Hey there, my friend 👋. This smoked almond and goat cheese salad is something special. The crunch from the almonds, the creaminess from the goat cheese, and the freshness of the greens come together beautifully.
And guess what? It takes just a few minutes to throw together. Whether you need a quick lunch or a fancy side dish, this is one salad you’ll keep coming back to.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large salad bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Salad tongs
Important Info
- Servings: 4 bowls of salad
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $12, depending on ingredient prices in your area
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: No cooking required
- Total time: 10 minutes
- Calories per serving: About 250 kcal
- Cook method: No-Cooking Required
- Season: Perfect for Spring and Summer
- Courses: Salad, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Diets: Vegetarian, GlutenFreeDiet
How to Make Smoked Almond and Goat Cheese Salad
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, or your favorite mix)
- ½ cup smoked almonds, chopped
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Original Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Smoked almonds | Toasted pecans or walnuts |
| Goat cheese | Feta cheese or blue cheese |
| Balsamic vinegar | Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice |
| Honey | Maple syrup or agave syrup |
| Mixed greens | Romaine, kale, or butter lettuce |
Instructions
- Wash and dry your salad greens, then place them in a large bowl.
- Chop the smoked almonds into smaller pieces and set them aside.
- Thinly slice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Add the almonds, goat cheese, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and dried cranberries to the salad greens.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately, or let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to blend.
Helpful Tips
- If you want extra crunch, toast the smoked almonds for a minute in a dry pan.
- Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. Cheap ones can be too acidic.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you want to turn this salad into a full meal.
- Let the goat cheese sit at room temperature for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. It will blend better.
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and mix just before eating.
What to Serve with Smoked Almond and Goat Cheese Salad
This salad pairs well with:
- A warm bowl of soup like tomato basil or butternut squash soup
- Grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp
- Freshly baked crusty bread
- A light pasta dish
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
I usually serve this in a wide salad bowl to let all the ingredients spread out nicely. You can also plate it individually for a more elegant touch. If you want to be fancy, sprinkle some extra smoked almonds and goat cheese on top just before serving.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, and dinner parties. Since it doesn’t get soggy too quickly, it’s also great for meal prep. It works well as a light lunch or a side dish for a big dinner.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If you plan to eat it within an hour, leave it uncovered in a cool place.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Refrigeration
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing in a separate jar and shake it before using.
Freezing
- I do not recommend freezing this salad. The greens will wilt, and the cheese won’t hold up well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to keep the greens fresh.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
You can swap it for feta, blue cheese, or even shredded Parmesan.
Are smoked almonds necessary?
No, but they add a unique smoky crunch. If you don’t have them, use toasted nuts for a similar effect.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even boiled eggs would go great with this.
Is this salad kid-friendly?
Yes, but if your child doesn’t like strong flavors, you can reduce the onion and use a milder cheese.
Meta Description
Smoked almond and goat cheese salad recipe is a quick, refreshing dish with crunchy almonds, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for any meal.