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, there are several options that pair well with arugula, including Parmesan, goat cheese, blue cheese, and feta.

For a classic Italian arugula salad, a combination of arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan cheese is simple yet stunning. The peppery bite of arugula is enhanced by the tangy lemon vinaigrette, while the aged Parmesan cheese adds a mellow, nutty flavour.

However, if you're looking for something different, arugula also goes well with creamy goat cheese and blue cheese. A pear and arugula salad is a perfect example of this combination, where the sweetness of the pears balances the salty cheese.

So, whether you're creating a simple side dish or a more complex main course, arugula and cheese is a delicious pairing that offers a range of flavour profiles to explore.

Arugula salad with Parmesan cheese

Arugula and Parmesan cheese is a classic Italian combination that makes for a simple, stunning, and versatile salad. Here is a guide on how to make an arugula salad with Parmesan cheese:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Arugula
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese

Method

First, prepare the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. You can also add a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Then, add the arugula to the bowl and toss until the leaves are well coated. Finally, stir in or garnish the salad with shaved or grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips

• Use a vegetable peeler to shave thin pieces of Parmesan over the salad.
• If you want to add lemon zest to your salad, be sure to zest the lemon before juicing it.
• This salad is best served immediately, as the arugula will start to wilt after being dressed.
• If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, you can make the dressing and shave the Parmesan cheese up to a day in advance and store them separately in the fridge.

Variations

While the combination of arugula, Parmesan, and a simple lemon vinaigrette is delicious on its own, you can also try adding other ingredients to create different variations:

• Top the salad with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, cilantro, or dill.
• Add sliced fruit like strawberries, pears, or apples.
• Include other vegetables such as radishes, peppers, red onions, or tomatoes.
• Use a different type of cheese such as goat cheese, blue cheese, or gorgonzola.
• Experiment with different dressings or toppings like croutons.

Arugula salad with goat cheese

Arugula and goat cheese is a match made in heaven. The creamy richness of the goat cheese is a perfect complement to the peppery, nutty, or bitter notes of arugula. Here are some ideas for arugula salad with goat cheese:

This salad is a vibrant and colourful addition to any Thanksgiving table. The vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. The dried cranberries are steeped in boiling water to soften them, then drained. The vinaigrette is made by whisking together orange juice, vinegar, mustard, and oil, before folding in the cranberries and parsley. The arugula is placed in a serving bowl, topped with pecans and goat cheese, and drizzled with the vinaigrette.

This simple salad is a symphony of flavours and textures. The crunch of the apple, the creaminess of the goat cheese, and the fluffiness of the arugula are beautifully balanced. The dressing is made by whisking together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. The apple and shallot are thinly sliced, and the plate is topped with greens, sliced shallot, apple, pecans, and goat cheese. A sprinkle of sea salt completes the dish.

This salad features the classic combination of pears and cheese, beloved by Italians. The sweetness of the pears balances beautifully with the creaminess of the goat cheese. The dressing is a light, tangy-sweet vinaigrette, blended with lemon, white wine vinegar, and honey. The salad is topped with red onion, toasted walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and blue cheese.

This salad is a perfect mix of bitter (arugula), sweet (Asian pear), tangy (lemon dressing), and crunchy (pumpkin seeds). The dressing is made by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and thyme, then seasoned with salt and pepper. The arugula is tossed with pear slices and pumpkin seeds, and the dressing is added. The salad is topped with crumbled goat cheese and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Variations and Tips:

• Goat cheese can be substituted with blue cheese, Parmesan, or feta.
• Arugula can be substituted with spinach, leaf lettuce, or romaine.
• Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts can be added for crunch.
• Fruits such as apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries can be added for sweetness.
• Vegetables such as radishes, peppers, red onions, or tomatoes can be added for a savoury note.
• Fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, cilantro, or dill can be added for extra flavour.
• The goat cheese can be soft goat cheese or chevre, or pre-packaged crumbles.
• Toasting or glazing nuts can enhance their flavour and texture.
• The salad is best served immediately to prevent the arugula from wilting.
• Dressing and salad components can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in the fridge.

Arugula salad with pine nuts

Arugula, also known as rocket, is a peppery green with a subtle spicy flavour. It is a versatile salad leaf that pairs well with a variety of ingredients, especially pine nuts and cheese.

A simple arugula salad with pine nuts can be made in just a few steps. First, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for about three minutes, until golden. Set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together your choice of dressing. A classic option is a simple combination of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic to the dressing for an extra kick.

Next, create the salad by tossing the arugula with the pine nuts and your choice of cheese. Parmesan is a popular choice, but you can also use mozzarella, goat cheese, or feta. Shave or grate the cheese, or cut it into thin slices. You can also add cherry tomatoes for a pop of colour and sweetness.

Finally, pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper and some shaved Parmesan, and serve immediately.

This salad is versatile and pairs well with many main dishes. It is also easy to customise with additional ingredients such as fruit, vegetables, or grains.

Arugula salad with strawberries

Arugula, also known as "rocket" or "Italian cress", is a member of the cruciferous family and is packed with nutrients, phytochemicals, and fiber. Its nutty and peppery taste pairs beautifully with strawberries and feta cheese.

Ingredients:

• Arugula
• Strawberries, hulled and quartered
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh mint leaves, torn
• Pecans, roughly chopped
• Shallot, thinly sliced
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Mustard
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-6 minutes or until they are fragrant and golden brown. Let them cool completely.
• In a large salad bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth.
• Add the shallot and strawberries to the dressing and toss to coat.
• Add the arugula, feta cheese, mint, and pecans to the bowl. Toss everything together until it is well coated with the dressing.
• Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve and enjoy!

This salad is best when fresh, as the arugula will start to wilt after being dressed. You can also add other ingredients such as avocado, basil, or jalapeno to change it up!

Arugula salad with pears

Arugula, also known as "rocket" or "Italian cress", is a member of the cruciferous family and is packed with nutrients, phytochemicals, and fiber. It has a mild peppery bite, almost spicy in flavor.

Pears, on the other hand, are a classic pairing with cheese. They have subtle acidity and a distinctive texture that helps the fruit balance beautifully with all kinds of cheese.

Ingredients

• Arugula
• Pears (Bartlett, D'Anjou, Comice, or Bosc)
• Walnuts
• Goat cheese
• Blue cheese
• Red onion
• Lemon
• White wine vinegar
• Honey
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

• Wash and dry the arugula.
• Core and slice the pear into thin half-moons.
• Toast the walnuts in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes, or until light golden brown.
• Crumble the goat cheese and blue cheese.
• Thinly slice the red onion.
• Combine the arugula, pear, walnuts, cheeses, and onion in a large bowl.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, white wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
• Drizzle the desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
• Serve the salad immediately and enjoy!

Feel free to adjust the ingredient quantities and preparation methods to suit your taste and serving size.

Frequently asked questions