Goat Cheese and Fruit Salad with Homemade Croutons

When I really love a dish at a restaurant, I often leave thinking I should try making it at home.
But let’s face it: it just doesn’t happen. Sometimes I just forget about it. And sometimes I just know it won’t be the same and I want the exact same dish. So I just go again!

But when I ate this salad with dried figs (yum), crunchy apples (double yum) and balsamic vinaigrette (my favorite!), I definitely didn’t forget about it. Because it was so, so good. And I did decide to make it because this salad was easy to make, and would probably be even better if I made it ;-).

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Ingredients:

• 3 cups packed spring mix
• 2 dried figs, sliced
• 1/2 apple, cut into small wedges (I used Granny Smith)
• 1/2 tbsp raisins
• 1 tsp chopped walnuts
• 1/2 to 1 ounce goat cheese, crumbled
• Handful croutons (see below)

Vinaigrette:
Adaptation of Better than Bottled Balsamic Vinaigrette, Oh She Glows

• 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp old-style (grainy) mustard
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pinch fleur de sel (or coarse sea salt)
• Black pepper to taste

Directions: In a small bowl, whisk all the vinaigrette ingredients together. In a large bowl, toss spring mix with desired amount of vinaigrette (2-3 tbsp is perfect). Transfer to a plate and top with remaining ingredients.

Serves 1

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Ingredients:

• 1/2 french baguette
• 2 tbsp sunflower oil (or use olive/vegetable oil)
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 grinds black pepper
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Directions: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the baguette in 3/4 inch slices, then cut the slices into 4 pieces if you want big croutons (shown) or 6 pieces if you want small croutons.
In a large bowl, whisk oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Add bread and toss (it won’t completely coat the bread). Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Makes 3 cups.

This salad is just amazing, and so easy! If you love dried figs and goat cheese like I do, you definitely have to try it!! It is a great meal for hot summer days.
The croutons were delicious too! I even ended up eating them as is while watching a movie ;-).

Have a great week!