Fried Goat Cheese Salad

Essential Everyday

2 (4 oz) logs plain goat cheese [chevre]

1 large egg, beaten

½ cup Italian style bread crumbs

2 (5 oz) containers spring greens mix

2 thinly sliced ripe pears

½ cup sliced shallots

2/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing

¾ cup shelled pistachio nuts or walnuts

3 tablespoons olive oil

Slice cheese into 12 round slices; freeze 10 minutes. Place egg and bread crumbs in separate shallow dishes. Dip cheese in egg and coat with bread crumbs; freeze 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, in large bowl, combine spring greens, pears and shallots; toss with vinaigrette and pistachios. Divide among 6 salad plates.

I used walnuts. They're cheaper.

In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add goat cheese; saute until golden brown, turning once (about 2-3 minutes). 

Breaded fried goat cheese? It's an absolute stroke of genius!

Place on salads.

Pretty with pears!

Served up with (and dressing up) a store- bought frozen pizza. 

My Rating: 4/5 "This has so many epic wins. Pears on a salad? Win. Shallots? Win. (Well, my husband picked them off. But there's not accounting for taste.) Fried goat cheese? HUGE win. You might want to amp up the dressing from what the recipe calls for, but not by much! This is pretty close to perfect!"