before serving.
- This salad can easily be transformed into a main course by adding a protein, such as grilled chicken or a poached egg, for extra richness.
- If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, you can use dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Just make sure to soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate before using.
Why You’ll Love This Salad:
- Quick and Easy: This salad is a snap to prepare in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute dinner party.
- Impressive Presentation: The warm, golden-browned goat cheese adds a touch of elegance, while the vibrant colors of the watercress, red onions, and sun-dried tomatoes make the dish visually stunning.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of warm goat cheese, tangy mustard vinaigrette, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a perfect balance of flavors—creamy, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet.
This Warm Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomato Salad is the perfect dish for a light but indulgent meal, bringing a delightful combination of textures and flavors to your table. Whether you’re serving it as a starter for a special dinner or enjoying it as a main course on a casual evening, this salad is sure to impress.
