Cheese Fondue: The Perfect Salad Pairings Revealed

Cheese fondue is a dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is a simple dish, consisting of a pot of melted cheese and wine, with various foods for dipping. The best salads to accompany cheese fondue are those that provide a balanced meal, with a variety of textures and flavours, and which complement the rich, indulgent nature of the fondue. A simple salad of leafy greens such as rocket or spinach, with a sharp vinaigrette dressing, would cut through the richness of the cheese. Alternatively, a more substantial salad of roasted vegetables such as peppers, courgettes, aubergine, and red onions, served at room temperature, would provide a good contrast in terms of temperature and flavour.

Salads with roasted vegetables

Roasted Vegetable Salad with Magic Green Sauce

This salad features a mix of roasted vegetables, including sweet potatoes, baby potatoes, carrots, broccolini, red cabbage, and bell peppers. The vegetables are seasoned with curry powder and sea salt before being roasted. The magic green sauce is made with garlic, cilantro, parsley, avocado, lime juice, and maple syrup. The salad is then topped with macadamia nut cheese and served over a bed of greens.

Roasted Veggie Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

This salad combines roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and spinach, with a maple balsamic vinaigrette dressing. The vegetables are seasoned with oregano, salt, and pepper before roasting. The salad is then garnished with feta cheese and served with the dressing.

Roasted Vegetable Salad

This salad includes a variety of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, peppers, onions, and sweet potatoes. The vegetables are seasoned with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before roasting. The salad is then topped with feta cheese and pine nuts, and served with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

When serving any of these roasted vegetable salads with cheese fondue, consider the following tips:

• Use a variety of seasonal vegetables that are in season and readily available.
• Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
• Season the vegetables well to enhance their natural flavours.
• Roast the vegetables at a high temperature to add a smoky flavour and caramelisation.
• Allow the roasted vegetables to cool slightly before adding them to the salad to avoid wilting the greens.
• Serve the salad with a variety of dippers for the fondue, such as bread cubes, apples, broccoli, carrots, or roasted baby potatoes.

Salads with raw vegetables

Crunchy Fennel and Celery Salad

Fennel and celery are both crisp and refreshing vegetables that can be thinly sliced and tossed with a light vinaigrette. The aniseed flavour of fennel adds a unique touch to the salad. You could also add some cherry tomatoes for a burst of colour and sweetness. This salad provides a nice contrast in textures and flavours to the creamy fondue.

Classic Carrot and Raisin Salad

Grate some carrots and mix them with raisins, a drizzle of honey, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This salad has a nice balance of sweetness and tanginess, which can help cut through the richness of the fondue.

Bell Pepper and Tomato Salad

Bell peppers and tomatoes are a great combination for a raw vegetable salad. Slice some red, yellow, and green bell peppers into thin strips and mix them with halved cherry tomatoes. You can dress this salad with a simple vinaigrette or just some olive oil and balsamic glaze. The natural sweetness of the bell peppers and tomatoes will pair nicely with the cheese fondue.

Radish and Cucumber Salad

Radishes and cucumbers are crisp and refreshing vegetables that work well together in a salad. Thinly slice some radishes and cucumbers and toss them with a light vinaigrette. You can also add some fresh herbs like dill or mint for extra flavour. This salad will provide a nice crunchy contrast to the melted cheese.

Green Goddess Salad

For a more substantial salad, you can make a Green Goddess salad by combining raw spinach, avocado, green beans, peas, and broccoli. You can make a creamy herb dressing with avocado, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley. This salad is packed with nutrients and will help balance out the indulgent fondue.

These salad ideas will not only taste delicious with your cheese fondue but will also add a healthy and colourful touch to your meal.

Salads with fruit

Summer Fruit Salad

This salad features a mix of berries, peaches, and a zingy ginger dressing. The combination of strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, basil, and mint creates a refreshing and delicious dish. The salad is best when made with ripe, in-season fruit, so try to shop for ingredients that are in season. You can also customise the salad by replacing the peaches with nectarines or mango or adding blackberries, watermelon, apricots, or plums.

Quick and Easy Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is a simple yet tasty option that can be made with any combination of your favourite fruits. A suggested mix includes strawberries, raspberries, grapes, apples, bananas, and yogurt. The addition of cool whip or freshly whipped cream gives it a rich and creamy texture. This salad is best enjoyed the day it is made, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day or two.

Perfect Summer Fruit Salad

This fruit salad is a colourful and vibrant option, perfect for a backyard barbecue or any special occasion. It features a mix of pineapple, strawberries, kiwi, bananas, oranges, grapes, and blueberries, tossed in a citrusy sauce made with orange and lemon juices, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. The salad benefits from being made ahead of time, as the flavours meld and intensify when refrigerated for a few hours.

Fruit Salad with Cheese Fondue

When it comes to cheese fondue, fruit can be an excellent pairing option. Crisp and tart Granny Smith apples are a classic choice, as their freshness complements the creaminess of the fondue. Bosc pears are another great option, as their nutmeg and cinnamon undertones bring out the spices often found in fondues. So, consider creating a fruit salad with apples and pears as a refreshing side dish to your cheese fondue.

Salads with cured meats

• Antipasto Salad: This salad is loaded with Italian meats, cheeses, and vegetables. The perfect appetizer or main course option. To make this salad, you will need salad greens, salami, prosciutto, olives, roasted red peppers, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, mozzarella balls, pepperoncini peppers, and parsley. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Arrange the toppings in small groups for an elegant presentation.
• Greek Salad with Cured Meats and Mustard Vinaigrette: This salad works great as a side or an entrée. You will need dried cured ham (such as salontro, salami, or panchetta), vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions), cheese (such as feta), and herbs (basil and mint). Chop the vegetables into even shapes for better presentation. Make the vinaigrette by whisking together oil, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Top the salad with small cubes of feta and ribbons of dried meat.
• Bresaola Parmesan Salad: This salad looks fancy but is easy to make. You will need bresaola (finely sliced), shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, arugula, olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper. Combine the lemon juice with the olive oil and spread this mixture on the bresaola slices. Marinate for 30 minutes, then drain the meat and place it on a dish. Toss the arugula with the remaining oil mixture, add a pinch of salt, and pour it over the bresaola. Top with thin slices of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and a dash of coarsely ground black pepper.
• Italian Sausage Salad: This salad is an homage to the classic Italian salads marinated in bottled Italian dressing. Grilled Italian sausage and vegetables are marinated in a red wine vinaigrette and served on a bed of crisp iceberg lettuce.

These salads offer a variety of flavours and textures that will complement the richness of a cheese fondue. Remember to serve the salads fresh, as the dressing can wilt the lettuce over time. Enjoy experimenting with these salad options and feel free to add your own creative touches!

Salads with seafood

Salads are a great side dish to serve with cheese fondue, and seafood salads are a delicious option. Here are some ideas for seafood salads to serve with your fondue:

Seafood Salad with Crab and Shrimp

This salad combines imitation crab and shrimp with a creamy dill dressing and fresh vegetables. It's an easy and quick option that can be served in a variety of ways. The base of the salad is shrimp and imitation crab meat, which is combined with celery, red onion, fresh dill, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. You can also add in some bay scallops or diced lobster meat. This salad can be served on a bed of lettuce, with crackers, in a sandwich, or stuffed into an avocado half or a hollowed-out tomato.

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

For a taste of the Mediterranean, try a tuna salad with a twist. This salad includes tuna, of course, but also has a variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, such as olives, bell peppers, red onion, and parsley. It's often dressed with a lemon vinaigrette, giving it a bright and tangy flavor.

Summer Squash Salad with Shrimp

A perfect option for a summer meal, this salad combines shrimp with summer squash and other seasonal vegetables. It's a light and refreshing option that won't weigh you down.

Grilled Shrimp Salad

Fire up the grill for this tasty salad. Grilled shrimp are the star, paired with a mix of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions. A tangy vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon juice can bring all the flavors together.

Smoked Salmon Poke Bowl

This salad takes inspiration from Hawaiian cuisine, featuring smoked salmon, rice, and a variety of fresh vegetables like cucumber, avocado, and carrots. It's a colorful and flavorful option that your guests will love.

These seafood salads can be served as part of a larger spread, paired with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, and other fondue favorites. They add a touch of freshness and lightness to the indulgent cheese fondue, making for a well-rounded and delicious meal.

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