My passion for salads and goat cheese truly shines in the idyllic Burgundy, where the connection to the land is palpable. I source meat, eggs, dairy, and especially fresh goat cheese directly from local farmers. Our backyard is a veritable treasure trove, with pear and apple trees laden with fruit, flanked by two stately walnut trees. Last year, I even made walnut liqueur for the first time! It’s for special occasions but super fun to make. Back to the warm goat cheese salad. The lettuce and tomatoes for this delightful goat cheese salad grow in my own vegetable garden, making almost all the ingredients either directly from the land or from nearby farmers. This not only feels great but also makes the salad extra tasty and surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s no wonder that this salad, made with local Burgundian ingredients, is a regular favorite. If you don’t have the luck of living next to a goat cheese farmer, no worries: there are countless delicious goat cheeses that can turn this salad into a celebration. Below, I share three suggestions.

The salad with warm goat cheese, known as ‘Salade de Chèvre Chaud’ in France, originates from the rich culinary traditions of this country. While it’s difficult to assign a specific date or moment of origin to this dish, it is a beautiful example of the simple yet refined French cuisine, where fresh, local ingredients are key.

Goat cheese itself has a long history in France and has been produced for centuries in various regions of the country, each with its own unique variations. The tradition of warming or grilling the cheese before adding it to a dish adds an extra dimension of flavor and texture, which perfectly complements the freshness of a salad.

The popularity of the salad with warm goat cheese increased in the late 20th century when there was a renewed appreciation for regional cheeses and rustic French cuisine. This dish, often served as an appetizer or light meal, quickly became a bistro classic, not just in France but around the world.

Today, the salad with warm goat cheese is a symbol of the simplicity and elegance of French cuisine, and it remains a favorite among lovers of fine cheese and fresh ingredients. It is a dish that can be prepared just as well at home as enjoyed in a restaurant, and it offers endless possibilities for variation depending on the seasonal ingredients available.

Why Goat Cheese? Goat cheese, or “fromage chèvre” in French, holds a special place in French cuisine. Its creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor make it a versatile ingredient. It is often used in warm goat cheese salads because of its ability to melt into a delicious, creamy layer on top of the salad. The goat cheese adds a rich, savory flavor that perfectly contrasts with the freshness of the vegetables. It is a perfect appetizer, but with bread, it also becomes a complete meal.

Types of cheese:

1. Crottin de Chavignol – Small and firm, perfect for grilling or baking.
2. Chèvre frais – Fresh, soft goat cheese with a mild and creamy profile.
3. Valençay – With its unique pyramid shape and light ash coating, it has a slightly nutty flavor.
4. Pouligny-Saint-Pierre – Also known for its pyramid shape, it offers a slightly more intense flavor.
5. Rocamadour – A small, round cheese that becomes soft and creamy when warmed.

These cheeses are ideal for warm goat cheese salads thanks to their diverse flavors and textures, ranging from mild and creamy to rich and complex.

Beverages

Several wines pair well with a warm goat cheese salad, complementing the rich flavors:

• Sauvignon Blanc: Its crisp acidity and herbal notes enhance the freshness of the salad and balance the creamy goat cheese.
• Sancerre: A classic choice for goat cheese, offering a bright and mineral-driven profile that enhances the salad’s ingredients.
• Chardonnay: Opt for an unoaked or lightly oaked version to match the cheese’s richness without overwhelming it.
• Pinot Noir: A light, fruity red wine that pairs well with the creamy texture of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the pears.
• Rosé: A dry rosé can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm salad and complement the flavors.

A warm goat cheese salad, with its rich flavors and diverse textures, pairs well with various types of beer that can complement the complexity of the salad or provide a nice contrast. Here are some beer styles that go well with this dish:

1. Belgian Tripel: The fruity and spicy notes of a Belgian Tripel enhance the flavors of the goat cheese and the sweetness of the pears.
2. Saison: Its crisp, dry finish and subtle peppery flavors complement the salad’s freshness and the tanginess of the dressing.
3. Witbier: The citrus and coriander flavors in a Witbier provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy goat cheese and the roasted nuts.
4. Pale Ale: The balanced malt and hop profile of a Pale Ale can enhance the salad’s ingredients without overpowering them.
5. Blonde Ale: A Blonde Ale offers a smooth and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the richness of the goat cheese and the overall salad.
6. Amber Ale: The caramel and toasty notes of an Amber Ale can provide a pleasant contrast to the salad’s fresh and creamy elements.

These beverages complement the unique flavors of the goat cheese while creating a harmonious interplay of aromas.