Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad

Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad Recipe - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 2-3 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad is a delicious and unique dish that combines the creamy texture of goat's cheese with the savory flavor of salami. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as a starter for a dinner party.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic combination of cheese and cured meats. The addition of apricot jam adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the salty flavors of the salami and goat's cheese.

Ingredients

4 individual goat's cheeses
apricot jam (preserve)
6 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
2 fresh red chillies, finely chopped and seeds removed
2 tsp powdered English mustard
2 tsp dry white wine
salt and pepper for seasoning

How to prepare

Preheat the grill to medium heat.
Cut four rectangular pieces of non-stick baking parchment, approximately 4” x 8”, and place them side by side on a baking tray.
Slice each goat's cheese into three equal portions.
On each piece of baking parchment, layer one piece of salami and a small amount of apricot jam.
Then place a slice of goat's cheese to overlap half of the salami, followed by more jam. Repeat this process, ensuring that each layer is not completely covered.
Finish with the final piece of goat's cheese.
The layers should be off-center to allow the grill to access each layer.
In a screw-top jar, combine all the dressing ingredients and shake vigorously.
Arrange a small amount of mixed leaves in the center of each plate.
Spoon three to four teaspoons of dressing over the leaves and drizzle it around the plate, ensuring even distribution of the diced chili for added color and flavor to the dressing.
Place the cheese and salami layers on the baking tray and grill them under medium heat for approximately one to two minutes.
Keep checking the cheese and salami portions. Once the cheese starts to bubble slightly, remove them from the grill. While still on the parchment, use a palette knife or fish slice to carefully push the layers into a tower shape.
Carefully slide the tower onto the salad leaves in the center of the plate and serve.

Variations

Substitute the goat's cheese with feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
Use prosciutto or chorizo instead of salami for a different twist on the dish.

Notes

Use firm goat’s cheese (Some English varieties are ideal, particular from Somerset) not very soft chèvre. Use dessert spoon for dry white wine

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to preheat the grill before cooking the cheese and salami to ensure even cooking.

- Layering the ingredients off-center allows the grill to access each layer, ensuring that the cheese melts evenly.

- Be careful when pushing the layers into a tower shape, as the cheese can be quite delicate when melted.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad as a light lunch or as a starter for a dinner party. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a light salad.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the goat's cheese and salami adds a smoky flavor to the dish and helps to melt the cheese evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have apricot jam, you can use honey or fig jam as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and assemble the salad leaves ahead of time. Grill the cheese and salami just before serving to ensure they are hot and melted.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad leaves in a neat pile on each plate and carefully stack the grilled cheese and salami layers on top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad with a light and fruity white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This dish is best served fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (goat's cheese) and gluten (salami). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Grilled Goat's Cheese and Salami Salad. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my friend Maria's farm. Maria was known for her delicious and inventive recipes, and she was always willing to share her culinary secrets with me.

As we sat at her outdoor patio table, surrounded by the lush greenery of her garden, Maria brought out a platter of grilled goat's cheese and salami salad. The aroma that wafted from the dish was irresistible, a tantalizing mix of smoky cheese and savory meats.

I watched with fascination as Maria explained how she had come up with the recipe. She had learned to make it from her grandmother, who had passed down the traditional Italian dish through generations. Maria had put her own twist on the recipe by grilling the goat's cheese to give it a crispy, golden crust that added a unique texture to the salad.

I knew right away that I had to learn how to make this dish myself. Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, and I made a mental note of every ingredient and step involved in creating the mouthwatering salad.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in gathering the necessary ingredients to make the grilled goat's cheese and salami salad. I had always been a fan of goat's cheese, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, and I was excited to try it in a new and innovative way.

I started by slicing the goat's cheese into thick rounds, then drizzling them with olive oil and seasoning them with salt and pepper. I preheated the grill and carefully placed the cheese rounds on the grates, listening to the satisfying sizzle as they began to cook.

While the cheese was grilling, I prepared the rest of the ingredients for the salad. I sliced the salami into thin strips, chopped fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, and tossed them together in a bowl with a generous handful of fresh basil leaves.

Once the goat's cheese had developed a crispy crust and was slightly melted in the center, I carefully removed it from the grill and placed it on top of the salad. The warm cheese melted into the fresh vegetables, creating a rich and indulgent dressing that coated every bite.

I took a bite of the salad and was immediately transported back to Maria's farm, surrounded by the sights and scents of the countryside. The combination of the grilled goat's cheese, salty salami, and fresh vegetables was a revelation, a burst of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds.

I couldn't wait to share this recipe with my family and friends, knowing that they would love it just as much as I did. Over the years, I have made the grilled goat's cheese and salami salad countless times, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful summer afternoon at Maria's farm, I am grateful for the culinary journey that led me to discover this delicious and unforgettable dish. The recipe may have originated from a traditional Italian kitchen, but it has found a special place in my heart and in my own kitchen, where I continue to create and enjoy it with loved ones.