Best Cheeses To Pair With Balsamic Vinegar On Salads

Balsamic vinegar is a versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes, including salads. It is made from concentrated grape must and is typically aged for at least 12 years, resulting in a thick, glossy, and rich syrup with a balance of sweet and sour flavours. When paired with cheese, the acidity of the balsamic vinegar cuts through the fattiness of the cheese, creating a balanced and rich taste experience. The combination of the two ingredients also stimulates increased saliva production in the mouth, enhancing the desire to continue eating.

Parmigiano Reggiano

When preparing this dish, break the Parmigiano Reggiano into bite-sized chunks and transfer them to a plate. Drizzle the cheese with balsamic vinegar and let it stand for 15 minutes before serving.

You can also add other ingredients to the mixture to balance the flavours. For example, sweet fruits such as figs, pears, apricots, strawberries, peaches, and plums pair well with Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar. You could also add cured meats, or serve the cheese and vinegar on a salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil.

If you want to elevate this dish even further, try using a high-quality, traditional balsamic vinegar. Traditional balsamic vinegar is made from a pressed grape reduction and aged for 12 to 25 years in wooden barrels. The resulting thick, rich, and glossy syrup has a balance of sweet and sour flavours and a smoky undertone from the barrels.

Blue cheese

When making a blue cheese salad with balsamic vinegar, you can use a variety of greens, such as mixed baby greens and leaf lettuce, as well as adding extras like walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries, green onions, and tomatoes.

For a blue cheese vinaigrette, you can blend blue cheese with olive oil, vinegar, onion powder or fresh minced onion, salt, and pepper. You can also add a tablespoon of water at a time to get your desired consistency. This type of vinaigrette is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

If you're looking for a heartier salad, you can add leftover steak or roast beef to your blue cheese and balsamic vinegar salad for a quick, cool summer dinner.

Mozzarella

A summer vegetable tartare with yellow cherry tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella, along with balsamic vinegar, is another refreshing option. Moreover, a salad with grapes, gorgonzola, pine nuts, and balsamic vinegar can be a delicious combination.

When cooking with mozzarella and balsamic vinegar, it is important to note that heat will destroy the delicate flavours of the aged balsamic vinegar. Therefore, it is recommended to add the vinegar after cooking by stirring it into the dish, adding it on top, or serving it on the side.

Soft cheeses

Mozzarella is a soft cheese that pairs well with balsamic vinegar. A classic Caprese salad, made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, sweet basil, salt, and pepper, can be elevated with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. For an extra indulgent version, try adding some burrata, another soft cheese that goes well with balsamic vinegar.

Robiola, a soft-ripened Italian cheese similar to French brie or camembert, is also a good match for balsamic vinegar. Its rich, buttery, slightly fruity taste is complemented by the sweetness of balsamic vinegar.

Other soft cheeses that can be paired with balsamic vinegar include ricotta and Chevre goat cheese. These cheeses can be used in dishes such as a strawberry and ricotta crostini with mint and balsamic vinegar, or simply drizzled with balsamic vinegar to enhance their flavours.

Hard cheeses

When it comes to hard cheeses, there are several options that are known to pair well with balsamic vinegar on a salad. The most traditional hard cheese to pair with balsamic vinegar is Parmigiano Reggiano. This classic combination is a staple in Emilia Romagna, the birthplace of balsamic vinegar. The rich, nutty, and buttery flavours of Parmigiano Reggiano are beautifully complemented by the sweetness and acidity of balsamic vinegar, creating a harmonious flavour profile.

Other hard cheeses that go well with balsamic vinegar include Pecorino Romano and Grana Padano. Pecorino Romano, a traditional hard Italian cheese made from sheep's milk, has a distinct grassy and earthy flavour that pairs exceptionally well with the sweetness and acidity of balsamic vinegar. Grana Padano, another underrated pairing, offers a similar flavour profile to Parmesan but with a slightly more delicate and buttery taste. Its rich and nutty notes are enhanced when paired with the sweet and tangy flavours of balsamic vinegar.

Blue cheese is also an excellent choice to pair with balsamic vinegar. Its robust and sharp flavour can stand up to the sweetness and acidity of the vinegar, creating a delightful contrast. Italian Gorgonzola, French Roquefort, and Spanish Cabrales are all fantastic options to consider. The key to a successful pairing is to ensure that the balsamic vinegar is of good quality, preferably the authentic IGP Modena balsamic vinegar, as this will enhance the overall taste experience.

When adding hard cheeses and balsamic vinegar to a salad, consider including ingredients like sweet fruits, arugula, cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and black pepper. These elements will create a well-rounded and flavourful salad, highlighting the delicious combination of hard cheese and balsamic vinegar. Remember, a little balsamic vinegar goes a long way, so use it sparingly to enhance the flavours of the cheese and other ingredients in your salad.

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