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Mesclun Salad with Banon Cheese

This elegant mesclun salad with Banon cheese is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. Combining a variety of delicate baby lettuces like oak-leaf and lolla rossa, the dish offers a sophisticated mix of textures and subtle bitter notes. The star of the plate is the Banon cheese—a traditional French goat’s cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves—which provides a rich, creamy contrast to the bright acidity of the white-wine vinaigrette.

As a versatile vegetarian starter, this salad is perfect for alfresco dining or as a refined opening course for a dinner party. The nutty undertones of the cheese pair beautifully with crusty shop-bought baguette or a salty fougasse. It is a light yet indulgent choice for those seeking a healthy, authentic taste of Provence at home.

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Ingredients for Mesclun Salad with Banon Cheese

  • 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar

  • 1/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons black pepper

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 350g loosely packed mixed baby lettuces such as lolla rossa, oak-leaf, or Bibb (1850g )

  • 3 individual Banon cheeses (250g total) or soft goat cheese, at room temperature

  • Accompaniment: fougasse or baguette

How to make Mesclun Salad with Banon Cheese

Whisk together vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl until salt is dissolved, then add oil, whisking until emulsified.

Just before serving, toss lettuces with just enough vinaigrette to coat, then divide among plates. Halve cheeses and serve 1 half with each salad.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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