Mushroom, Apple and Goat Cheese Salad
Mushroom, Apple and Goat Cheese Salad Recipe - Delicious North American Food
Introduction
This Mushroom, Apple, and Goat Cheese Salad is a delightful combination of earthy mushrooms, sweet apples, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a flavorful honey-balsamic vinaigrette. It's a perfect dish for a light lunch or a refreshing side salad for dinner.
History
This recipe is a modern twist on the classic combination of mushrooms and goat cheese. The addition of apples and walnuts adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the dish, making it a well-rounded and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup walnut halves
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb (454 g) assorted mushrooms, trimmed and coarsely chopped
- honey-Balsamic vinaigrette, divided (recipe follows)
- 1 (4 oz (113 g)) package arugula, thoroughly washed
- 1 large Cameo apple, thinly sliced
- 3 oz (85 g) goat cheese, crumbled
How to prepare
- Place walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 8 – 10 minutes or until toasted.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add mushrooms, and sauté for 6 minutes until tender.
- Stir in 2 tbsp of Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette.
- Remove from heat, and let cool for 15 minutes.
- Toss together arugula, apple, mushrooms, and the desired amount of honey-balsamic vinaigrette.
- Transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle with toasted walnuts and goat cheese.
Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Whisk together the first 5 ingredients until blended.
- Whisk in salt and pepper to taste.
Variations
- Substitute pears for apples for a different flavor profile.
- Use feta cheese instead of goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to thoroughly wash the arugula to remove any dirt or grit.
- Toasting the walnuts adds a depth of flavor to the salad.
- Sautéing the mushrooms in butter enhances their natural earthy flavor.
- Letting the mushrooms cool before tossing them with the other ingredients helps prevent wilting of the arugula.
Serving Suggestions
This salad can be served as a light lunch or a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a glass of crisp white wine or a light beer.
Cooking Techniques
Sautéing the mushrooms in butter adds a rich flavor to the dish, while toasting the walnuts enhances their nuttiness. Tossing the salad ingredients with the vinaigrette just before serving ensures that the arugula stays crisp.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have arugula, you can use spinach or mixed greens instead. You can also use any variety of mushrooms you prefer, such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the vinaigrette and toast the walnuts ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to use. The salad can be assembled just before serving to ensure that the ingredients stay fresh and crisp.
Presentation Ideas
Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates, garnished with extra walnuts and goat cheese crumbles. Drizzle extra vinaigrette on top for added flavor.
Pairing Recommendations
This salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes, such as grilled chicken, salmon, or pork tenderloin. It also goes well with a side of crusty bread or a light soup.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The arugula may wilt slightly, but the flavors will still be delicious. Do not freeze the salad, as the texture of the ingredients may change.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Calories: 380 per serving
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates: 18g per serving
Fats
Total Fat: 32g per serving
Saturated Fat: 7g per serving
Proteins
Protein: 10g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 20% DV
Vitamin C: 15% DV
Calcium: 8% DV
Iron: 10% DV
Alergens
Contains: Dairy, Nuts
Summary
This salad is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a well-balanced dish that can be enjoyed as a light meal or a side salad.
Summary
This Mushroom, Apple, and Goat Cheese Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of flavors and textures, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Mushroom, Apple and Goat Cheese Salad. It was a beautiful autumn day, with the leaves turning vibrant shades of red and gold. I had just finished picking mushrooms in the forest near my village, and I was on my way back home when I stumbled upon a small apple orchard.
The sweet scent of ripe apples filled the air, and I couldn't resist plucking a few from the trees. As I stood there, munching on a crisp apple, I noticed a small goat grazing nearby. Its curious eyes followed me as I moved through the orchard, and that's when inspiration struck. Why not combine these fresh ingredients in a salad?
I quickly gathered some mushrooms, apples, and goat cheese, along with a few other ingredients from my pantry, and headed back to my cottage. As I chopped and mixed the ingredients together, the flavors and textures began to meld in a way that was truly magical. The earthy mushrooms, sweet apples, tangy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts created a symphony of tastes that danced on my tongue.
I couldn't wait to share my creation with my family and friends, and it quickly became a favorite at gatherings and potlucks. Everyone would ask me for the recipe, but I would always smile and say it was a secret family recipe passed down through the generations.
But the truth is, I had stumbled upon this delightful combination by pure chance. Over the years, I have refined the recipe and experimented with different variations, but the original flavors of that crisp autumn day have always remained at the heart of the dish.
As I sit here now, in my cozy kitchen, preparing this salad once again, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary adventures that have shaped my life. From learning traditional recipes from my mother and grandmother to discovering new flavors and techniques on my own, cooking has always been a source of joy and comfort for me.
I think back to that day in the orchard, and I can't help but smile at the serendipity of it all. Who would have thought that a handful of mushrooms, apples, and a curious goat would lead me to create a dish that has brought so much happiness to my loved ones?
As I take a bite of the finished salad, savoring the contrasting flavors and textures, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And as I share this recipe with you, dear reader, I hope it brings you as much joy and delight as it has brought me over the years. Happy cooking!
Categories
| Arugula Recipes | Balsamic Vinegar Recipes | Cathy's Recipes | Goat Cheese Recipes | Honey Recipes | Mushroom Recipes | Salad Recipes | Walnut Recipes |