Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese Recipe is fresh, flavorful and perfect for any meal. The salad combines crisp greens with warm, creamy goat cheese.
Toasted nuts and a light vinaigrette add extra taste and texture. It is simple to make but looks elegant. This salad is ideal for lunch, dinner or a special occasion.
Today, I will show you How to make Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese easily at home. You will also see the exact Ingredients for Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese to get perfect results every time.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese Recipe
I first made this salad for a weekend brunch. I wanted something light but satisfying. The warm goat cheese melted slightly on the toast, adding a creamy texture.
The fresh greens and vinaigrette balanced it perfectly. The toasted nuts added a pleasant crunch. Everyone enjoyed it and it looked beautiful on the table.
Since then, this recipe has become my favorite for entertaining. It is quick, elegant and always impresses guests.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Course: Salad / Appetizer
- Cuisine: American / French-inspired
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Salad plates
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese
- Mixed salad greens – 6 cups
- Goat cheese rounds – 4 pieces
- Baguette slices – 4
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Walnuts or pecans – ¼ cup, toasted
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
- Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Red wine vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil. Toast for five minutes or until golden brown.
2. Prepare Goat Cheese
Place goat cheese rounds on top of the toasted baguette slices. Drizzle a little honey on each round. Set aside while preparing the salad.
3. Make the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Toast the Nuts
Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add walnuts or pecans and toast lightly for two minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Salad
Place mixed salad greens in a large bowl. Toss lightly with half of the vinaigrette to coat evenly. Arrange the greens on salad plates.
6. Warm the Goat Cheese
Place the prepared baguette slices with goat cheese in the oven for three to four minutes. Cheese should be soft and warm, but not melted completely.
7. Top the Salad
Place warm goat cheese toasts on top of each salad plate. Sprinkle with toasted nuts. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette lightly over the top.
8. Serve Immediately
Serve the salad while goat cheese is warm. Enjoy the combination of creamy cheese, crunchy nuts and fresh greens.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese
- Use fresh goat cheese for soft texture.
- Toast nuts slowly for full flavor.
- Warm cheese slightly, do not overheat.
- Use high-quality olive oil for vinaigrette.
- Assemble salad just before serving for freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overheating goat cheese; it can melt and become messy.
- Using stale bread; it won’t toast properly.
- Adding all vinaigrette at once; it can wilt greens.
- Burning nuts; stir continuously while toasting.
- Preparing too early; salad loses freshness quickly.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect as a starter or light main course. Serve with crusty bread or soup for a complete meal. Pair with white wine or sparkling water.
It is ideal for brunch, lunch or dinner parties. The warm goat cheese adds richness while the salad remains fresh and crisp.
Variations You Can Try
- Use arugula or baby spinach instead of mixed greens.
- Substitute goat cheese with brie or feta for a different taste.
- Add dried cranberries or cherry tomatoes for sweetness.
- Sprinkle pomegranate seeds for color and flavor.
- Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or almonds for crunch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Prepare vinaigrette ahead and store in fridge up to 2 days.
- Assemble salad just before serving to keep greens fresh.
- Toast goat cheese rounds in oven for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Leftover goat cheese toasts can be warmed in a skillet.
- Store any leftover nuts in airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Health Benefits
This salad is nutritious and light. Mixed greens provide vitamins and antioxidants. Goat cheese adds protein and calcium. Nuts give healthy fats and extra crunch.
Olive oil in vinaigrette supports heart health. Overall, this salad is a balanced, flavorful option for healthy eating while still feeling indulgent.
Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- Mixed salad greens – 6 cups
- Goat cheese rounds – 4 pieces
- Baguette slices – 4
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Walnuts or pecans – ¼ cup toasted
- Honey – 1 teaspoon
- Dijon mustard – 1 teaspoon
- Red wine vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Salt – ¼ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil. Toast for five minutes or until golden brown.
Prepare Goat Cheese
- Place goat cheese rounds on top of the toasted baguette slices. Drizzle a little honey on each round. Set aside while preparing the salad.
Make the Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and slightly thickened.
Toast the Nuts
- Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add walnuts or pecans and toast lightly for two minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Salad
- Place mixed salad greens in a large bowl. Toss lightly with half of the vinaigrette to coat evenly. Arrange the greens on salad plates.
Warm the Goat Cheese
- Place the prepared baguette slices with goat cheese in the oven for three to four minutes. Cheese should be soft and warm, but not melted completely.
Top the Salad
- Place warm goat cheese toasts on top of each salad plate. Sprinkle with toasted nuts. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette lightly over the top.
Serve Immediately
- Serve the salad while goat cheese is warm. Enjoy the combination of creamy cheese, crunchy nuts and fresh greens.
Notes
- Use fresh goat cheese for soft texture.
- Toast nuts slowly for full flavor.
- Warm cheese slightly, do not overheat.
- Use high-quality olive oil for vinaigrette.
- Assemble salad just before serving for freshness.
FAQs about Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese
Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, vinaigrette can be made a day in advance. Store in fridge. Whisk again before using.
Can I use different bread for the cheese toasts?
Yes, sourdough or whole-grain bread works well. Toast lightly to maintain crispiness.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, replace goat cheese with vegan cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey. Greens and nuts remain the same.
How do I keep goat cheese soft but not melted?
Warm it in the oven for 2–3 minutes. Cheese should feel soft but retain shape.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon. It pairs perfectly with warm goat cheese and fresh greens.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese Recipe is elegant, simple and full of flavor. It combines fresh greens, creamy goat cheese and crunchy nuts in a perfect balance.
Now you know How to make Ina Garten Salad with Warm Goat Cheese at home. The steps are easy and ingredients are simple.
This salad is great for brunch, lunch or dinner. Try it for your next gathering or special meal. You and your guests will love the creamy, crunchy and fresh flavors together!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!