Bowl of mixed greens salad with feta cheese, walnuts, and crispy fried onions served on a wooden board.

Mushroom and Goat Cheese Salad

by

Creamy, earthy & effortlessly elegant

Meet your new go-to salad: Mushroom and Goat Cheese Salad a creamy, earthy, and elegant dish that transforms everyday ingredients into something special. Caramelized mushrooms meet tangy, soft goat cheese over a bed of crisp greens, drizzled with a warm balsamic vinaigrette. Each bite is rich yet fresh, making it perfect for lunches, dinner parties, or cozy fall meals. Ready in under 20 minutes, this restaurant-quality salad is easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress a true Emma’s Cake Studio favorite for mushroom lovers.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 2–3

Ingredients List

For the Salad

  • 5 oz mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)
  • 2 cups mixed mushrooms (cremini, oyster, shiitake, or button), sliced
  • 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup toasted walnuts or pecans
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

For the Warm Balsamic Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons & cups
  • Salad tongs
  • Serving platter or bowls

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Sauté the mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized. 🍄
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Warm slightly in a saucepan or microwave for extra flavor.
  3. Assemble the greens: Arrange mixed greens in a large salad bowl or platter.
  4. Add toppings: Scatter warm mushrooms over the greens, then top with crumbled goat cheese and toasted nuts. 🧀✨
  5. Dress & serve: Drizzle the warm balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently. Serve immediately while the mushrooms are still warm creamy, earthy perfection!

Pro Tips

  • Balance the flavor: If your goat cheese is very tangy, drizzle a little extra honey to balance it.
  • Add protein: Top with grilled chicken or poached eggs for a more filling meal.
  • Make it vegan: Swap goat cheese for cashew cheese and honey for maple syrup.
  • Upgrade it: Add roasted beets or pears for a restaurant-worthy twist!

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl31010g14g24g3g7g