Apple Walnut Salad with Broiled Goat Cheese (26 Minutes)

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Enjoy a fresh and invigorating apple and walnut salad that comes with a unique twist – a serving of luscious goat cheese. The creamy goat cheese, once broiled, adds a rich and savory contrast to the crisp apples and the earthy crunch of walnuts, while the sweetness of cherry tomatoes rounds out the dish. It’s a simple yet sophisticated salad perfect for any season.

  • Prep Time: 21 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • Mixed greens (such as arugula and spinach), enough for 4 servings
  • 1 large apple, cored and sliced
  • 1/2 cup walnut halves, toasted
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 slices of goat cheese, about 1/2 inch thick
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Salad Base (5 minutes): In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple slices, toasted walnut halves, and cherry tomatoes.
  2. Preheat Broiler (5 minutes): Set your oven to broil and let it warm up.
  3. Broil Goat Cheese (5 minutes): Place the slices of goat cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet and broil in the oven until golden brown on top, about 2-3 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  4. Make Dressing (5 minutes): In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  5. Dress Salad (2 minutes): Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  6. Assemble and Serve (3 minutes): Divide the salad among plates. Top each serving with a slice of broiled goat cheese.
  7. Garnish (1 minute): If desired, garnish with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple slices, complementing the tanginess of the goat cheese and the balsamic dressing. If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can reduce the amount of nuts and cheese or substitute the honey in the dressing with a low-calorie sweetener. Serve with your favorite sides like crusty bread and a homemade soup and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 13mg

Pair this with...

Homemade Focaccia Bread

Grab 5 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups warm water, a packet of active dry yeast, 2 tsp sugar, 1/4 cup olive oil, and a tablespoon of salt. Dissolve sugar in warm water, sprinkle in yeast, and wait till it's frothy (5 mins). Mix this with flour, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Once you've got a dough, let it rest until doubled in size (about 1.5 hours). Transfer it to a baking sheet, poke some dimples in with your fingers, drizzle more olive oil, and sprinkle sea salt and herbs (rosemary's a classic!). Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Simple Tomato Soup

Start with a can of whole tomatoes; they're a trusty shortcut to rich flavor. In a pot, sauté a diced onion until it’s soft. Add in a couple cloves of minced garlic, and let those aromatic buddies mingle. Pour in your tomatoes, break 'em up a bit, and add 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. For depth, sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and maybe a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Let everything simmer for about 20 minutes. Now, blend it until smooth. If you’re feeling fancy, swirl in a touch of cream for extra richness. Serve hot.

Strawberry Smoothie

You'll need about 1 cup of fresh strawberries (or frozen if you've got 'em), 1/2 a banana to add creaminess, 1 cup of your favorite milk (almond, cow’s, soy – whatever floats your boat), and a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sugar for a touch of sweetness. Optional: a dollop of yogurt for added richness and probiotics. Pop everything into your blender, give it a whirl until it's silky smooth, and pour into a chilled glass. If you're feeling a tad adventurous, toss in a handful of oats or your choice of protein powder for an extra kick.

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