Crispy Baked Potato Chip Crusted Goat Cheese Salad with Oil-Free Applesauce Dressing

So delicious and special, this Crispy Baked Potato Chip Crusted Goat Cheese Salad with Oil-Free Applesauce Dressing is addictive.

To make a simple salad more swoon worthy, add a goat cheese medallion that has been coated with potato chips and baked to gooey perfection. Serve simply with pomegranate seeds on a bed of your favorite greens. The oil-free dressing is a nice surprise. Most oil-free dressings are made mostly with water and, of course, have a thin consistency, which we aren't fans of. This dressing is perfectly thick and incredibly flavorful. Applesauce, miso paste, two different kinds of vinegars, maple syrup, and dijon mustard, plus a little salt and pepper, is all you need for this dressing. After tasting it, you'll want to make a double batch to keep in the fridge at all times. You can never have too many delicious dressing, especially one that's thick and oil-free. Play around with the types of vinegars and mustard to make it different every time!

Crispy Baked Potato Chip Crusted Goat Cheese Salad with Oil-Free Applesauce Dressing
Potato Chip Crusted Goat Cheese Inspiration: Heartbeet Kitchen
Oil-Free Applesauce Dressing Inspiration: Forks over Knives

• 4 (1 oz) goat cheese medallions, cold
• 1 (4 oz) bag potato chips, finely crushed in a bowl
• 1 egg, beaten in a small bowl
• washed & dried salad greens, as desired
• pomegranate seeds, as desired for serving
• about a tablespoon of hemp hearts, for serving (optional)

Oil-Free Applesauce Dressing

• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon mild miso
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• salt & pepper to taste

For the goat cheese, dip the medallions into the egg, then into the crushed chips. Place on a sheet pan and continue until all medallions are coated. Freeze for 30 minutes. 

For the dressing, add all the ingredients to a wide mouth jar. Using  a immersion blender, blend until smooth. Taste for seasoning and adjust, adding salt/pepper/maple syrup, if needed.

Preheat the oven to 375 F and bake the goat cheese for about 8 minutes, then turn the oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. 

Add the salad greens to a bowl and toss with as much dressing as desired. Divide among 4 serving plates. Top with a goat cheese round and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and hemp hearts. Enjoy!