Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a salad that's not just a dish, but a gourmet experience! This Champagne Mustard Greens Salad is a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary flavor explosion. Imagine peppery mustard greens dancing with a luxurious champagne vinaigrette, punctuated by the crunch of toasted walnuts and the creamy decadence of goat cheese. In just 10 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy salad that will make your friends think you've secretly trained with a professional chef!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mustard greens, washed and torn
- 1/4 cup champagne vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the mustard greens. Wash them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once clean, tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the champagne vinegar, olive oil, and honey. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and emulsified. This will create a light and tangy dressing for your salad.
- Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference. Whisk again to incorporate the seasoning.
- Drizzle the dressing over the torn mustard greens in the salad bowl. Use tongs or salad servers to gently toss the greens, ensuring they are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Next, add the toasted walnuts to the salad. If you haven’t toasted them yet, you can do so by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool slightly before adding to the salad.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the top of the salad. The creamy texture of the cheese will complement the peppery flavor of the mustard greens beautifully.
- For a final touch, give the salad one last gentle toss to combine all the ingredients without breaking the cheese or nuts. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Champagne Mustard Greens Salad immediately, garnished with a few extra walnuts and goat cheese if desired. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant dish as a light lunch or a side salad with your favorite main course.
Tips
- Washing Greens: Take extra care when cleaning mustard greens. Their ruffled leaves can hide dirt, so rinse thoroughly under cold water.
- Toasting Nuts: For maximum flavor, toast walnuts slowly over medium heat. Watch carefully to prevent burning - the nutty aroma will tell you they're perfectly done.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk your vinaigrette vigorously to create a smooth emulsion. This ensures every leaf gets evenly coated with flavor.
- Cheese Handling: Crumble goat cheese just before serving to maintain its delicate texture and prevent clumping.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after preparing to keep the greens crisp and the nuts crunchy. This salad doesn't do well sitting around!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
