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Herb Salad with Lemon-Poppy Vinaigrette, Warm Goat Cheese Croutons

This lemon-poppy vinaigrette has a nice tart flavor, and the poppy seeds add a touch of texture. I kept my dressing on the sour side to balance out the natural sweetness of the berries and cheese, but you can add more honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor. For the goat cheese croutons, it's important to make sure your oil is nice and hot — this will prevent them from soaking up too much oil and will allow them to cook quickly so the cheese becomes warm but doesn't melt.
Servings 4
Calories 240kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 6- ounce log of goat cheese
  • 1 egg beaten
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • oil for frying
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 2 lemons
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 tsp poppy seeds
  • 1 package Olivia's Organics Herb Blend salad or a combination of your favorite lettuces and lots of fresh herbs
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup blueberries

Instructions

  • To prepare the warm goat cheese croutons: set a small pot with about 1/2-inch of oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, cut the cheese log into 8 rounds. Quickly dip each round into the beaten egg, then into the breadcrumbs. When the oil reaches 350 degrees (if you don't have a thermometer, put a pinch of breadcrumbs into the oil — if the oil sizzles and the crumbs immediately brown, the oil is ready) add two or three of the goat cheese rounds, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for 10 seconds, then flip and cook for 10 seconds on the other side. Remove from the oil and let rest on a plate lined with a paper towel.
  • To make the dressing: Roll the lemons back and forth between the counter and your pal, pressing firmly, to help release the juices. Slice in half and juice the lemons — you should have about 1/4 cup of juice. Add the lemon juice, shallot, honey, mustard, and oil to a jar. Put the lid on and shake vigorously to combine. Stir in the poppy seeds.
  • To plate, combine the salad mix with the cilantro. Toss with about half of the dressing (refrigerate the rest for next time)!. Top with the blueberries and 2 goat cheese croutons.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcal | Protein: 10.5g | Fat: 18.5g | Fiber: 1.7g