Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese Dressing

Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese Dressing

I recently had dinner at a new restaurant in Atlantic City called Cuba Libre. It was phenomenal Cuban food! Our appetizer of three different empanadas was served with a delicious salad of fresh spinach tossed in a creamy goat cheese dressing. It was so scrumptious that I immediately started playing around trying to duplicate it. Following is what I came up with. Keep in mind that this dressing would be great with any salad - but I've created one that you will love!

origin - Lisa Lou
difficulty - easy
health meter - high (it's raw spinach!!)

Goat Cheese Dressing
4-6 oz. goat cheese
1/4 cup low fat mayonaise
1/4 cup buttermilk
3-4 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 shallot chopped
3 scallions chopped
1 tbsp. fresh chives chopped (optional - this turns the dressing slightly green, so feel free to omit)
salt/pepper to taste

Blend all ingredients in a food processor adding more buttermilk or vinegar to reach desired consistancy. It should resemble ranch dressing.

Salad
Fresh spinach
shredded radishes
shredded carrots
green beans (boil for approximately 4 minutes and then shock in ice bath to stop cooking)
sunflower seeds (or chopped cashews would be delicous too!)

Toss all salad ingredients with desired amount of dressing and serve.