Edible Flower and Goat Cheese Salad
A delicate spring salad featuring vibrant edible flowers, creamy goat cheese, and a bright lemon dressing, inspired by Denver garden blooms. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs crumbled goat cheese, (baby spinach, arugula) spring greens, extra-virgin olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (nasturtiums, pansies) mixed edible flowers
- 4 oz, crumbled goat cheese
- 2 cups (baby spinach, arugula) spring greens
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups spring greens, 2 cups mixed edible flowers, and 4 oz crumbled goat cheese.
- Step 3: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated, ensuring flowers remain intact.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Edible Flower and Goat Cheese Salad take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Edible Flower and Goat Cheese Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep crumbled goat cheese from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Edible Flower and Goat Cheese Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Edible Flower and Goat Cheese Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Edible Flower and Goat Cheese Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
