Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese Recipe

Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. It features tangy goat cheese medallions coated in breadcrumbs, gently warmed until soft and creamy, served atop crisp greens with a classic vinaigrette. This dish makes a perfect starter or light lunch and feels like something you’d enjoy at a Parisian café.

What Is Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese?

This salad begins with fresh goat cheese rounds, which are coated in breadcrumbs and lightly baked until warm and soft. These are served over a bed of mixed greens tossed in a homemade vinaigrette, often featuring Dijon mustard and good olive oil. The result is creamy, tangy, crunchy, and fresh—all in one bite.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Roasted Summer Vegetables
• Ina Garten Roasted Cauliflower Snowflakes
• Ina Garten Roast Chicken with Bread and Arugula Salad

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese

• Elegant but easy – Impresses guests with minimal effort
• Perfect texture contrast – Crunchy coating, creamy cheese, and fresh greens
• Versatile – Great as a starter, light lunch, or dinner side
• French bistro-style – Brings restaurant-quality to your home
• Customizable with nuts or fruit – Add walnuts, apples, or pears
• Naturally gluten-free option – Use GF breadcrumbs if needed
• Ready in under 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese

For the goat cheese rounds:

• 8 ounces fresh goat cheese (log form)
• ½ cup plain dry breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1 egg, beaten
• Olive oil, for drizzling

For the salad:

• 5–6 cups mixed greens (mesclun, arugula, or baby spinach)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: toasted walnuts, sliced pears, or apples

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese

Step 1: Prep the goat cheese rounds

Slice the goat cheese into ½-inch thick rounds. If it crumbles, use dental floss or chill it briefly before slicing.

Step 2: Bread the cheese

Dip each round into the beaten egg, then into breadcrumbs. Press gently so crumbs adhere well. Place on a parchment-lined tray and chill for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Bake the goat cheese

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Drizzle the rounds lightly with olive oil and bake for 8–10 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is warm.

Step 4: Make the vinaigrette

In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until well emulsified.

Step 5: Toss the salad

Place greens in a large bowl and toss gently with just enough vinaigrette to coat. Save extra dressing for serving.

Step 6: Assemble and serve

Arrange the salad on plates. Place warm goat cheese rounds on top. Garnish with optional sliced fruit or nuts. Serve immediately.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese

• Toasted baguette slices – A crunchy partner for the creamy cheese
• A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc – Brightens the tangy goat cheese
• Grilled chicken or salmon – Adds protein for a full meal
• Tomato soup or butternut squash soup – For a cozy lunch pairing
• Pear or apple slices – Sweetness contrasts with the savory cheese
• Toasted walnuts or pecans – Adds crunch and depth
• Lemon sorbet for dessert – Keeps the meal light and fresh

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese

• Chill goat cheese after breading – Helps it hold shape while baking
• Use a serrated knife or dental floss to slice – Prevents crumbling
• Don’t overdress the greens – Light coating keeps it fresh
• Use good-quality olive oil and vinegar – The vinaigrette shines
• Customize with seasonal fruit – Pears, apples, or even figs
• Serve cheese while warm – Best texture and flavor
• Prep salad ingredients in advance – Assemble just before serving

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese

• Add roasted beets – For earthy sweetness and color
• Use herbed goat cheese – Infuses extra flavor into the salad
• Swap in honey mustard dressing – For a sweeter note
• Top with dried cranberries – Adds tartness and texture
• Use arugula for a peppery bite – Balances creamy cheese
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze – For a restaurant-style finish
• Pan-fry the goat cheese instead of baking – For an extra-crispy crust

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese

• Store leftover goat cheese rounds separately – Best within 2 days
• Keep dressing in the fridge – Use within 5 days
• Don’t store dressed greens – They wilt quickly
• Chill any extra components in airtight containers
• Reheat goat cheese in oven or air fryer for best results
• Use leftover rounds in wraps or grain bowls

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese

• Oven method: Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warm
• Air fryer method: Crisp for 3–4 minutes at 370°F
• Avoid microwave – It can melt cheese unevenly
• Serve immediately after reheating – Texture is best hot
• Pair with fresh greens and vinaigrette again – To rebuild the salad

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 360mg

A satisfying, elegant salad with a rich, creamy centerpiece.

FAQs

How do you keep goat cheese from melting when baking?

Chill the breaded goat cheese rounds for 15–30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly in the oven.

Can you make warm goat cheese salad ahead of time?

You can prep the goat cheese rounds and refrigerate them in advance. Bake and toss the salad just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What greens go best with warm goat cheese salad?

Mixed baby greens, arugula, or mesclun mix work best. Their mild peppery flavors pair beautifully with the tangy richness of the goat cheese.

Can I pan-fry the goat cheese instead of baking it?

Yes, lightly pan-fry the breaded goat cheese in olive oil over medium heat until golden on both sides, then serve immediately.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Salad with Warm Goat Cheese is more than a salad—it’s a restaurant-style dish that’s surprisingly simple to make at home. Crispy, warm cheese paired with tangy greens and a light vinaigrette creates a perfect bite every time.

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