Arugula's Perfect Cheese Partners: A Guide To Flavorful Matches

Arugula is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas. When it comes to cheese, several options pair well with arugula, depending on the desired flavour profile. A classic Italian arugula salad often features shaved Parmesan cheese, with its salty, nutty flavour complementing the peppery bite of the arugula. For a more complex flavour, a combination of creamy goat cheese and blue cheese can be used, adding a tangy and sharp dimension to the dish. Additionally, cheeses such as feta, Gorgonzola, and pecorino can also be paired with arugula, offering a range of salty and tangy flavours that enhance the overall taste experience.

Parmesan

A simple arugula salad with Parmesan can be made with just arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan. A little honey can be added to the dressing to balance the peppery arugula, and salt and pepper can be added to taste. This salad can be served with almost any meal, and is especially good with meat dishes, or on top of a pizza.

Other ingredients that can be added to an arugula and Parmesan salad include:

• Fruits, such as grapes, strawberries, blueberries, apples, pears, or dried cranberries or cherries.
• Nuts, such as pine nuts, walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
• Other vegetables, such as radishes, peppers, red onions, or tomatoes.
• Herbs, such as basil, parsley, cilantro, or dill.
• Proteins, such as chicken, salmon, steak, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs.

Goat's cheese

When making a salad with arugula and goat's cheese, there are endless combinations of ingredients to choose from. Here are some suggestions:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, carrots, roasted beets, and sweet potatoes are all great choices.
• Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts, or pine nuts add a crunchy texture to the salad.
• Dressing: A simple balsamic vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil is a perfect match for the goat's cheese and arugula. Alternatively, a tangy-sweet vinaigrette with lemon, white wine vinegar, and honey can be used.
• Meat: Crispy bacon or pancetta adds a savoury element to the salad.

Blue cheese

A classic way to pair blue cheese and arugula is in a salad. The sharpness of the blue cheese will balance the pepperiness of the arugula, while the arugula's freshness will cut through the richness of the cheese. You could also add some toasted walnuts and a light vinaigrette dressing to enhance the flavours.

Another option is to add some sweet, crisp pears to the blue cheese and arugula salad. The Italians love pairing pears with cheese, and for good reason. The subtle acidity and distinctive texture of pears mean they balance beautifully with blue cheese. For the best results, choose a green, red or yellow Bartlett pear, or a green or red Anjou pear.

For something a little different, try adding blue cheese and arugula to a pizza. The combination of warm, crispy pizza crust, melty cheese, garlic and the fresh, peppery taste of arugula is a match made in heaven. For an extra flavour boost, add some walnuts to the pizza toppings.

Feta

One recipe idea is a simple arugula salad with feta, almonds or pecans, and raspberries or blueberries. This salad is a great option for potlucks, and the addition of candied nuts adds a touch of sweetness.

Another option is to pair arugula and feta with beets and balsamic vinegar, or with red beets and grilled steak, using the meat juice as a dressing. Arugula and feta can also be combined with wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and dried cranberries, along with a honey-lemon-mustard-olive oil dressing.

For a more substantial meal, feta and arugula can be used to make a ravioli filling, along with garlic and Romano cheese. The ravioli can be served with a white wine mushroom cream sauce, a lemon cream sauce, or a tomato sauce.

Finally, feta, cucumber, tomato, and a drizzle of lemon olive oil can be added to avocado toast for a quick and easy snack or light meal.

Gorgonzola

In another salad recipe, gorgonzola is combined with arugula, pine nuts, and a simple olive oil and lemon dressing. The salty, buttery crunch of the pine nuts is said to work well with the creamy gorgonzola and peppery arugula.

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