Fancy summer recipes that are light, quick to prepare and yet full of flavour? With Henri Willig's cheeses, you can instantly give every dish a sunny twist. Below are ten great recipes for summer. We share real crowd favourites from our own kitchen. Each dish is a summer recipe perfect for warm weather: fresh, colourful and easy to share.
Sweet, ripe figs, crunchy walnuts and a mild honey mustard dressing let the full flavour of grated Henri Willig goat cheese shine through. Within ten minutes, you put an elegant lunch or barbecue side on the table - a textbook example of a tasty summer recipe.
Full recipe: salad with figs and goat's cheese
Summer tip
Chill the figs beforehand in the fridge and serve the salad ice-cold; this way the creamy cheese comes out even better.
Mango, kiwi and crispy leaves of little gem form a tropical colour palette. Flinters of young Gouda add a creamy touch and make this dish more filling than you think. Ideal as a light lunch or with the picnic basket.
See the whole recipe: mango-kiwi salad with young cheese
Why this works
The high water content of mango and kiwi hydrates, while the soft cheese provides salt balance. And that's exactly what your body demands on hot days.
You already know cucumber, tomato, olives and red onion; our spicy Tzatziki cheese makes this classic unique and extra delicious. The dill-garlic flavour in the cheese instantly replaces the traditional dressing. Serve with extra-virgin olive oil and toasted pita bread.
View recipe: Greek salad with tzatziki cheese
Delicious with drinks
Cut leftover cheese into cubes and skewer them with half a cherry tomato: quick mezze!
Smokey Gouda and summer? Absolutely. The subtly smoked Henri Willig Smokey Gouda is perfect together with crispy baby potatoes, radishes, string beans and a honey mustard vinaigrette. A hearty salad that is still light enough for a warm evening.
Check out the recipe: smokey Gouda meal salad
Serving tip
Let everything cool down to room temperature; this keeps the smoky flavour subtle and fresh.
Rich old cheese, light mayonnaise, soya curd, mustard and honey produce a creamy spread in five minutes. Delicious on dark sourdough bread or in small lettuce boats for a low-carb option.
How to make it: Dutch old-cheese salad
Extra summery
Add a handful of chopped apple for extra crunch and freshness.
Three types of melon, chicory and a soft cheese of your choice (try pineapple-ginger cheese!) combine to create a wonderful recipe full of fresh flavours and colour. Perfect as a light starter or part of an outdoor brunch buffet.
Discover the recipe: melon salad
Summer hack
Make melon balls a few hours in advance and store them in ice water with mint; this will keep them crisp and cool.
Thin courgette ribbons, lemon zest and melting goat cheese in a golden brown tortilla: ready in 15 minutes. Cut into points and serve with a spicy salsa for an evening without cutlery.
The recipe: Quesadilla with courgette and goat cheese
Why summery?
Courgette has a high moisture content and is grilled briefly, keeping the dish light and fresh.
Briefly grill green asparagus, melt a slice of asparagus cheese and finish with egg wedges: simple, chic and ready within ten minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch on the balcony or in the garden.
Read the whole recipe: grilled asparagus & cheese sandwich
Seasonal extra
Out of asparagus cheese? Replace with mild Jersey cheese and grate some lemon zest on top.
French bread, a spoonful of tomato tapenade and a slice of young Gouda, two minutes under the grill and your appetiser is ready. Top with fresh basil for extra colour and flavour.
View the full recipe: crostini with Gouda cheese
Nice summer-proof recipe
Vary with toppings: grilled peach or a spoonful of fig jam goes perfectly with the mild cheese.
Soft tortillas filled with Gouda Hot & Spicy, peppers and corn get spice from jalapeño and coolness from fresh salsa. A quick summer recipe for those who like a bit of heat.
Try it tonight: Hot & spicy tortilla
Outdoor tip
Put the stuffed tortillas on the barbecue and grill them briefly; this will give you a smoky, crispy bite in no time.
With these summer recipes, you can turn any sunny day into a party. Feeling even more inspired? Dive into all cheese recipes and discover how versatile Henri Willig cheese is. Happy (cheese) summer and enjoy your meal!