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Herbed Baked Goat Cheese on Apple Salad with California Figs

We can't get enough of baked goat cheese. Serve these warm rounds on top of an apple salad with figs, and walnuts for a sensational side dish.
Course: Salad
Keyword: Apple Salad, Baked Goat Cheese
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 426kcal

Ingredients

Goat Cheese:

  • 3 ounces white Melba toasts
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
  • 12 ounces firm goat cheese
  • Extra-virgin olive oil

Salad:

  • 1 cup Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid California Figs stemmed and quartered
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon minced shallot
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 14 ounces mixed hearty salad greens
  • 2 Granny Smith apples cored, quartered, and sliced 1/8 inch thick
  • 1/2 cup walnuts toasted and chopped

Instructions

  • For the Goat Cheese. Process Melba toasts in food processor to fine, even crumbs, about 1 1/2 minutes; transfer to medium bowl and stir in pepper. In separate medium bowl, whisk eggs and mustard together. In third medium bowl, combine thyme and chives.
  • Using cheese wire or dental floss, slice cheese into 12 equal-size pieces. Roll each piece of cheese into ball, then roll in herbs to coat lightly. Working with 6 pieces at a time, roll in egg mixture, then coat with crumbs, pressing to help coating adhere. Flatten each ball into 1-inch-thick disk and lay on large plate. Freeze cheese until firm, at least 30 minutes. (Breaded goat cheese can be kept in freezer for up to 1 week.)
  • For the Salad: Soak dried figs in 1/2 cup hot water in bowl until plump, about 10 minutes; drain. Combine vinegar, mustard, shallot, ¼ teaspoon salt, and sugar in large bowl. Whisking constantly, drizzle in oil. Season with pepper to taste.
  • Adjust oven rack to top position and heat oven to 475 degrees. Brush tops and sides of cheese evenly with oil. Bake until crumbs are golden brown and cheese is slightly soft, 7 to 12 minutes. Using thin metal spatula, transfer cheese to paper towel–lined plate and let cool for 3 minutes.
  • Combine greens and dressing in large bowl, toss gently to coat, and divide among salad plates. Sprinkle with figs, apples, and walnuts. Arrange warm goat cheese on top of salad and serve.

Notes

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Valley Fig Growers is a proud sponsor of Cook's Country TV.

Nutrition

Calories: 426kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 344mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1580IU | Vitamin C: 20.5mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 2.7mg