Za’atar crusted goat cheese sits on top of a bed of arugula surround by apple slices and pecans. This salad is easy to make and great for a quick, healthy lunch on a busy day!
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Any salad with fruit and nuts in it, I’m sure to love. For this Za’atar Crusted Goat Cheese Salad, I added a tangy goat cheese round on top of a simple salad made with peppery arugula, apples and pecans.
I decided to use Za’atar because I had goat cheese with this blend of spices in another meal once before and loved it! And, from my experience using herbs in an Apple Roasted Salad, I knew that adding sweet apples would only make this salad even better!
The Sherry Vinaigrette used to dress this salad is actually more of a hack. Sherry vinegar can be hard to find (impossible to find anywhere near me!) and ordering it online can be expensive. So, I made my own version of a Sherry Vinaigrette using sherry cooking wine, vinegar and olive oil. It turned out really good! If you have sherry vinegar on hand, definitely use it. But, if not, you can use my simple recipe hack instead.
Why This Recipe Works
- This is an easy salad recipe to make ahead for week day lunches. Be sure to sprinkle a little lemon juice on the apple slices to prevent them from browning.
- The tanginess of the goat cheese pairs perfectly with the herbs in the za’atar seasoning.
- Sweet apples and crunchy pecans add flavor and texture to this healthy salad!
How to Make Goat Cheese Salad
Prep!
There is minimal prep work for this recipe which is why it is so great for busy days! You just need to slice the apples thin and cut the log of goat cheese into 4 equal rounds.
Tip: For even 1-ounce goat cheese rounds, cut a 4-ounce log of goat cheese in half, then cut each of those halves into half.
Create!
Spoon the za’atar seasoning out onto a small plate or into a bowl. Firmly press the goat cheese round into the seasoning. Flip and repeat on the opposite side.
Place the arugula into a bowl and top with the seasoned goat cheese, pecans, and apple slices.
To make the Sherry Vinaigrette, whisk the sherry, vinegar and olive oil together in a small bowl.
Tip: if you have sherry vinegar you can just whisk that into the olive oil instead.
Present!
Pour the dressing over the salad and enjoy!
Tips & Techniques for the Best Goat Cheese Salad
- For even goat cheese rounds, cut a 4-ounce log of goat cheese in half, then cut each of those halves into half.
- If you have sherry vinegar on hand, definitely use it. But, if not, you can use my simple recipe for a substitute instead.
- You can make this salad ahead of time, but be sure to sprinkle a little lemon juice on the apple slices to prevent them from browning.
FAQ’s
- Which goat cheese is best for salad? For this salad, a solid log of goat cheese like a plain Montchevre, works best.
Other Recipes to Try
- Roasted Apple Arugula Salad
- Keto Greek Salad
- Shrimp and Corn Quinoa Salad
- Lemon Tarragon Potato Salad
- Cauliflower Green Bean Salad
Love this Goat Cheese Salad Recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!
Za'atar Crusted Goat Cheese Salad
Ingredients
Za'atar Crusted Goat Cheese Salad
- 4 ounces goat cheese * cut into 1-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons za'atar seasoning * more as needed
- 8 cups arugula
- 1 cup pecans
- 2 apples * sliced thin
Sherry Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 teaspoons cooking sherry
Instructions
- Spoon the za’atar seasoning out onto a small plate or into a bowl. Firmly press the goat cheese rounds into the seasoning. Flip and repeat on the opposite side.
- Divide the arugula between four bowls and top with the seasoned goat cheese, pecans, and apple slices.
- To make the Sherry Vinaigrette, whisk the olive oil, vinegar, and sherry together in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and enjoy!
Notes
Tips & Techniques for the Best Goat Cheese Salad
- For even goat cheese rounds, cut a 4-ounce log of goat cheese in half, then cut each of those halves into half.
- If you have sherry vinegar on hand, definitely use it. But, if not, you can use my simple recipe for a substitute instead.
- You can make this salad ahead of time, but be sure to sprinkle a little lemon juice on the apple slices to prevent them from browning.
FAQ’s
- Which goat cheese is best for salad? For this salad, a solid log of goat cheese like a plain Montchevre, works best.
Suzy says
Can’t wait to make this! Sounds so delicious.
Beth Pierce says
Love the combo of the apples with the pecans; this will make a great lunch option this week!
Kate says
This looks like a delicious new dish to try, thanks for sharing!!
Neha says
Looks like a perfect, healthy and super easy Salad recipe to me for those busy days. Infact I plan to try it out tomorrow for lunch.
Chris Collins says
I love goats cheese salad and this version with zaatar looks so delicious!!