Farmers Market Salad With Spiced Goat Cheese Round...

Prep Time: 0 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ready In: 20 Minutes

Servings: 4

This salad makes for a beautiful presentation and is made of fresh, good-for-you ingredients. The goat cheese rounds adds the perfect taste, look and texture. Enjoy. Recipe adapted from Bon Appétit.

Ingredients:

goat cheese rounds

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 teaspoons ground cumin

11/2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme

1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

16 (1/3-inch-thick) rounds chilled soft fresh goat cheese (from one 11-ounce log)

vinaigrette

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 shallot, minced

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

coarse kosher salt

salad

1 pound baby new potatoes (such as dutch yellow baby potatoes or reds), halved

1 pound green beans, trimmed

8 cups (loosely packed) of your favorite mixed salad greens

1/3 cup (packed) small fresh basil leaves

12 ounces assorted small tomatoes (such as cherry, grape, and/or teardrop)

1/2 cup black olives (such as niçoise or kalamata)

Directions:

1. For goat cheese rounds:
2. Line baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper. Mix first 6 ingredients in shallow bowl. Dip cut sides of goat cheese rounds into spice mixture to coat. Place on prepared baking sheet. Chill until ready to serve.
3. ** Note: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before serving.
4. ~~~~
5. For vinaigrette:
6. Whisk first 4 ingredients in small bowl. Gradually whisk in olive oil. Season with coarse salt and pepper. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewhisk before using.
7. ~~~~
8. For salad:
9. Steam potatoes until just tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer to plate; cool.
10. Steam green beans until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Rinse under cold water; drain. Pat dry with paper towels.
11. **Note: Potatoes and green beans can be made 6 hours ahead. Wrap separately in paper towels. Place in resealable plastic bag; chill.
12. Combine greens and basil in large bowl. Add enough vinaigrette to coat lightly; toss. Arrange on large platter.
13. Add potatoes and green beans to same large bowl; add remaining dressing and toss.
14. Arrange potatoes and beans atop greens. Scatter tomatoes and olives over. Surround with goat cheese rounds.

By RecipeOfHealth.com