We use Wisconsin goat cheese because of its mild flavor and freshness: However, if you have a favorite chevre, that would work as well. We often vary the nuts from hazelnuts to walnuts, pecans, or black and white sesame seeds. This salad is best prepared in individual portions, just before serving.
Serves 4.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup finely chopped, roasted hazelnuts
- 6 ounces chevre
- Assorted greens: spinach, watercress, lettuce, etc.
- 2 apples or pears, sliced
- Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or grape clusters (optional)
- FOR CITRUS VINAIGRETTE:
- 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
- 1/4 cup grapefruit or orange juice
- 1/2 cup walnut, hazelnut, or safflovuer oil (or a combination)
- 1 teaspoon fresh herbs: thyme, basil, or marjoram
- cracked pepper
- salt to taste
- 1 shallot, minced
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the finely chopped, roasted hazelnuts in a flat bowl.
- Divide the cheese into 4 equal pieces. Roll the cheese into balls. Form 2-inch wide rounds by flattening the balls with the palm of your hand. Roll these in the chopped nuts. Set the cheese rounds aside, and prepare the vinaigrette (recipe below).
- Wash and dry greens, and tear. When you are ready to serve the salad, toss the greens in enough vinaigrette to lightly coat.
- Divide the greens onto 4 plates.
- Place the chevre balls in a dry, hot skillet over low heat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Do not flip them.
- Place the cheese on top of the greens, and arrange the fruit around it.
- Serve immediately.
- FOR CITRUS VINAIGRETTE:
- Combine all of the vinaigrette ingredients, and whisk together until well mixed.
- This makes more than you will need for the chevre recipe.
- When refrigerated, it will keep for up to a week and is wonderful on any green salad.
NOTE:
- ROASTING NUTS: Roasting nuts brings out their flavor. To roast nuts, place them on a cookie sheet and roast them in a preheated 350 oven for approximately 10 minutes. Nuts that have been sliced or chopped may roast a little faster, so check them after 5 minutes and remove them just as they start to color. Cool roasted nuts before you grind them
