Beet Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

For the vinaigrette: I used Epicurious' recipe

• 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic ((minced))
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt ((to taste))
• ⅛ tsp pepper ((to taste))

For the breaded goat cheese rounds

• 3 slices goat cheese ((about ⅓" or 1 cm thick))
• 1 egg ((beaten with a sprinkle of salt))
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (mixed with the following spices:)
• ¼ tsp thyme
• ¼ tsp parsley
• ¼ tsp herbes de Provence ((optional))
• ⅛ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp pepper

For the salad

• 5 oz mixed leaf greens
• 1 small cucumber ((sliced in half lengthwise, and cut into quarters or half slices))
• 1 large tomatoes ((or two small, cut into small cubes))
• 3 slices beets ((roasted, boiled, or pickled beets - beetroot))
• ¼ cup nuts ((candied or plain, toasted walnuts or pecans- optional))

Balsamic Vinaigrette

1. 1

   Make the vinaigrette by placing the garlic, mustard, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper in a glass measuring jug.

2. 2

   While whisking the ingredients, slowly pour in the olive oil, continuously whisking until all the oil is used up and the vinaigrette is thick. Set aside.

Breaded Goat Cheese

1. 3

   Cut the goat cheese with plain dental floss, to make nice, clean slices.

2. 4

   Dip the pieces of goat cheese into the flour, then the beaten egg.

3. 5

   Finally, cover with the herbed breadcrumbs and set on a plate or board (if you're not frying them right away, keep them in the fridge).

4. 6

   Heat a small frying pan over medium-high heat with a little olive oil (you can see how little oil I used). When hot, add the breaded goat cheese slices.

5. 7

   Cook quickly until brown on both sides (turn them gently).

Beet Goat Cheese Salad

1. 8

   Make sure to wash your lettuce. I love my OXO salad spinner! I was offered another when I lost my old one (I left it at an event I was catering), but I only wanted OXO because it works so well.

2. 9

   Put the mixed greens in serving plates or bowls. Add the cucumber, tomatoes and beets.

3. 10

   You can add the breaded goat cheese rounds and nuts before, or after drizzling on the dressing.

4. 11

   You can top your salad with one, two, or three goat cheese rounds and serve with some delicious, crusty homemade bread.