Pairing: Goat Cheese and Fresh Salads

A goat cheese salad, featuring creamy and tangy goat cheese paired with fresh greens, fruits, and nuts, is a refreshing and flavorful dish. The tanginess of the goat cheese pairs well with crisp, acidic white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, which enhance the cheese’s distinct flavors without overpowering them. A dry rosé or a light, fruity red like Beaujolais also complements the salad, adding a delicate balance to the creamy cheese and fresh ingredients. This versatile salad is ideal for a light lunch or as a starter, offering a variety of textures and flavors that harmonize beautifully with these wines.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • Goat Cheese: 4 ounces, crumbled or in slices
  • Mixed Greens: 4 cups (arugula, spinach, or mesclun)
  • Fruit: 1 apple or pear, thinly sliced; or a handful of dried cranberries
  • Nuts: 1/4 cup walnuts or almonds, toasted
  • Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, salt, and pepper to taste
    •Optional Garnishes: Fresh herbs (such as thyme or basil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with a bit of the dressing to coat lightly. Arrange the sliced fruit and crumbled goat cheese over the greens. Sprinkle the toasted nuts on top.
  3. Serve: Drizzle additional dressing over the salad if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and serve immediately.
  4. Wine Pairing: Pair your goat cheese salad with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé to enhance the fresh, tangy flavors of the cheese and fruits. For a red wine option, a light and fruity Beaujolais or a Loire Valley Cabernet Franc offers a pleasant, balanced pairing.

Serve With

Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc

Learn More About the Best Pairings

Sauvignon Blanc

A highly aromatic white wine grape variety known for its refreshing acidity and diverse flavor profile

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Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is a versatile red grape variety that has gained popularity as both a blending grape in Bordeaux-style wines and as a single-varietal wine in cooler climates.

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