| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 334 | 23g | 5g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 27g | 0.84g |
Why I Love Canadian Smoked Trout and Goat Cheese Salad
The Inspiration behind the Dish
Smoky, zesty, and refreshingly vibrant, the Smoked Trout and Goat Cheese Salad is one of my well-loved discoveries from my culinary adventures. This Canadian-born delicacy is simple yet complex, an ensemble of distinct flavors that delivers a surprising play of textures and palettes.
While traversing the global culinary scene distinct from the hearty practices of my Montanan upbringing, it was during a visit to Canada that I came across this remarkable salad. The contrast of the smoky trout and the creamy goat cheese was a revelation. It’s not a dish common to the old rancher’s diet or Native American traditions I grew up with, but it somehow reminds me of the interplay between the vast open plains and the rustic life back home.
This dish was inspired by illustrious Canadian chef, Michael Smith, known for his significant fondness for uncomplicated, flavorful dishes.
Delightful Dish Pairings
Moreover, the Smoked Trout and Goat Cheese Salad is also a versatile dish. It pairs well with a warm bowl of Tomato Bisque or perhaps a side of Roasted Rosemary Potatoes, both amazing foils to this tangy, smoky salad. Nothing says gourmet more than a well-thought meal harmony.
While some might think salads are mere fillers or starters, this Smoked Trout and Goat Cheese Salad easily proves them wrong—and I love that. It’s a colorful array of nutrition, a refreshing blend of taste, and a bold step away from my familiar kitchen landscapes. Just a taste and you’ll know why this unique fusion of ingredients made its way into my often bison-and-berry-filled gourmet repertoire.
What You’ll Need
- 2 whole smoked trout – around 500 grams
- 1 cup of crumbled goat cheese
- 6 cups of mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1/2 cup of roasted walnuts
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced a
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your ingredients. Debone the smoked trout and break it into large flakes. Crumble the goat cheese, if not done already. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, thinly slice the red onion and cucumber, and roast the walnuts until they’re lightly browned.
Step Two
Take a large bowl and add the mixed salad greens. Then, layer the deboned and flaked smoked trout on top.
Step Three
Next, add the crumbled goat cheese to the salad. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and cucumber over the top.
Step Four
Now, it’s time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Five
Drizzle this dressing generously over the salad. Toss the salad lightly to ensure every bit gets a touch of the dressing.
Step Six
Finally, sprinkle the roasted walnuts over the top of the salad, adding a crunchy texture to balance the soft ingredients.
Step Seven
Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for a later time. Enjoy your refreshing Smoked Trout and Goat Cheese Salad. It’s as delicious as it is vibrant!
