Almond-Crusted Warm Goat Cheese Spinach Salad with Cherries

 Almond-Crusted Warm Goat Cheese Spinach Salad with Cherries

An Almond-Crusted Warm Goat Cheese Spinach Salad with Cherries is a decadent yet light dish that combines the creaminess of warm goat cheese, the crunch of almonds, the freshness of spinach, and the sweetness of cherries. It's a perfect dish for a special lunch or a light dinner. Here's a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

4 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed and dried)

1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or use dried cherries if fresh isn’t available)

1/4 cup sliced almonds (or whole almonds, roughly chopped)

2 oz goat cheese (about 2 small rounds)

1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Almond-Crusted Goat Cheese:

1/4 cup sliced almonds (or chopped)

1/4 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

1 egg, beaten

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing (if making your own):

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Almond-Crusted Goat Cheese:

1. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow dish, mix together the sliced almonds and breadcrumbs. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Coat the Goat Cheese: Dip the goat cheese rounds into the beaten egg, ensuring they are fully coated. Then coat them in the almond-breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the crust sticks.

3. Cook the Goat Cheese: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated goat cheese rounds. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and warm in the center. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Prepare the Salad:

1. Prepare the Spinach: In a large bowl, add the fresh spinach leaves. You can tear them into bite-sized pieces if preferred.

2. Add the Cherries: If you're using fresh cherries, pit and slice them in half. Add them to the salad. If using dried cherries, simply toss them in.

3. Toast the Almonds: In the same pan that you used for the goat cheese, toast the sliced almonds for 1-2 minutes over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Set aside.

Make the Dressing:

1. Whisk Together the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until the dressing is well-combined and emulsified.

Assemble the Salad:

1. Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade) over the spinach and toss gently to coat.

2. Top with Goat Cheese: Place the warm almond-crusted goat cheese rounds on top of the salad.

3. Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted almonds and add any additional honey if desired for a touch of sweetness.

Serve:

Serve the Almond-Crusted Warm Goat Cheese Spinach Salad with Cherries immediately for a warm, satisfying meal with a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors.

Tips:

Add Protein: For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken, salmon, or even bacon crumbles.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and cherries ahead of time, but it’s best to coat and cook the goat cheese just before serving.

Customize: Use other fruits like pears or figs if cherries are out of season or unavailable.

This Almond-Crusted Warm Goat Cheese Spinach Salad with Cherries is a flavorful, elegant dish that balances creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements in every bite!