Mimolette & cheddar Summer salad? Count me in! This bright, simple summer salad combines diced mimolette and sharp cheddar with peppery arugula, crisp cucumber, grated carrot, juicy tomatoes, cooked lentils, crushed walnuts and fresh parsley. It comes together in minutes and is delicious on its own or served alongside grilled fish or a crusty baguette. Finish with a classic French vinaigrette for best results.
This summer salad is everything we love: colorful, healthy, satisfying and fast to prepare. The contrast of two flavorful cheeses — mellow mimolette and sharp aged cheddar — with crunchy vegetables and earthy lentils creates a well-balanced plate. It’s an ideal choice for a light date-night dinner, a picnic, or a quick weekday meal when you want something that feels special without much fuss.
Table of Contents
We love this mimolette & cheddar Summer salad!
Arugula? Yes. Mimolette and sharp cheddar? Absolutely. Tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, lentils, walnuts and parsley? All of them. These ingredients combine into a satisfying salad with a mix of textures: tender greens, crunchy vegetables, creamy cheese and the gentle bite of lentils. The crushed walnuts add a toasty note and a pleasant crunch, while the parsley brings a fresh herbaceous finish.
For dressing, we recommend a classic French three-ingredient vinaigrette: good-quality olive oil, white wine or sherry vinegar, and a pinch of Dijon mustard or salt and pepper to taste. The bright acidity rounds out the richness of the cheeses and brings all the flavors into balance. Toss the salad lightly so the arugula stays vibrant and the cheese remains in little pockets of flavor.
This season we’ve been focusing on nutritious, colorful salads that are simple to throw together. When the weather is warm, raw ingredients make a refreshing meal: no oven needed, minimal cleanup and plenty of fresh flavor. If you enjoy shopping at farmers’ markets, this salad is a great way to showcase seasonal tomatoes, crisp cucumbers and fresh parsley. We like to take the pups for a walk to our local market, pick up a few perfect tomatoes and a wedge of mimolette, and come home to assemble an effortless dinner.
If you want a little sweet reward after dinner, a simple popsicle or light frozen treat is an easy follow-up — and eating a large salad somehow makes that treat feel perfectly justified. Serve this salad on its own for lunch or as a starter for a relaxed summer meal. Leftovers keep well for a day if dressed lightly, though for the best texture and flavor plan to enjoy it fresh.
Looking for more tasty salads?
- Summer Tortellini Salad
- Heirloom Tomato & Mozzarella Salad
- Asian Spiralized Vegetable Noodle Salad
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Mimolette & cheddar Summer salad
Author: Alix and Hugo
Total Time: 10 mins
Yield: For 2
Description
This two-cheese mimolette and cheddar summer salad is loaded with tasty, colorful ingredients. It’s quick to prepare and makes a fresh, satisfying meal or side on warm days.
Ingredients
- 4 handfuls of arugula
- 1/2 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, grated lengthwise
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup cooked lentils
- 1/4 cup Dutch mimolette, diced
- 1/4 cup aged cheddar, diced
- 4 walnuts, crushed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp classic French vinaigrette (olive oil, vinegar, mustard)
Instructions
- Combine the arugula, cucumber, grated carrot, tomatoes and cooked lentils in a large bowl.
- Add the diced mimolette and cheddar, crushed walnuts and chopped parsley.
- Drizzle with the French vinaigrette and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: French-inspired