Sweet, salty and seriously tasty, this goat’s cheese salad is going to make your taste buds explode!
It’s a breeze to put together, which makes it perfect for a quick tasty lunch of a light midweek dinner. So, you want to know how to make the perfect goat’s cheese salad. Here’s how…
It’s a breeze to put together, which makes it perfect for a quick tasty lunch of a light midweek dinner. So, you want to know how to make the perfect goat’s cheese salad. Here’s how…
Products you need for this recipe
There are a few key products you need to make this goats cheese salad:
- Frying pan – every foodie needs a quality frying pan in the kitchen
- Mixing bowl – every salad maker’s best friend, a quality large bowl for mixing is a must
- Panko crumbs – the perfect way to add a bit of crunch to your salad. Panko crumbs are no normal breadcrumbs,
- Balsamic glaze – a fantastic way to finish off a salad
Goats cheese salad recipe
This recipe proves that salads are far more than just a few green leaves and some dressing mixed together in a bowl. They really don’t have to be boring – in fact, a proper salad gets those creative juices flowing and mixes some proper flavour… with mouthwatering results.
This goats cheese salad is simply divine and relies on a few big ingredients and several subtle flavours. The goat’s cheese is obviously a winner – slightly salty, earthy and so very moreish.
When breadcrumbed with panko, it takes on a whole new dimension. I’m talking seriously irresistible flavours here. Add salad leaves like spinach, walnuts and sundried tomatoes into the equation, not to mention a tongue tingling dressing, and you’ve got something very special indeed.
So, whether it’s a light lunch, a side salad, a classic starter or if you’re looking for a delicious dinner tonight, this goat’s cheese salad is perfect.
How is goat’s cheese made?
Goat’s cheese has been made for thousands of years. It dates all the way back to the Ancient Greeks, well over 5,000 years ago.
It’s made by allowing raw milk to curdle naturally. Then, the curds are drained and pressed. Sometimes an acid is added, such as lemon juice. Salt is also added, both for extra flavour and to act as a preservative.
The cheese is then placed in a mould, usually circular or log shaped. It’s left to ripen, often only for a few days, although sometimes for many months.
What are the different types of goat’s cheese?
Lots of people think there’s only one kind, but there are actually three distinct types of goat’s cheese:
Fresh goats cheese
The French call it chèvre, meaning ‘goat.’ Fresh goats cheese is any type of goat’s cheese that is soft and spreadable. It’s usually sold in circular pucks or in logs and is the most common type of goats cheese. It’s usually only matured for a few days or weeks.
Aged goats cheese
This is goats cheese that has been matured for months. It tends to lose its ‘goaty’ flavour and becomes firmer than the soft textured fresh goat cheese.
It can be slightly nutty or sweet. A good example of aged goats cheese is Gouda.
Ash-covered goat’s cheese
A lot less common, this is a type of fresh goat cheese with an ash rind. The colouring of the rind is blue/grey and is supposed to protect the cheese, while also making it look the part. Different types of ash-covered goat’s cheese include Humboldt Fog, Selles-sur-Cher, Sainte-Maure de Touraine, and Acapella.
What goat’s cheese is best for this salad?
The very best goat’s cheeses are French, but there are lots of quality options in the UK too. Here are a few scrumptious suggestions:
Crottin de Chavignol
Produced from the raw milk of the alpine goats, Crottin de Chavignol originates from the tiny village of Chavignol in the Loire Valley – a cheese lover’s paradise. It’s a protected cheese made under the French AOC, which is a quality regulation.
This means it has to be made in a certain place under certain conditions. Crottin de Chavignol has a creamy, nutty taste, perfect for bringing big flavour to hearty salads.
Crottin de Champcol
Another cheese from the Loire Valley, this cheese is soft and sweet with a complex taste that lingers long in the memory. It’s a pasteurised version of Crottin de Chavignol, with all the amazing taste of that quality cheese.
Crottin des Deux-Sèvres
With its salted charcoal rind, this French cheese certainly looks the business. Still, the best is on the inside – just one taste of this incredible cheese and you’ll be well and truly sold. Again, citrus notes are the order of the day, mixed with a mild creamy flavour that just melts in the mouth.
Dorstone
A delicious ash covered goat’s cheese from Herefordshire, this incredible cheese is made from raw goat’s milk that’s then rolled in charcoal powder and left to mature for around 3 weeks.
Savoury and nutty, with notes of citrus, this is fantastic cheese to serve up in a salad.
Ticklemore
An incredible Devon cheese with lots of character, Ticklemore is a semi hard cheese with floral flavours mixed with lemony undertones. Left to mature for 10 weeks, it has less of a strong goat’s cheese flavour – perfect for those who want a milder cheesy taste in their salad.
How do you store goat’s cheese?
Store your goat’s cheese in the fridge. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container – it’ll stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks.
Can you freeze goat’s cheese?
Well, I’m so glad you asked. It just happens that I have a whole article dedicated to the question. For advice on how best to freeze your goat’s cheese, check out my Can you freeze goat cheese article.
What is panko?
Panko is a type of breadcrumb that’s popular in Japanese cooking. It’s also used throughout Asian cuisines and, recently, has become more and more used in cooking cultures around the world.
The great thing about panko crumbs is that they can stay crispy when moist. While other types of breadcrumbs lose that all-important crunch when taking on moisture, panko crumbs can maintain that crunch.
Also, unlike other types of breadcrumbs, panko crumbs don’t soak up as much oil. They have a very light, flaky texture, which helps it to maintain crispiness as they cook.
Panko is made from yeast-risen white bread. White panko is made without the crusts and tan panko is made with the crusts. When processed, panko is made into flakes rather than crumbs.
The bread for making traditional panko is baked by electrical current, as opposed to heat from an oven. This is done to create a soft, airy bread with no crust.
How do I make this recipe healthier?
For a healthier twist, you can replace the breaded fried goat’s cheese with rindless goat’s cheese. Don’t fry it – just chop it up and toss it into your salad.
Is this salad keto friendly?
Yes, this salad is perfect for those on a keto diet.
Can I replace the walnuts?
Yes. You can use whatever kind of nuts you want. Try pine nuts, almonds, pistachios or cashews. I do prefer to use walnuts though, as they really complement the taste of the goat’s cheese.
You could, of course, use more than one type of nut for a nutty combo.
Do I have to use sun dried tomatoes?
In my opinion, sun dried tomatoes are an absolute winner in this recipe. However, if you’re not a massive fan, you can always replace them with cherry tomatoes.
What other flavours can I add?
When it comes to adding a final flourish to your goat’s cheese salad, you can’t get much better than a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Feel free to add a sprinkle of black pepper to bring some earthiness to your goat’s cheese salad.
If you want to add proteins, why not add some beans, chickpeas or quinoa?
Can this goat’s cheese salad be made in advance?
Yes you can make this salad in advance, an especially good idea if you’re making it as a starter for a dinner party.
Don’t make it too far in advance though. Otherwise the salad leaves won’t be as fresh and the overall taste won’t have as much as an impact.
More scrumptious salads
Once you’ve made this delicious goat’s cheese salad, why not try one of the following:
- 4 bean salad – if you’re a fan of beans, you have to give this one a try! The perfect healthy vegan lunch with plenty of protein and heaps of flavour, this is a salad for those who prefer their salads on the filling side
- Pear and rocket salad – fresh, vibrant and extremely tasty, this healthy quick and easy salad is simply delicious
- Rainbow quinoa salad – this incredible looking salad isn’t just style over substance. Not only does it look fantastic, it has the taste to back it up. This is one salad you won’t be forgetting in a hurry
- Salad Olivieh – a hearty, creamy salad with stacks of flavour, this potato salad is for those who like their salads big and bold
- Cucumber salad – salads don’t get much lighter or more refreshing as this delicious cucumber salad
- Edamame salad – a Japanese bean salad that’s delightfully tasty and extremely easy to make
What is your favourite goat’s cheese recipe?
Print📖 Recipe
Goat's Cheese Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple recipe to make a light, tasty meal. Learn how to make this Goat's Cheese Salad in just a few steps.
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
- 125ml (½ cup) olive oil
- 45 ml (3 tbsp) balsamic vinegar
- 3g (½ tsp) dijon mustard
- 1 shallot, chopped finely
- 1 clove or garlic, crushed
- 3g (1 tbsp) fresh chives, chopped
Fried Goat’s Cheese
- 2 rolls of goat’s cheese, with rind
- 60ml (¼ cup) vegetable oil
- 150g (1 cup) plain flour
- 180g (1 ½ cup) panko crumbs
- 1 large egg
Salad
- 200g (6 ⅔ cup) spinach, washed
- 12g (2 tbsp) walnuts, crushed
- 8 sundried tomato halves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- For the Salad Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and the dijon mustard until thicken and fully combined. Stir through the shallot, garlic and chives. Set aside.
- For the Fried Goat’s Cheese: Cut the goat’s cheese into 3cm (1½ inch) rounds.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat.
- Place the flour on one plate, the panko crumbs on another and in a bowl whisk the egg.
- Coat the goat's cheese rounds in the flour then dip in the egg and finally coat with the panko crumbs.
- Place the coated goat’s cheese rounds into the frying pan and cook on both sides until golden brown. This should take about 1 or 2 minutes on each side.
- Plate the spinach and toss through the dressing, sprinkle the walnuts and sundried tomatoes over and then top with your fried goat's cheese rounds. I drizzled some balsamic glaze over the top but this is just for aesthetics.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the walnuts for other nuts if you like. I find pine nuts work well too.
- If you are looking for a slightly healthier option, swap out the fried goats cheese and get the rindless goats cheese and sprinkle that over. I.e. leave it uncooked.
- You can use normal breadcrumbs instead of the panko crumbs. I just prefer panko.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pan fry
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 826
- Sugar: 6.9 g
- Sodium: 528.1 mg
- Fat: 54.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 20.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 68.5 g
- Fiber: 5.2 g
- Protein: 18.7 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg
Sue Clarke says
Caramelised red onion and goats cheese tart ❤️
Rebecca Beesley says
I love goats cheese and caramelised onion on pizza as a topping.
LouiseM says
Goats cheese and shallot tart
AJ says
I absolutely love goats cheese pizzas! Yummy!
fiona d says
Like chicken breast stuffed with goats cheese and dried bell peppers.
Kate Sutton says
Goats cheese tart with picalkili
Andrea Johnson says
Goats cheese on pizza!
Stephanie says
Goats cheese
Fiona Johnstone says
I love a goats cheese and pepper tart.
Ellen Stafford says
Goat cheese and onion quiche!
Erica Hughes says
Goats cheese pasta salad with sundried tomatoes
Jules says
I love goats cheese on sourdough toast with rocket and pomegranate.
Patricia Barrett says
Bulgur wheat salad with beetroot, honey and goats' cheese.
Lucy Carter says
I love baked goats cheese, served with figs and crusty bread
sharon martin says
a goat cheese pasta salad
Lorraine Williams says
Goats cheese and pear salad
Alex McKay says
I love goats cheese salad. Perfect as its warming up.
Claire Hamilton says
Tomato Goat Cheese Pasta
Mandy Betts says
Goats cheese, leek and red onion tart
Mary Baldwin says
I love to make a frittata with sliced cold new potatoes, onion, cherry tomatoes, spinach and slices of goats cheese. Is lovely either hot or cold.
Penny says
Goat’s cheese on a pizza is delicious!
Leslie Evans says
Tomato Goats Cheese Pasta
Zoey H says
Love goats cheese salad with walnuts
Emilia Nastaly-Howard says
Goats cheese salad
Adrian Bold says
Goat’s cheese & caramelised onion frittata with a lemony green salad
Dawn Gray says
Goat’s Cheese with salad
Sharon Chapman says
I love goats cheese on home made pizza, with red onions and chargrilled red peppers.
Deborah Preston says
Mushroom & goats cheese quiche
Amanda Kahs says
Goats cheese salad
Jayne K says
Spinach, pine nut and goats cheese pasta
Emily walker says
I love Spinach & goat’s cheese puff
Jean Anderson says
Goats cheese salad is delicious served with biscuits and goats cheese. Absolutely delicious!!!
Patricia Avery says
Love a goat's cheese quiche
sallyanne rose says
Goat’s cheese & caramelised onion frittata
JAMES HOLYLAND says
Goat cheese quiche
Carole Nott says
I like using it with a simple pasta bake and salad
Emma Davison says
Goat cheese tart
CAROLINE WATSON says
goats cheese salad with lots of walnuts and greens!
Anthea Holloway says
I make a tasty Welsh Rarebit with goats' cheese.
Karen B says
Goats cheese and onion quiche served with a beetroot salad.
Lauren Old says
Goats cheese tart
Ali Thorpe says
I don't eat goat's cheese anymore but used to like a simple salad with crumbled goat's cheese and rice wine vinegar dressing.
Lucinda P says
I love goats cheese as a topping on pizza
A MACDONALD says
The GOAT’S CHEESE SALAD looks delicious, especially with the sun-dried tomatoes
Laura Ms. Green says
goat’s cheese salad f its from the list above 🙂
Laura Green says
goats cheese on pizza! Yum yum yum! Tastes amazing
Ian Campbell says
Baked ratatouille & goat’s cheese - an absolute must in our house! 🙂
Carolynn Woodland says
Goats cheese and onion quiche
soozybee says
Pizza with spinach and goats cheese
Jennifer Rhymer says
Goat's cheese salad
Hazel Rea says
Goats cheese on toast with home made organic chutney.
Rai says
Fried goats cheese with a sour cherry sauce.
Vicky H says
Creamy goat cheese pasta
Laura Norcop says
I'm loving the salad but my favourite goats cheese recipe is a lovely quiche with caramelised onion
Rebecca Whatmore says
In a salad is the best!
Jane Willis says
Grilled goats cheese and sundried tomato paste on toasted walnut bread
Sheri Darby says
Goats cheese and spinach tarts
Troy Easton says
Goat ,.s cheese, potato and onion tart.
Angie Jackson says
I love goats cheese drizzled with fresh honey and toasted walnuts, heaven!
Sarah C says
Goats cheese and onion tart, yum, yum! 😋
Emma Wolski says
I love a Beetroot and goats cheese tart
Julia Linsley says
Goats cheese stuffed Aubergines
dana says
I like a goat's chees salad with olives
James Travis says
Goats cheese salad for me
Tracy Newton says
Grilled and in a salad
Faridah Brooker says
I love it in breadcrumbs and fried with cranberry sauce
Helen Southam says
goats cheese and onion tart
Louise Comb says
I love stuffed peppers, stuffed with rice, veg, goats cheese, capers, garlic, dill and lemon grass. Sometimes I mix in a little mustard too, for extra flavouring. Bake for around 25 mins.
Claire Lawrenson says
I love a chicken, goat's cheese & cherry tomato bake. All the combined tastes are delicious!
Valerie Seal says
Goats cheese souffle for me.
Elizabeth says
I love goat's cheese on pizza. A rock bar near where I used to live does one goat's cheese pizza with peppers and rocket and another with Parmesan and asparagus.
Caroline Tinsley says
In all honesty it's goat's cheese salad! I love it as a starter.
Lucy says
I love it in a goats cheese tart at summer with salad
Victoria Prince says
Has to be a goat's cheese and red pepper tart
Dale Dow says
I make a lovely goats cheese scone, it's absolutely gorgeous!
TonyG says
Fig, goats cheese and honey pizza
Tammy Tudor says
I don't think you can beat a classic goats cheese tart!
Patricia Mccaffery says
Apple, shallot, bacon and goat’s cheese tarte tatin.
Eileen Hindley says
Mediterranean roast peppers with olives and goat’s cheese
Margaret Mccaffery says
My favourite dish is a Goat's cheese & red pepper tart.
Ruth Harwood says
Love a goats cheese quiche made with loiving hands!
Mark Mccaffery says
A Goat's cheese, potato & onion tart
MichelleD says
Beetroot risotto with goats cheese
Jennifer Toal says
I love a feta salad with walnuts
Rachael Sexey says
I'm not a big fan of goats cheese but I think my daughter would like the goats cheese salad
Julie Camm says
It's lovely in a simple pasta dish
lynn neal says
Goats cheese and spinach pizza with balsamic vinegar! Delicious!
Claire Driver says
Mushroom and goats cheese tartlets
Rena Plumridge says
Stuff mushrooms with goats cheese chive and chillie and spring onions mmm mmm.
Kim Murray says
I've never tried it , but this looks lovely x
Carol W. says
A salad of any sort with lots and lots of goats cheese.
Laura F says
I don't like goats cheese.. I'm very fussy.
Steven Bufton says
Grilled goat cheese sandwich
Natalie Burgess says
A goats cheese tart xx
Beth says
Goat’s cheese, olive and tomato tart!
Sue Cook says
The spinach and walnut salad, with lovely goats cheese, I will def be making that this week.
Kim Carberry says
I love a goat’s cheese salad x
MICHELLE O'NEILL says
goats cheese quiche is lovely
Phil A says
Goat's cheese quiche
Mark R says
A goat's cheese, rocket, and beetroot salad with fresh baked bread
paula meadows says
crispy coated goats cheese with salad leaves and walnut
William Gould says
I haven't really got a favourite, but I have had a goat's cheese quiche before which I really enjoyed!
Tammy Neal says
Goats cheese salad x
Sare Davies says
I love it on a pizza with caramelised onions, although it rarely makes it into any recipe as I've usually eaten it as it is beforehand!
Keith Hunt says
Morrisons The Best Cave Aged Goats Cheese is the only one I have had.
Louise A says
Goat's cheese, potato and onion tart
Julie Ward says
No idea I've never used it, I'm not a good cook
Nicola S says
We do a similar thing with goats cheese - thick slice on a piece of baguette, toasted. Put on a bed of salad leaves, cherry tomatoes and walnuts. Sprinkled with a red wine vinegar vinaigrette.
Sheena Batey says
Goats cheese and broccoli tartlets
pete c says
I've only tried a few and didnt like half of them, but the couple I did like were the very creamy ones
Charlotte isobelle says
I love it on a homemade pizza.
Claire Eadie says
Goat’s cheese & caramelised onion frittata with a lemony green salad (bbc food)
Andrea Fletcher says
I have never tried goat's cheese but this looks really nice.
Joanne Darnell says
Goats cheese pizza
Kevin McGovern says
Peppers stuffed with goats cheese with chilli sauce
Kevin Honey says
I think that Goat's cheese works really well in a quiche.
Angie McDonald says
Goats cheese pasta salad with sundried tomatoes and pesto
Joo Dee says
the quiche for me thanks
kathy cakebread says
Goats cheese quiche
Sue McCarthy says
Just goat cheese salad, with balsamic dressing & pine nuts.
Amy PJ says
Goat's cheese and onion with salad.
Angela Kelly says
I just love goat's cheese on its own with crackers.
Matilda Mummery says
Baked ratatouille & goat’s cheese!
Ray Dodds says
Grilled with blood oranges
Moth says
goat's cheese and beetroot tartes
amy simpson says
The Goats Cheese Salad x
Priscilla Stubbs says
I love a Caramelised onion and goat's cheese galette
Roger Bufton says
Goat's cheese, potato & onion tart
Margaret Clarkson says
I like it fried, Greek style, served with a lovely salad.
Alice Dixon says
I do love a goats cheese tart
Ben Audsley says
goat’s cheese salad for me!
Tracy Nixon says
Goat’s cheese & caramelised onion tart
Iain maciver says
goats cheese quiche
Donna says
Goats cheese with beetroot
LesleyW says
I've recently started eating goats cheese. One of my favourite recipes is a salad but it's goat cheese with fennel and beetroot,.
jen morgan says
A goats cheese and red onion tartlet
Lynne OConnor says
Goat cheese and onion tart
Pat Stubbs says
Goat’s cheese & caramelised onion frittata
claire woods says
Goat's cheese, potato & onion tart
Carly Belsey says
I have never made it but I always order the goats cheese tart if it's on the menu. I absolutely love it. It's not to everyone's taste as it's quite a sharp cheese but I love the taste.
Elizabeth Gaskell says
My favourite Goats cheese recipe is a roulade with peppers and chilli flakes
melanie stirling says
Goat cheese and onion tart with salad leaves.
Tania Atfield says
Fried goats cheese and salad would be my favourite
Sue Hodges says
I've never tried goats cheese before but this recipe certainly looks tempting
Samantha says
love a goat's cheese salad
Susan Cowan says
Goats cheese salad looks good
Jo m welsh says
I love a goats cheese quiche and I love it in a salad
Amanda Botterill says
I love caramalised onion and goats cheese tarts
Michael Fisher says
Grilled with plums
Renil M. George says
A cheese made with goat is simply the best.
Jeanne says
This is such a classic salad combination - yum! I hope you received my Snackshots muffin scoresheet last week? And I already know what I'm posting for this month's event 🙂
gizmar says
This works for me - Kevin at Closet Cooking makes one similar but adds warm mushrooms - fabulous. The whole lettuce, goat's cheese and tomato combo is wonderful.
Nicki says
It was just a general goats Cheese and walnut salad but this looks even better. Will definitely have to give it a try.