The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Italian Dressing

Italian salads are a great side dish for pasta, chicken, or fish dinners. They are typically made with fresh vegetables, cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing. The type of cheese used in an Italian salad can vary, but some common options include Parmesan, feta, mozzarella, and gorgonzola. So, which cheese goes best with Italian dressing?

Mozzarella, feta, and gorgonzola cheese

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella is a classic Italian cheese that pairs perfectly with Italian dressing. It has a mild, creamy flavour and a soft, stretchy texture that makes it ideal for salads. For a simple yet delicious option, tear fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and your favourite Italian dressing. You can also try making a caprese salad by layering fresh mozzarella with sliced tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. If you're feeling adventurous, stuff marinated mozzarella balls into peppers or hollowed-out cucumbers for a fun and tasty appetizer.

Feta Cheese

Feta is a salty, briny cheese that adds a tangy flavour to any dish. Its crumbly texture makes it a perfect topping for salads, and its strong flavour means a little goes a long way. Try sprinkling feta over a bed of mixed greens, along with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives. Drizzle with Italian dressing and top with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a refreshing summer salad. Feta also goes well with fruit, so consider adding some sliced strawberries or peaches for a sweet and savoury combination.

Gorgonzola Cheese

Gorgonzola is a strong and pungent blue cheese that can add a real flavour punch to your dish. A little gorgonzola goes a long way, so crumble it over your salad to add a creamy, salty element. Pair gorgonzola with sweet components like honey-glazed walnuts or sliced apples to balance out its sharpness. For a heartier option, try a warm spinach salad with crumbled gorgonzola, bacon bits, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The saltiness of the cheese will complement the sweetness of the dressing, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

Parmesan and feta cheese

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a hard and aromatic cow's cheese that originated in the Italian region of Parma in the 13th century. It has a complex and lengthy production process, requiring up to 16 litres of milk to produce just 1 kilogram of cheese. The ageing process lasts for at least a year, and the final product has an intense and rich flavour with recognisable fruity notes. The texture of Parmesan is hard and gritty, and it is best grated right before eating to preserve its aroma. When storing Parmesan, it is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator without wrapping it in plastic or aluminium foil to maintain its quality and taste.

When it comes to using Parmesan with Italian dressing, it is an excellent choice for adding a salty and tangy flavour to your dish. You can use it in salads, on pizza, pasta, or even in soups. Parmesan is a versatile cheese that can be grated or shredded and used as a topping or mixed into your dish.

Some specific recipe ideas include:

• Italian side salad: Combine romaine lettuce, red onions, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, olives, and croutons. Top it off with as much grated Parmesan cheese as you like. You can also make your own Italian dressing using extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, and other spices.
• 3-Cheese Loaded Italian Salad: This salad includes mixed greens, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow pepper, kalamata olives, provolone or mozzarella cheese, feta cheese, gorgonzola cheese, bacon, pecans, and a white balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The Parmesan cheese in this recipe is grated and added to the vinaigrette dressing.

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a traditional Greek cheese made from a combination of sheep's milk and goat's milk. It has a creamy texture and a salty, tangy taste that enhances the flavour of many dishes. Feta is commonly used in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, crumbled over salads, pasta, burgers, and side dishes. It is a key ingredient in popular Greek dishes like Greek salad, Greek pasta, spanakopita, and meat dishes.

When pairing feta cheese with Italian dressing, you can create delicious salads or pasta dishes. Feta adds a rich flavour and creamy texture to your meal. Here are some specific ideas:

• Italian Pasta Salad: This recipe includes tricolour rotini pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and feta cheese covered in Italian dressing. It is a quick and easy dish that blends the flavours of the ingredients beautifully.
• Big Italian Salad: This salad features romaine lettuce, red bell pepper, hothouse cucumbers, carrots, grape tomatoes, pitted olives, and feta cheese. The homemade Italian dressing includes fresh herbs like parsley and basil, giving it a vibrant green colour and a fresh taste.
• Greek Salad with Feta Cheese: This salad combines cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta cheese. The dressing is made with balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Ricotta salata or feta cheese

Ricotta salata is an Italian sheep's milk cheese with a salty and tangy flavour, similar to dry Italian feta. It is not the same as the wet ricotta that is commonly found in tubs. It can be found at Whole Foods, gourmet grocers, or specialty cheese shops.

Feta is a well-known Greek cheese that is briny and tangy, with a salty and sharp flavour. It is made from a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk, or solely sheep's milk. Feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, sandwiches, and dips.

When choosing between ricotta salata and feta for an Italian salad, consider the other ingredients and flavours in the dish. Both cheeses will add a creamy texture and a savoury taste, but each has its own unique characteristics. Ricotta salata has a drier and more crumbly texture, while feta can be slightly more moist and creamy.

Additionally, consider the availability and cost of the cheeses. Ricotta salata may be more challenging to find and could be more expensive, whereas feta is widely available and typically more affordable.

Ultimately, both ricotta salata and feta cheese are excellent choices for an Italian salad, and the decision between the two comes down to personal preference, availability, and the specific flavours and textures desired in the dish.

Parmesan cheese

When making Italian dressing with Parmesan, it is best to use freshly grated Parmesan as it dissolves better than the pre-grated variety, which can leave grainy bits in the dressing. It is also important to note that Italian dressing made with freshly grated Parmesan should be consumed within a few days, as it does not keep for as long as dressings made with pre-grated cheese.

Italian dressing is very versatile and can be used on leafy greens, steamed, chopped, or roasted vegetables. It can also be used as a marinade for grilled meats and vegetables, or as a dip for cooked meats and veggies.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon sugar (any type)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small garlic clove, minced, if using within 3 days)
• 1/8 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, and parsley (or a mix of choice)
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Place all the ingredients in a jar and shake well until combined. Adjust the sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. For a less tangy dressing, add more olive oil, and for more tang, add more vinegar. This dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Parmesan or feta cheese

Parmesan and feta cheese are popular choices for Italian salads. Parmesan is often grated over the salad, while feta is usually crumbled. Both cheeses can add a savoury, salty kick to your dish.

If you're looking for a cheese to sprinkle over your salad, Parmesan is a great option. It's a hard cheese with a strong, sharp flavour that can enhance the taste of your salad. Parmesan is often used in Italian cuisine and is a classic choice for salads like the Olive Garden Italian salad. It's also a key ingredient in Caesar salad dressing, adding a savoury, umami flavour.

Feta, on the other hand, is a soft, briny cheese that provides a creamy texture and a tangy, salty taste. It's a great option if you want to add a creamy element to your salad. Feta is commonly used in Greek cuisine and can be a nice change of pace from the more typical Italian cheeses.

When choosing between Parmesan and feta, consider the other ingredients in your salad and the specific flavour profile you want to create. Parmesan tends to be sharper and more savoury, while feta adds a creamy, tangy element. Both cheeses are versatile and can be paired with a variety of ingredients.

For example, if you're making an Italian pasta salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, black olives, and Italian dressing, you might choose feta cheese for a creamy, tangy twist. On the other hand, if you're making a classic Italian side salad with romaine lettuce, red onions, cherry tomatoes, pepperoncinis, olives, and croutons, Parmesan cheese might be a better option to complement the other flavours.

Ultimately, the choice between Parmesan and feta depends on your personal preference and the specific ingredients in your Italian salad. Both cheeses can elevate your dish and provide a delicious savoury element.

Frequently asked questions