Description
This warm goat cheese salad with walnuts is cozy, crunchy, and full of flavor! With creamy seared goat cheese, crisp greens, juicy fruit, and a sweet balsamic dressing, it’s the salad that always steals the show—whether you’re hosting brunch or just craving something special for lunch. Ready in 15 minutes and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
4 oz goat cheese, sliced into 4 rounds
½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped
6 cups mixed salad greens
1 small apple or pear, thinly sliced
¼ cup dried cranberries
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- For the Dressing:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Toast the Walnuts:
Heat a dry skillet over medium. Add chopped walnuts and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside.Sear the Goat Cheese:
Lightly oil the skillet and return to medium heat. Add goat cheese rounds and sear for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and warm. Handle gently!Make the Dressing:
Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple), Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple or pear slices, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.Serve:
Top with warm goat cheese rounds and an extra drizzle of dressing. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Chill goat cheese slightly before slicing to help it sear without melting.
Apples add crunch, pears add softness—choose your vibe!
For extra crunch, coat goat cheese in crushed walnuts or breadcrumbs before frying.
Great as a light lunch, dinner side, or elegant starter for guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (½ recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg