Farmer'S Market Salad
A rustic salad that pairs warm focaccia topped with creamy goat cheese against fresh greens, pine nuts, and a splash of sherry vinaigrette—perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. goat cheese ⓘ
- 1 loaf round focaccia, cut into 1/2-inch slices ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil ⓘ
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 lb. Mesclun or other salad greens ⓘ
- 1 c. toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pt. tear drop tomatoes
- 1/4 c. snipped chives
- 3/4 c. bean sprouts ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sherry or balsamic vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the goat cheese on the focaccia slices. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the focaccia on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese begins to melt and the bread is lightly toasted, about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of goat cheese and cream cheese. If you can't find Mesclun, any fresh salad greens will work. Toast the pine nuts in advance for added flavor, and for a nut-free version, substitute with sunflower seeds. Drizzle some of the sherry or balsamic vinegar over the salad just before serving to enhance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Farmer's Market Salad as a light main course or a flavorful side. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Aunt Jackie'S Cauliflower Salad or Quick & Easy Spinach Pie. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal, or enjoy it alongside a bowl of Simple French Onion Soup for a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The focaccia can be kept at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place the focaccia back in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through, then assemble the salad fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Farmer'S Market Salad contains roughly 903 calories, with 20g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (330% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (179% of the Daily Value), and iron (61% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1975mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a stronger flavor, try using feta cheese, or for a creamier taste, you could substitute with ricotta. Each cheese will give the salad a unique twist while still complementing the other ingredients.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
If fresh chives are unavailable, you can use dried chives or other dried herbs, but reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, fresh parsley or basil could also work well to add flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time! Assemble the salad greens, tomatoes, and sprouts, but wait to add the focaccia and goat cheese until just before serving to keep everything fresh and avoid sogginess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).