Spinach Salad With Goat Cheese Pita Croutons Recipes

SPINACH SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE AND WALNUTS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, shallot, mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the oil to make a creamy dressing.
• Put all but a large handful of the spinach in a large bowl. Toss with most of the dressing. Add remaining spinach and continue tossing until well coated.
• Serve immediately topped with goat cheese and walnuts.

SPINACH SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE PITA CROUTONS

Steps:

• Make the croutons:
• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the rough sides of the pita evenly with the goat cheese, season them with salt and pepper, and sprinkle the walnuts evenly over the cheese, pressing them in gently. Cut the pita into 1-inch pieces and bake the croutons, on a baking sheet in the middle of the oven for 15 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden.
• In a large salad bowl whisk together the vinegar, the mustard, and salt and pepper to taste, add the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the dressing until it is emulsified. Add the spinach, the tomatoes, and the croutons, and toss the salad well.

GOAT CHEESE AND SPINACH SALAD WITH WARM VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Several hours before serving, remove the Bucheron from the refrigerator (it should be very cold); pull off the skin that encircles the cheese.
• With a sharp knife, cut the Bucheron into 6 thin slices and place on a large plate.
• Cover with plastic wrap and let stand at room temperature until ready to assemble the salad. (If the edges crumble a bit, don't worry--put the crumbled cheese aside with the slices.).
• Wash the spinach in a sink filled with cold water, pulling the stems off the leaves.
• Drain in a colander and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
• Tear the leaves into pieces and set aside in a salad bowl.
• Combine the shallot, mustard, basil, sugar, salt, pepper to taste, vinegar, and oil in a small bowl and reserve.
• When ready to serve, toss the spinach with 3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette--enough to barely coat the leaves.
• Arrange the spinach on 6 salad plates and arrange a slice of cheese on top of each bed of spinach.
• In a small saucepan, warm the remaining vinaigrette over moderate heat.
• As it comes just to a simmer, drizzle it in equal portions over the cheese and spinach.
• Serve immediately.

SPINACH SALAD WITH BERRIES AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Divide spinach amongst 2 plates. Top each plate with half of the strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Sprinkle with goat cheese and sliced almonds, adjusting quantities if needed to your tastes and preferences.
• Drizzle salad with raspberry vinaigrette to serve.