Hazelnut Green Salad with Goat Cheese

This vibrant and delicious salad combines fresh green leaves and creamy goat cheese, resulting in a delightful flavor and texture contrast. The salad is enriched with juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet plums, and crunchy bell pepper pieces, making every bite a burst of freshness. Toasted hazelnuts add a nutty crunch, while dried cranberries introduce a hint of sweetness. Finished with a dressing of tangy balsamic glaze and rich hazelnut oil, this salad is both luxurious and simple. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a gourmet side dish. With minimal preparation time, it's perfect for a quick yet elegant meal. You can also easily adapt it to suit your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

150g mixed green salad leaves (arugula, escarole, spinach, or romaine)
100g soft goat cheese
100g cherry tomatoes
1-2 plums
1/2 bell pepper
50g toasted, crushed hazelnuts
50g dried cranberries

Dressings and Spices:

2 tbsp balsamic glaze
2 tbsp quality hazelnut oil
Salt to taste

Preparation Time

20 minutes total.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by washing and drying your salad leaves thoroughly. Use a salad spinner if you have one to get rid of excess water.
Tear the romaine leaves into bite-sized pieces with your hands and place them in a large salad bowl. Add in the arugula and spinach leaves.
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the salad bowl.
Wash and pit the plums, then slice them into small wedges. Add the plum slices to the bowl.
Remove the seeds from the bell pepper and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Add to the salad mix.
Crumble or tear the goat cheese into small chunks with your hands, and gently scatter over the salad.
Evenly sprinkle the toasted, crushed hazelnuts over the top.
Add the dried cranberries, distributing them evenly for a pop of color and flavor.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the entire salad.
Follow this with a generous but measured drizzle of hazelnut oil.
Lightly season with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
With a salad spoon and fork (or just clean hands), toss the salad gently to ensure an even dressing coating.
Be careful not to crush or mush the delicate goat cheese pieces.
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary – a little more oil or a pinch more salt may be needed.
Allow the salad to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together before serving.
Serve it on a large platter or individual plates for presentation.
To add more texture, consider tossing a small handful of croutons right before serving.
If serving as a main course, accompany the salad with some crusty bread on the side.
For ultimate freshness, prepare this salad just before serving.
Enjoy your delicious creation for a refreshing and satisfying meal!

Tips

Substitutions: Walnuts can be used instead of hazelnuts. For a milder taste, try feta instead of goat cheese.
Storage: If needed, store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing to keep them fresh longer.
Balance Flavors: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing by altering the balsamic glaze or adding a splash of lemon juice.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Protein: 10g
Fats: 20g
Carbohydrates: 20g

Variations

Vegan Option: Replace goat cheese with avocado or vegan cheese.
Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seeds instead of hazelnuts.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial meal.
Serve alongside a chilled white wine or a light rosé.

Best Places

The Greenhouse Café - Famous for its fresh and unique salads in an open, airy setting. Location: 123 Garden Road, London, UK.
La Salade Gourmande - Offers innovative salad dishes with French influence. Location: 22 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Leaf & Co - Popular for its variety of gourmet salads and organic produce. Location: 56 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia.
Salata Palace - Known for its vibrant salads and health-conscious menu. Location: 78 Avenue Plaza, New York, USA.
Veggie Delight Café - Specializes in creative vegetable-based dishes and hearty salads. Location: 14 Main Street, Toronto, Canada.
Chop & Toss - Offers fresh, customizable salads and grill items. Location: 98 Kingsway, Sydney, Australia.
Fields & Fork - Celebrated for its farm-fresh ingredients and homemade dressings. Location: 45 Willow Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
Leafy Luxe - Provides a luxurious salad dining experience with high-quality ingredients. Location: 609 Main St, Napa, USA.
The Gourmet Garden - Features a wide range of artisan salads in a rustic setting. Location: 33 Canal Street, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Herbivore Haven - Renowned for its flavorful and creative vegetarian salads. Location: 101 Green Ave, Berlin, Germany.