What Salad to Serve with Raclette: A Guide to Perfect Pairings

When it comes to serving raclette, finding the perfect salad to complement the dish can be a challenge. Raclette is a Swiss dish that consists of melted cheese served over boiled potatoes and accompanied by sliced cold meats, pickled onions, and cornichon pickles. It is typically served with a dry white wine, making it a hearty and filling meal.

To make the most out of your raclette experience, it is important to choose the right salad to serve alongside it. The right salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the raclette, while also complementing its unique taste. In this article, we will explore some of the best salad options to serve with raclette, including classic pairings and creative alternatives.

Understanding Raclette

Raclette is a type of cheese that originated in Switzerland. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk and has a distinctive flavor that is both nutty and slightly sweet. The cheese is traditionally melted and served with boiled potatoes, pickled onions, and cornichons.

The word “raclette” comes from the French word “racler,” which means “to scrape.” This is because the cheese is traditionally melted and scraped off of a large wheel of cheese onto a plate or onto boiled potatoes.

Raclette is a popular dish in Switzerland, France, and other parts of Europe, especially during the winter months. It is often served at dinner parties or gatherings, where guests can gather around a hot plate or grill and melt their own cheese.

When it comes to serving raclette, there are many different options. Some people prefer to serve it with traditional accompaniments like boiled potatoes, pickled onions, and cornichons. Others like to serve it with a variety of different meats, vegetables, and other side dishes.

Overall, raclette is a delicious and versatile cheese that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you prefer it with traditional accompaniments or with a variety of different side dishes, it is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or gathering.

The Importance of Salad Pairing

Salads are a great way to add freshness and balance to a meal. When it comes to serving raclette, pairing it with the right salad can enhance the overall dining experience. The right salad can complement the rich and savory flavors of raclette, while also providing a refreshing contrast to the cheese.

One of the key considerations when choosing a salad to serve with raclette is the ingredients. The salad should have a balance of flavors and textures that can stand up to the boldness of the cheese. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting a salad to pair with raclette:

• Choose ingredients that complement the cheese: Raclette has a nutty, earthy flavor that pairs well with ingredients like arugula, apples, hazelnuts, and vinaigrette. These ingredients can add a subtle sweetness and tang to the cheese.

• Consider the texture: The salad should have a mix of textures that can provide a contrast to the creamy and gooey texture of raclette. Crunchy ingredients like nuts, seeds, and croutons can add a satisfying crunch to the salad.

• Keep it simple: The salad should not overpower the cheese. It should be a simple and light accompaniment that can balance the richness of the cheese.

Some of the best salads to serve with raclette include arugula with hazelnut vinaigrette, mixed greens with apples and walnuts, and beet salad with goat cheese. These salads have a balance of flavors and textures that can complement the cheese and elevate the dining experience.

In summary, choosing the right salad to pair with raclette is an important consideration when planning a meal. By selecting ingredients that complement the cheese and provide a balance of flavors and textures, you can enhance the overall dining experience and create a memorable meal.

Classic Salad Choices for Raclette

If you’re planning to serve raclette, you’ll want to have a few salad options on hand to balance out the richness of the cheese and meats. Here are some classic salad choices that pair well with raclette.

Green Leafy Salads

Green leafy salads are a classic choice for any meal, and they pair well with raclette too. Here are a few ideas:

• Mixed greens: A simple mix of lettuce, arugula, and spinach is a great option. Add some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish.
• Caesar salad: A classic Caesar salad is always a crowd-pleaser. Use a homemade dressing and top with croutons and Parmesan cheese.
• Kale salad: For something a bit heartier, try a kale salad with apples, walnuts, and a honey mustard dressing.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a great choice for a barbecue or any meal that features grilled meats. It’s also a good option for raclette. Here are a few ideas:

• Classic coleslaw: A simple coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing is always a good choice.
• Asian coleslaw: For something a bit different, try an Asian-inspired coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing.
• Broccoli slaw: If you want to mix things up, try a broccoli slaw with cranberries and almonds.

Greek Salad

Greek salad is a refreshing and flavorful option that pairs well with raclette. Here’s how to make it:

• Ingredients: Tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano.
• Directions: Chop the tomatoes and cucumbers and place them in a bowl. Add sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and Kalamata olives. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and sprinkle with oregano. Toss to combine.

These classic salad choices are sure to please any crowd and will balance out the richness of the raclette.

Exotic Salad Choices for Raclette

If you’re looking for something a little different to serve alongside your raclette, why not try an exotic salad? These salads are packed with flavor and will complement the rich, melted cheese perfectly. Here are three options to consider:

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that works well in salads. Try mixing it with some fresh herbs, diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired dish. Alternatively, you could add some roasted vegetables like sweet potato and bell peppers for a heartier option. The nutty flavor of the quinoa will balance out the creaminess of the cheese.

Asian Slaw

For a refreshing and zesty salad, try making an Asian slaw. Shred some cabbage and carrots and mix them together with some chopped cilantro, mint, and peanuts. Dress the salad with a combination of lime juice, soy sauce, honey, and sesame oil. This salad is light and crunchy, making it the perfect accompaniment to the rich raclette.

Caprese Salad

A Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that consists of sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle the salad with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a simple yet delicious option. You could also add some sliced avocado or prosciutto for extra flavor. The acidity of the tomatoes will cut through the richness of the cheese, making this salad a great choice.

No matter which salad you choose, make sure to serve it alongside some crusty bread and boiled potatoes. This will give your guests plenty of options to choose from and ensure that everyone leaves feeling satisfied.

How to Balance Flavours

When it comes to serving salad with raclette, it’s important to consider how the flavours will complement each other. Here are a few tips to help you balance the flavours:

• Choose a salad with a mix of sweet and savoury flavours. This will help balance out the rich and salty flavour of the raclette cheese.

• Consider adding some acidity to the salad. This can come from ingredients like citrus fruits, vinegar, or pickled vegetables. The acidity will help cut through the richness of the cheese and refresh your palate.

• Add some crunch to the salad. This can come from ingredients like nuts, seeds, or crispy vegetables. The texture will add some interest to the salad and help balance out the soft and gooey texture of the melted cheese.

• Use a light dressing. A heavy or creamy dressing can overpower the flavours of the salad and the raclette cheese. Stick to a simple vinaigrette or a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

• Don’t forget about herbs. Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or cilantro can add some brightness and flavour to the salad. They can also help tie together the flavours of the salad and the raclette cheese.

By following these tips, you can create a salad that complements the rich and savoury flavours of raclette cheese.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when it comes to serving a salad with raclette, there are plenty of options to choose from. The key is to find a salad that complements the rich and savory flavors of the melted cheese.

One great option is a Roquefort salad with bacon and pecans. The tangy Roquefort cheese pairs perfectly with the nuttiness of the pecans and the smokiness of the bacon. Another good choice is a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. The peppery arugula and bright acidity of the dressing help cut through the richness of the cheese.

It’s also important to consider the season and availability of ingredients. In the summer months, a fresh tomato and basil salad would be a great choice, while in the winter, a roasted root vegetable salad would be more appropriate.

Overall, the key is to choose a salad that complements the flavors of the raclette and adds a fresh and vibrant element to the meal. With these options and considerations in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect salad to serve alongside your next raclette feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is traditionally served with raclette?

Traditionally, raclette is served with boiled potatoes, cornichons, pickled onions, and cured meats. These items are placed on a plate or platter and served alongside the raclette grill.

What foods go best with raclette grill?

Raclette is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of foods. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and crusty bread.

What charcuterie goes with raclette?

Charcuterie is a great addition to any raclette meal. Some popular options include prosciutto, salami, and ham.

How do you serve a raclette at a party?

When serving raclette at a party, it’s best to set up a self-serve station. Place the raclette grill in a central location and provide guests with plates, utensils, and a variety of toppings.

What dessert goes well with raclette?

For dessert, consider serving fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or pears, alongside a cheese platter. Alternatively, a chocolate fondue can be a fun and decadent way to end the meal.

Simple side salad for pasta

A simple side salad for pasta can be made by tossing mixed greens with a light vinaigrette and topping with cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan cheese.