Five British Cheeses That Will Transform Your Summer Salads

From creamy soft cheeses to bold blues, these artisan British cheeses prove that salads deserve just as much attention as the main course.

When the weather warms up, there's a tendency to reach for lighter meals, but that doesn't mean compromising on flavour. A thoughtfully chosen British cheese can turn a simple bowl of seasonal vegetables into a memorable lunch or elegant summer supper. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely lunch in the garden or looking for an effortless dish to accompany a barbecue, these five artisan cheeses deserve a place on your summer table.

1. Flower Marie with Peas, Broad Beans & Mint

Delicate, creamy and beautifully bloomy, Flower Marie is a wonderfully elegant soft cheese that pairs perfectly with the sweet flavours of early summer. Fresh peas and broad beans provide sweetness, while mint and lemon keep everything feeling light and vibrant.

Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 150g Flower Marie
• 150g fresh peas
• 150g broad beans
• A handful of pea shoots
• Small bunch of fresh mint
• Zest of ½ lemon
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Blanch the peas and broad beans for two minutes before refreshing in iced water.
2. Toss with the pea shoots and torn mint leaves.
3. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest.
4. Arrange on a serving platter and finish with generous pieces of Flower Marie.
5. Season well and serve immediately with crusty sourdough.

2. Brightwell Ash with Beetroot, Walnuts & Honey

Ash-coated goat's cheese and beetroot are a timeless partnership. Brightwell Ash brings fresh citrus notes and gentle acidity that beautifully balance earthy roasted beetroot and toasted walnuts.

Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 150g Brightwell Ash
• 3 cooked beetroot, cut into wedges
• Mixed heritage leaves
• 50g toasted walnuts
• 1 tbsp runny honey
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar

Method

1. Arrange the salad leaves and beetroot on a large platter.
2. Whisk together the olive oil, honey and cider vinegar.
3. Spoon over the dressing.
4. Scatter over toasted walnuts.
5. Tear Brightwell Ash into generous pieces and finish with freshly ground black pepper.

3. Stichelton with Pear, Chicory & Candied Pecans

Blue cheese and pear remain one of the great culinary pairings, and Stichelton's rich, creamy texture is perfectly complemented by crisp pear and the slight bitterness of chicory.

Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 125g Stichelton
• 2 ripe conference pears
• 2 heads red chicory
• Handful baby leaf salad
• 50g candied pecans
• 2 tbsp walnut oil
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar

Method

1. Slice the pears and separate the chicory leaves.
2. Arrange with the mixed leaves.
3. Drizzle with walnut oil and cider vinegar.
4. Crumble over generous pieces of Stichelton.
5. Finish with candied pecans for sweetness and crunch.

4. Kirkham's Lancashire with Heritage Tomatoes & Chives

Crumbly yet buttery, Kirkham's Lancashire is a superb summer cheese. Its fresh dairy notes sit beautifully alongside ripe heritage tomatoes and fragrant chives.

Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 150g Kirkham's Lancashire
• 4 large heritage tomatoes
• Handful rocket
• Small bunch chives
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp sherry vinegar

Method

1. Slice the tomatoes and arrange over the rocket.
2. Dress with olive oil and sherry vinegar.
3. Crumble Kirkham's Lancashire generously over the salad.
4. Finish with chopped chives, sea salt and cracked black pepper.

5. Mayfield with Chargrilled Courgettes & Basil

Mayfield's rich, nutty flavour makes it an excellent alternative to alpine cheeses in summer cooking. Shaved over chargrilled courgettes, it adds depth without overwhelming the freshness of the vegetables. Perfect if you have a glut of courgettes from the garden or allotment!

Recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 120g Mayfield
• 2 courgettes
• Handful rocket
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of half a lemon

Method

1. Slice the courgettes lengthways and grill until lightly charred.
2. Arrange with rocket and basil.
3. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Using a vegetable peeler, shave generous ribbons of Mayfield over the salad.
5. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and serve while the courgettes are still slightly warm.

A Taste of the British Summer

British artisan cheeses are every bit as at home on a summer table as they are on a cheeseboard. From the delicate creaminess of Flower Marie to the bold character of Stichelton and the nutty complexity of Mayfield, each brings its own personality to seasonal ingredients. Paired with the best of Britain's summer produce, these simple salads celebrate the craftsmanship of our cheesemakers while making the most of the season's freshest flavours.

Whether you're hosting a garden lunch, preparing a barbecue spread or simply enjoying a light supper outdoors, these five British cheeses prove that salads can be every bit as indulgent as they are refreshing.