Bright and tangy feta improves your summer salad

Summer is the season for light meals, bright colors and fresh flavors.

As locally grown fruits and vegetables reach their peaks, salads frequently move from an opening course to the main attraction. A lively assortment of colors and textures appeals to the eyes as much as to the tastebuds.  To achieve the perfect flavor, reach for feta cheese.

While feta is a great accompaniment to so many foods, there is no wonder that it is so often tied to summer and salads.

In a great salad, the multitude of flavors work in harmony. Greek-style feta brings a tangy, briny brightness that brings balance to the sweet and earthy flavors in your bowl. Feta’s flavor stands out without dominating. Its texture is both creamy and crumbly, bringing a pleasant mouthfeel to the dining experience.

Lighter meals call for lighter, healthier ingredients. Feta has fewer calories than many cheese styles, and also has a high level of calcium.  It’s also a great source of vitamins and minerals. It’s high in phosphorus, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc and potassium. Feta is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin B6.

If you are new to feta as a salad cheese, here are some tasty and creative combinations that are bound to earn some compliments:

Greek salad - Feta takes a starring role in salads inspired by its country of origin. Combine feta with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions and bell pepper. Mix in Greek olives and toss with a vinaigrette of olive oil and red wine vinegar. Perfect for a summer picnic, Greek salad brings together bold, tangy and refreshing elements for an exciting taste that meets the warmth of the season.

Feta and strawberry salad - Vivid and alluring, the combination of white feta and ripe red strawberries sitting on top of a bed of mixed greens looks as good as it tastes. Feta cheese works wonderfully with fruit as its saltiness provides balance to the sweetness of the fruit. Add almonds for a crunch and dress with a vinaigrette of red wine vinegar and olive oil.

Tabbouleh with feta --  A classic Middle Eastern salad, tabbouleh is easy to prepare and brings an enticing, new element to your summer table. Prepare bulgur and toss with cucumber, tomato, garlic, mint and parsley. Dress it with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil and serve chilled.

Watermelon feta salad – Surprise your guests with a simple, delightful blend of sweet and savory. Mix feta with cubes of watermelon and sliced red onion and top with mint leaves. For added flavor, drizzle with balsamic vinegar. It’s fresh, delicious and colorful in a combination of ingredients that few would expect.

Kale salad with cranberry and feta – Featuring a robust combination of flavors, this salad also brings an elegant look and fits the table for most any occasion. Its ingredients create a balanced flavor with sweetness from apple slices and dried cranberries evening out the strong, earthy taste of kale. Sliced almonds add a nice crunch and contribute to the visual appeal. Feta hits a salty note. Top it with a zesty lemon vinaigrette made by blending lemon juice, olive oil and Dijon mustard.

While feta cheese is often associated with salads, it’s a versatile cheese that can bring great flavor at every course. Agropur’s feta has continually earned awards at some of the world’s most prestigious cheese contests. We manufacture traditional, reduced-fat, fat-free, premium and flavored varieties. Click here to learn more about feta cheese from Agropur.