What Makes A Perfect Cheese For Salad?

No matter the season, deciding between a hard or soft cheese can either make or break your salad — each brings unique qualities, after all. Just take it from Matt Ayala, executive chef of Francois Frankie in Chicago, who spoke to Food Republic about how to make the best pairing. 

"For a summer salad, I lean toward something light and tangy like goat cheese or ricotta salata. They complement fresh fruits and herbs beautifully."  For a jumping-off point, try a fried goat cheese salad, featuring warm, melty cheese, bright summer greens, and a vinaigrette that cuts through the richness of the cheese beautifully. You can also partner goat cheese with grilled peaches, and a bright citrus salad with arugula and ricotta salata, with strips of fresh basil and quick-pickled red onion, it's a fantastic way to keep a meal light when the heat of summer hits. The creamy texture and touch of tang in the goat cheese contrasts with the taste of juicy summer fruit and the salty, crumbly taste of ricotta salata is just what you need to add richness to greens. 

For the winter months, Ayala suggested using "a bold blue cheese, Gorgonzola, or a creamy double or triple cream brie that pairs well with roasted root veggies or hearty greens. Balance is key as stronger cheeses need fewer toppings to keep the salad from feeling too heavy." Roasting vegetables to perfection can give root veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes a delicious caramelization, which is exactly what you need to complement the pungent cheeses Ayala recommends. Overall, keeping the salad simple allows the cheese to shine and maintain flavor harmony without being too overwhelming. 

When choosing cheese for a salad, it's important to consider not just its type — light or heavy — but also its size and texture. As chef Matt Ayala explained, "Crumbly cheeses like feta or goat cheese work best when evenly distributed, allowing them to lightly coat the greens. If you use cheeses such as mild pecorino or manchego, simply break the wedges into crumbles for a delicious pop of textured cheese flavor. For creamier cheeses, like fresh burrata, let them be the centerpiece."

Create a stunning salad centered around soft cheeses by layering fresh herbs, vibrant greens, juicy tomatoes, or sweet stone fruits to craft a true showstopper. Burrata steals the spotlight with its luscious creaminess and velvety texture, think an heirloom tomato Caprese salad – while pecorino and Manchego take on supporting roles, delivering a delightful crunch and a burst of salty flavor in every bite — perfect for a twist on a Caesar salad like in a grilled romaine salad or in a stacked watermelon salad. 

Ayala shared his recipe inspiration, "Serve them whole or in large pieces, so diners can mix as they eat. Pair soft cheeses with a punchy vinaigrette to cut through their richness. For example, leafy greens with burrata and a fermented carrot miso vinaigrette." The key is to balance the freshness of greens, fruits, vegetables, and herbs with the rich flavors of the cheese. A well-chosen cheese can introduce salty, savory, or sweet notes while elevating the texture and taste of every bite.