The Top Ten Best Cheese for Salads
No salad is complete without a sprinkle of cheese (or maybe several handfuls). But picking the best cheese for salads can feel overwhelming. There are up to 2,000 different varieties to choose from, each with a unique flavor, texture, and origin. With this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect topping for your summer salad in no time.
Tips to Pick the Best Salad Cheese
Just like creating a mouth-watering charcuterie board, you must be thoughtful with the cheeses you add. There are a few factors to consider when trying to decide on the best cheese for salads.
Flavor
The first question to ask yourself is: what ingredients am I putting in my salad? From there, you can decide what flavor complements them best. Remember, you don’t want your cheese to overwhelm the salad. It should be a small addition that adds complexity and variety to the dish.
Some salads call for a sharp and tangy cheese, while others need a mild one. When in doubt, go back to the cheese’s origin. If you’re making a Mediterranean salad, choose cheese from the same region, such as feta.
Texture
The next consideration is texture. Are you looking for something crumbled? Shredded? Grated? Think about the ingredients in your salad and what texture will complement them best.
The different types of cheeses come in a range of textures: soft, semi-soft, semi-hard, and hard. The firmness of your cheese impacts how you’ll use it in your salad and how noticeable it is in each bite.
Personal Preference
Of course, the biggest factor when deciding the best salad cheese is your own taste buds. What do you enjoy most? It’s your salad—there are no hard and fast rules to follow. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new cheese combinations. You may surprise yourself!
The team members at your nearest Stauffers Fresh Foods store are here to help you find your new favorite cheese. Stop by our shop to try samples and discover over 100 imported and domestic cheeses from around the world.
The Best Cheese for Salads: Our Ten Favorites
1. Feta
Feta is a semi-soft cheese that originates from Greece. It’s made with goat, sheep, or cow milk. Known for being creamy and crumbly, feta has a tangy and slightly salty flavor. Its bigger chunks make it more substantial than some other cheeses, and it goes best with Greek and Mediterranean flavors.
Pairs well with:
- Olives
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Red onions
- Herbs
2. Blue Cheese
There’s nothing like a blue cheese salad. The distinctive look and bold, tangy flavor of blue cheese makes it a classic (and somewhat controversial) choice. You either love it or you hate it. Made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, all types of blue cheese have one thing in common—they’ve been injected with mold penicillium culture to create the classic blue veins.
Pairs well with:
- Apples
- Pears
- Dried fruit
- Walnuts
- Honey
- Meat
3. Goat Cheese
To no one’s surprise, goat cheese is made with goat milk, giving it a soft and creamy texture. It has a tangy flavor and adds richness to any dish, making it one of the best cheeses for summer salads. It originates in the Mediterranean and Middle East and can complement sweet or salty foods.
Pairs well with:
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Fruit
- Beets
- Mixed greens
- Balsamic vinaigrette
4. Parmesan
This hard, Italian cheese is well-loved by many for its salty flavor. Officially named Parmigiano Reggiano, it’s a classic cheese for Caesar salads. Parmesan is made from cow’s milk and aged at least 12 months, and it’s usually grated and sprinkled over a dish.
Pairs well with:
- Garden herbs
- Lemon
- Dates
- Soft boiled eggs
- Olive oil
- Croutons
5. Mozzarella
This soft and mild option is one of the best cheeses for summer salads. Whether you opt for slices or pearls, fresh mozzarella adds a refreshing touch to a light salad (caprese salads are our favorite). Originally from Italy, mozzarella is traditionally made with cow or buffalo milk.
Pairs well with:
- Tomato
- Basil
- Olive oil
- Cucumbers
- Mixed greens
6. Halloumi
This semi-hard cheese is made with sheep, goat, or cow milk and hails from the Mediterranean island, Cyprus. What we love about halloumi cheese is its texture—it has a high melting point, so it can be grilled, fried, or eaten raw. If you’re looking for a salty cheese with a unique texture, halloumi is the answer.
Pairs well with:
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
- Lemon juice
- Honey
7. Manchego
This hard, Spanish cheese is known for its herringbone rind, which is an acquired taste for some people. The cheese itself is firm with a nutty, tangy flavor and buttery texture. Manchego can be aged anywhere from 60 days to two years.
Pairs well with:
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Olives
- Sun dried tomatoes
- Cured meats
8. Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is an Italian cheese made from sheep’s milk (Pecora is the Italian word for sheep). It’s a great alternative to Parmesan if you’re looking for a bolder, more robust flavor. Hard and salty with a sharp tang, Pecorino Romano is one of our favorite cheeses for Caesar salads. Just grate it over any dish you want!
Pairs well with:
- Pears
- Walnuts
- Honey
- Ham
- Green olives
9. Brie
This soft French cheese is made with cow’s milk, giving it a creamy texture. It has a mild nutty flavor with earthy undertones, making it the perfect addition to a sweet or savory salad. It’s known for its pale yellow middle and white rind.
Pairs well with:
- Apples
- Figs
- Pears
- Grapes
- Nuts
- Prosciutto
10. Cheddar
We all know cheddar cheese—but it may not be on your radar for the best cheese for salads. This sharp and flavorful pick can be used cubed or shredded in a chef’s or Cobb salad. Originating in England, this hard cheese is made with cow’s milk and is naturally white. The classic orange color is created by adding annatto.
Pairs well with:
- Apples
- Dried fruit
- Nuts
- Cilantro
- Onions
Is Cheese Healthy in a Salad?
When added to a salad, cheese can be a good source of protein and calcium. However, it also adds fat, calories, and sodium. For a healthier salad, use smaller portions or pick low-fat cheeses like part-skim mozzarella or ricotta.
So is cheese healthy in a salad? It depends on how much you add and the type of cheese you pick. But don’t worry! There are healthy ways to incorporate cheese into your salad and grain bowls without sacrificing flavor. Contact our experts for more tips and tricks on using cheese in your weekly meals.
Your Next Meal
Planning your dinners for the week? Here are some tried-and-true ideas that your whole family will love, using some of the best cheese for salads.
Tomato Mozzarella Salad
- Basil leaves
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cucumbers
- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Beet and Feta Cheese Salad
- Spring mix
- Candied walnuts
- Roasted beets
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped green onion
- Orange balsamic vinaigrette
Spinach Strawberry Salad with Goat Cheese
- Spinach
- Fresh strawberries
- Crumbled goat cheese
- Toasted pecans
- Raspberry vinaigrette
Chipotle Cheddar Cheese Salad
- Chopped lettuce
- Diced avocado
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped peppers
- Fresh cilantro
- Diced red onions
- Chipotle lime dressing
Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
- Arugula
- Sliced pears
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Chopped pecans
- Maple vinaigrette
Stock up on the best cheese for salads online or at your local Stauffers of Kissel Hill cheese shop! Our team members are always ready to help you find the perfect pairing.