Inspired by: @iszy
Craving a sophisticated yet simple salad that's bursting with flavor and texture? Look no further! This Crispy Fried Vegan Goat Cheese Salad is a game-changer, offering a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you're plant-based, dairy-free, or simply looking for an exciting new salad recipe, this dish delivers. It’s perfect for a light lunch, an elegant appetizer, or a vibrant side dish for any occasion, especially holidays.
This recipe solves the delicious dilemma of how to create a truly special vegan salad. The star of the show is the fried vegan chevre, which achieves an incredible crisp exterior while remaining wonderfully creamy and tangy inside. Paired with fresh peppery arugula, sweet juicy pears, crunchy candied pecans, and a hint of sharp red onion, all tossed in a zesty balsamic-agave-lemon-garlic dressing, every bite is a delightful contrast. It's an easy way to elevate your everyday salad into something truly memorable!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Fried Vegan Chevre Salad
This salad isn't just a meal; it's an experience. The original inspiration came from the delightful versatility of plain savory chevre from Rebel's, a brand known for its fun and unique vegan cheese flavors. The discovery of frying this chevre was a revelation – the crispiness combined with the creamy, tangy goat cheese flavor is simply wonderful. This recipe takes that incredible texture and pairs it with complementary fresh ingredients for a balanced and satisfying dish. It’s naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, making it accessible for many dietary needs without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
For the Fried Vegan Chevre
- 1 (4-6 oz) log vegan cheese (chevre-style recommended, such as Rebel's plain savory chevre)
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or other high-heat cooking oil for frying
For the Salad
- 5 oz fresh arugula
- 1-2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup candied pecans (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or lemon-infused olive oil if available)
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Equipment You'll Need
- Small non-stick frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or jar for dressing
- Spatula or tongs
Instructions: How to Make Crispy Fried Vegan Chevre & Pear Salad
- Prepare the Vegan Chevre: Gently slice the log of vegan chevre into 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick rounds.
- Fry the Chevre: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the chevre slices in the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. The inside should be warm and slightly melty. Carefully remove the fried chevre with a spatula and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, agave syrup, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the arugula, sliced pears, candied pecans, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to coat.
- Final Touch: Arrange the dressed salad on individual plates or a large serving platter. Carefully top with the warm, crispy fried vegan chevre slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success & Variations
- For Extra Crispy Chevre: Ensure your pan is adequately hot before adding the chevre. Don't flip too early; let a good crust form. A light dusting of cornstarch or flour before frying can also enhance crispiness, but isn't strictly necessary with good quality vegan chevre.
- Homemade Candied Pecans: If you can't find them, quickly make your own! Toss pecans with a tablespoon of maple syrup or agave and a pinch of salt. Roast in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, stirring once, until toasted and sticky. Let cool completely to crisp up.
- Dressing Customization: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the dressing to your preference. Add a touch of Dijon mustard for extra zing, or a splash of water to thin if too thick.
- Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, especially with the warm fried chevre. However, you can prepare the dressing and chop the salad components ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Fry the chevre and assemble just before serving.
Variations:
- Fruit Swaps: Instead of pears, try sliced apples, fresh berries (like strawberries or blueberries), or even dried cranberries for a different sweet note.
- Nut Alternatives: Walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans. Consider toasting them lightly for added flavor.
- Greens Power-Up: Mix arugula with baby spinach, mixed greens, or even massaged kale for varying textures and nutrients.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled or baked tofu, chickpeas, or white beans for a more substantial meal.
Related Recipes to Explore
Looking for more delicious plant-based ideas?
- Explore another vibrant meal with our Vegan Taco Salad Recipe – perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Try the unique blend of flavors in this Sweet & Savory Tahini Salad Recipe for a different salad experience.
- Add more crunch to any dish with these Extra Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas – a great topping for salads or a healthy snack!
We hope you enjoy creating and savoring this incredible Crispy Fried Vegan Chevre & Pear Salad! Share your culinary creations and tag us on abillion – we can't wait to see your delightful dishes!
