Introduction
Discover the vibrant and refreshing Mesclun Salad with Veggies, Goat Cheese, and Crispy Garlic—a delightful blend of flavors that brings a rustic touch to any meal. This salad is not just about taste but also about texture; from the crispness of lettuce to the satisfying snap of garlic and bell peppers, every bite promises an explosion of freshness.
Tips for this Recipe
To elevate your Mesclun Salad experience:
1. Use the Crispy Garlic Maker to infuse dressing with that sought-after crispy garlic texture, although you may use other methods if not available.
2. Don’t shy away from adding additional vegetables for a personalized twist—consider your preferences and what’s in season.
3. Prepare all ingredients before assembling to ensure each element retains its texture and flavor.
Why you will love this recipe
This Mesclun Salad transcends a mere dish; it’s an artful medley of fresh ingredients that cater to the palate seeking simplicity with sophistication. The mix of mesclun greens, tangy goat cheese, and zesty crispy garlic will leave you craving this symphony of flavors repeatedly.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 large shallots, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ cup pine nuts
- About 10 cups mesclun greens
- 1 large orange bell pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
- 4 cooked beets, thinly sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1/8 teaspoon dried onion flakes
- 4 ounces fresh goat cheese
Adviced equipment
- Kitchen Knife Set – Essential for chopping all the ingredients of your mesclun salad with ease and precision.
- Salad Spinner – To wash and dry lettuce leaves effectively before dressing them up in your salad, ensuring crispness.
- Bowl Mixer – Useful for quickly whisking together a homemade vinaigrette or to evenly mix ingredients like goat cheese with herbs.
- Salad Serving Plate – The perfect presentation piece for serving your fresh and colorful mesclun salad.
- Crispy Garlic Maker (optional) – For achieving a similar crispy texture in the dressing of your salad, although not exclusively an Amazon product.
- Vegetable Peeler Set – For peeling vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, or beets if you decide to include them in variations of this recipe.
- Mandoline Slicer (optional) – Offers precise slicing for any additional salad additions that require uniform thinness.
- Silicone Salad Mixer – An affordable and reusable option to mix ingredients in a bowl without worrying about dishes.
- Cutting Board with Non-Slip Grip – Enhances safety and ease of use when chopping vegetables for your salad.
- Stainless Steel Salad Serving Utensils Set (optional) – For elegant serving, presenting the ingredients in an appealing manner.
History of the recipe
The Mesclun Salad originated in France and gained popularity across Europe. Its adoption by American chefs during the 1960s marked its arrival on the global culinary stage, embracing the Mediterranean diet’s principles of simplicity and fresh ingredients.
Fun facts about this recipe
Beyond being a timeless classic, Mesclun Salad epitomizes sustainable eating by often utilizing leftover herbs and vegetables. This versatile dish can be customized for different dietary needs, including dairy-free options with the substitute of plant-based cheese or omitting it altogether.