Cheese And Kiwi: A Tasty Pairing Guide

Kiwifruit is a versatile fruit that pairs well with various cheeses. While it may seem like an unusual combination, kiwi and cheese can create surprising delights. One classic pairing is kiwi with goat cheese, which can be served as a simple starter or salad, with the addition of salad leaves, thyme, and a vinaigrette dressing. For a more indulgent option, grilled cheese sandwiches with kiwi, cheddar, and bacon are a popular choice.

Kiwi fruit and goat's cheese salad

Kiwi fruit and goats' cheese salad is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavours, with a creamy texture from the cheese. This simple dish is a great starter or light lunch option and can be adapted to include a variety of salad leaves and dressings.

To make this salad, start by slicing one kiwi fruit and some soft goats' cheese. Arrange the slices on a plate, creating a wheel pattern. For the salad leaves, you can use any combination of rocket, baby spinach, and parsley, or choose your favourites from the garden. Chill the plate of kiwi, cheese, and leaves in the fridge while you make the dressing.

For the dressing, you can use a simple mixture of olive oil, wine vinegar or lemon juice, and fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. When ready to serve, remove the plate from the fridge and drizzle the dressing over the salad leaves, kiwi fruit, and cheese.

This salad is not only delicious but also visually appealing, with the vibrant colours of the kiwi fruit and the green of the herbs creating an inviting dish. It is a perfect option for those seeking a light and refreshing meal, especially during the warmer months.

For a heartier meal, you could add some grilled chicken or prawns, and toasted nuts or seeds would add a crunchy texture.

Spinach salad with berries, kiwi and goat cheese

Spinach Salad with Berries, Kiwi, and Goat Cheese

This refreshing spinach salad is a perfect summer treat, packed with fresh berries, kiwi, and the creaminess of goat cheese. It's a stunning visual feast, full of colour and texture, and it's simple to make.

Ingredients:

• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Kiwi
• Goat Cheese
• Honey Poppy Seed Dressing (or Raspberry Vinaigrette)
• Candied Pecans or Almonds

Instructions:

First, make the candied pecans or almonds. For the pecans, simply add butter and sugar to a pan with the nuts and cook until the sugar melts into a caramel syrup. Spread the coated nuts onto some foil or parchment paper and allow to cool.

Next, prepare the dressing by combining all the ingredients in a jar and shaking until fully combined.

Now, it's time to assemble the salad. Place the spinach in a bowl and tear the leaves into smaller pieces if they are too large. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.

Add the strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and kiwi on top of the dressed spinach. Drizzle a little more dressing over the berries and kiwi.

Finally, sprinkle the goat cheese and candied nuts over the salad.

And that's it! You now have a beautiful and delicious spinach salad with berries, kiwi, and goat cheese. Enjoy!

Kiwi and cheddar grilled cheese sandwich

A unique and tasty combination, a kiwi and cheddar grilled cheese sandwich is perfect for those looking for something a little different. This recipe is a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich and is a great way to add some extra flavour to your lunch or snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread of your choice (white, sourdough, brioche or ciabatta work well)
• Butter
• 2 slices of Cheddar cheese (you can use sharp Cheddar, mild Cheddar, or a blend)
• 1 kiwi fruit, sliced

Optional extras:

• Honey
• Lemon zest
• Fresh herbs such as basil or mint

Method:

• Butter one side of each slice of bread.
• Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a hot skillet or non-stick pan.
• Top with the Cheddar cheese and sliced kiwi fruit.
• Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
• Cook until the bread is lightly browned, then flip and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
• For an extra touch of flavour, mix together some honey and lemon zest and spread it on the bread before adding the kiwi. You could also add some fresh herbs such as basil or mint.

Tips:

• If you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Brie, or Fontina.
• For a more indulgent sandwich, you can add some extra butter to the skillet or pan before cooking.
• To make the sandwich even more of a treat, try using a sweeter bread such as cranberry-walnut bread.

Kiwi and blue cheese

While there are a few suggestions for cheese pairings with kiwi fruit, blue cheese is not one of them. However, this does not mean that the combination of kiwi and blue cheese will not work. In fact, the strong flavour of blue cheese might complement the sweet and tangy taste of kiwi very well.

Suggested Pairings

Some of the cheeses that are suggested to pair with kiwi fruit include goat's cheese, cheddar, and feta. These cheeses are all quite mild in flavour, which may be why they are recommended to balance the sweetness of the fruit.

Recipe Ideas

A simple way to pair kiwi and blue cheese could be to create a salad. Slice the kiwi fruit and arrange it on a plate with some salad leaves, such as rocket, baby spinach, and parsley. Crumble some blue cheese over the top and add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of thyme for extra flavour.

Another option could be to create a grilled cheese sandwich with blue cheese and kiwi fruit. This combination may work well on a wholemeal sourdough bread, with the addition of some streaky bacon for a savoury contrast to the sweet kiwi.

For a more unusual pairing, consider a dessert option such as a kiwi and cheese ice cream or sorbet. The sharp, tangy flavour of the kiwi and the creamy, salty blue cheese could create an interesting and complex flavour profile.

Experimenting with Flavours

Ultimately, the best way to discover if kiwi and blue cheese work well together is to experiment and taste-test. The unique flavour combinations that result from pairing different foods can be quite surprising, and it is all a matter of personal preference. So, why not give kiwi and blue cheese a try and see if it becomes your new favourite flavour pairing?

Kiwi and cheddar cheese curds

A unique and surprising combination, kiwi and cheddar cheese curds offer a contrast of flavors, textures, and colors that can enhance both sweet and savory dishes. This pairing brings together the vibrant, tangy kiwi with the creamy, salty, and slightly tangy cheese curds. Here's how you can incorporate these ingredients to create interesting culinary experiences:

For a delightful appetizer or salad component, combine fresh kiwi slices with cheddar cheese curds. The sweetness of the kiwi complements the salty, savory notes of the cheese, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The creamy texture of the cheese curds also provides a delightful contrast to the soft, juicy flesh of the kiwi. This combination works well with a variety of greens, nuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing.

When creating a fruit platter or dessert board, add kiwi and cheddar cheese curds as unique, unexpected elements. The bright green kiwi and the creamy yellow cheese curds provide a visually appealing contrast. The combination of sweet and salty flavors can surprise and delight your guests. Pairing the kiwi with the cheese curds also helps to balance the flavors and prevents the dish from becoming too cloyingly sweet.

Incorporate kiwi and cheddar cheese curds into a unique take on grilled cheese sandwiches or paninis. The sweetness of the kiwi adds an interesting twist to the classic grilled cheese, and the cheese curds melt beautifully, creating a creamy and indulgent texture. You can also add a touch of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts to enhance the flavors and add a bit of crunch to your sandwich.

For a more substantial dish, consider using kiwi and cheddar cheese curds in a savory kiwi salsa or relish. Finely chop the kiwi and mix it with diced onions, fresh herbs, and cheddar cheese curds. This combination can be served as a topping for grilled meats, fish, or even as a unique condiment for burgers or sandwiches. The sweetness of the kiwi and the tanginess of the cheese curds will elevate the flavors of your dish and add a touch of freshness.

When combining kiwi and cheddar cheese curds, it's important to consider the balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the kiwi should be offset by the salty, tangy notes of the cheese curds. Additionally, the creamy texture of the cheese curds can provide a pleasing contrast to the softer kiwi, adding a layer of depth and interest to your dishes. Experiment with different varieties of kiwi, such as the common green kiwi or the sweeter golden kiwi, to find your preferred flavor combination.

Frequently asked questions