Side Salad with Goat Cheese
A crisp and refreshing side salad featuring tangy goat cheese, fresh cucumber, and a simple red wine vinaigrette. The perfect light accompaniment to any main course, ready in just 10 minutes.
For 4 servings
Make the vinaigrette.
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is emulsified.
TIPMaking the dressing in a jar with a lid makes it easy to shake and store any leftovers.Combine the salad ingredients.
In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens and sliced cucumber. Drizzle about half of the vinaigrette over the top.
Toss the salad.
Gently toss the greens and cucumber until they are lightly coated with the dressing. Add more dressing as needed to your preference.
TIPAvoid over-dressing the salad; you want the greens to be lightly coated, not swimming in dressing.Garnish and serve immediately.
Divide the salad among four plates. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese evenly over each portion and serve right away.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, let the vinaigrette sit for a few minutes before tossing with the greens.
- 2Don't dress the salad until you're ready to serve, as the greens will wilt quickly.
- 3Gently crumble the goat cheese with your hands for a more rustic texture.
- 4Ensure your mixed greens are completely dry before tossing with dressing; this helps the vinaigrette cling to the leaves.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the goat cheese with a plant-based feta or a handful of toasted nuts for a similar tangy crunch.
dairy freeDairy free
Omit the goat cheese. Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast to the dressing for a cheesy, savory flavor.
quickQuick
Use a quality store-bought red wine vinaigrette to save time on making the dressing from scratch.
healthyHealthy
Reduce the olive oil to 2 tablespoons and add a tablespoon of water to the vinaigrette to lower the fat content without sacrificing volume.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Mixed greens are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, which support vision, immune function, and bone health.
Healthy Fats
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Source of Protein
Goat cheese adds a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and helps with satiety.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a healthy side dish packed with vitamins from the greens and healthy fats from the olive oil. Goat cheese provides protein and calcium. It's a great way to add nutrients to your meal.