GOAT CHEESE SALAD

Hubby used to have this wonderful goat cheese salad at a local little haunt.  We specifically went a few days back so he could have that salad and found they had removed it from the menu.  So I decided to be bold and ask for the recipe so I could re-create it for him and guess what? They gave me the recipe!

When I went to the grocery store yesterday I had trouble finding plain goat cheese so I used a lemon infused one instead.  I also used my Sweet Honey Catalina for dressing instead of bleu cheese this time since I had some on hand that needed used up.

GOAT CHEESE SALAD
Lettuce greens
1 tomato per person
Juice of 1 lemon
pickled beets
small sweet onion, sliced
Fresh ground salt and pepper to taste
3-4 slices goat cheese per person
Panko Crumbs
1 large egg , beaten well
1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
Fresh ground hazelnuts
sliced olives (optional)
bleu cheese dressing 

  • In a shallow bowl place the sliced onions on the bottom.
  • Pour the can of pickled beet slices over the onions. Set aside.
  • Slice goat cheese and place on a plate in a single layer.  Cover and freeze for 15 minutes.  This makes the soft cheese easier to work with.
  • While the cheese is in the freezer prepare the lettuce and tomatoes.
  • Sprinkle the lemon juice, salt and pepper over the lettuce and tomatoes. Set Aside.
  • In a small food processor grind together the Panko crumbs and hazelnuts in equal proportions until you have enough to evenly coat your cheese slices.
  • Dredge the goat cheese in the egg first and then the nut crumbs.
  • Over a fairly high heat melt the coconut oil.
  • Quickly sear the cheese slices on both sides.  The goal here is to brown the crumbs and protect the cheese inside so don’t linger.
  • Drain onions and beets of juice and add to the sides of your salad.
  • Top with dressing and goat cheese slices.
  • Enjoy.

NOTE: Goat cheese is REALLY soft.  The best way to slice it to get even slices is with dental floss.