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Five-Cheese Layered Salad

FetaCheese SlicesVacuum Sealed Cheese
Five-Cheese Layered SaladWatch on YouTube

Heritage Day Layered Cheese Salad with First Choice Cheese
Celebrate Heritage Day with a salad that's as proudly South African as the day itself. This show-stopping Layered Cheese Salad, prepared by Chef Ashley Dokter-Mosotho, Nyama Battle Season 2 Champion and Kokkedoor Vuur & Vlam Top 4 finalist, uses five different First Choice cheeses, each contributing its own unique flavour and texture to create something truly special for your Heritage Day table.
Why First Choice?First Choice Cheese is locally sourced from mostly pasture-fed cows in the Eastern Cape, making it the perfect choice for a Heritage Day celebration that honours South African products and producers. With a range wide enough to cover every layer of this salad, there's no need to look further than one trusted local brand.

The Five Cheeses

First Choice Full Cream Cheddar (grated) - Full fat means richer flavour and a creamier texture.

First Choice Plain South African Feta - Proudly local, made from milk sourced only from South African farmers in the Eastern Cape.

First Choice Chilli Processed Cheese Slices - A sneaky kick between the layers for those who love a bit of heat.

First Choice Full Cream Cheddar (block) - Firm enough to hold cookie-cutter shapes for a beautiful presentation.

First Choice Gouda (block) - Paired with the cheddar for two different colours on top.

Perfect For
Whether it's sitting next to the braai, at your shisa nyama, alongside a family potjie, or at a weekend get-together, this cheese salad celebrates local flavours, local products, and getting everyone around one table.

Recipe Information

8

serves:

25 MINS

prep time:

30 MINS

cook time:

an image of easy

easy

difficulty:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed for about 30 minutes
  • 1 cup First Choice Cheddar Cheese, grated
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 rounds First Choice Plain Feta, crumbled
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • 6 First Choice Chilli Flavoured Processed Cheese Slices
  • 1 x 200 g pack bacon, chopped and fried until crispy
  • 3 thick slices First Choice Cheddar Cheese
  • 3 thick slices First Choice Gouda Cheese
  • ¼ cup chopped spring onion (the green leaves) or chives, for garnishing
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season each layer

Preparation method:

Special equipment: Big five animal cookie cutters (or any shape you like)

Method

  1. Combine the mayonnaise, water and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Arrange half the shredded iceberg lettuce evenly in the base of a large clear glass serving bowl.
  3. Add the peas, followed by the grated cheddar, cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, cucumber and red onion. Lightly season each layer as you assemble.
  4. Add half the mayonnaise mixture and spread it evenly.
  5. Layer the processed cheese slices.
  6. Add the remaining shredded lettuce and spread the remaining mayonnaise mixture evenly over the top.
  7. Sprinkle the crispy bacon bits over.
  8. Use cookie cutters to cut shapes from the cheddar and gouda slices.
  9. Arrange the cheese shapes on top of the salad. Finish with chopped spring onion or chives.
  10. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Use a clear glass bowl to showcase the colourful layers.
  • Keep each layer even and visible around the edge of the bowl for the best presentation.
  • Serve alongside your favourite braai spread, including boerewors, lamb chops, braaibroodjies and other flame-grilled favourites.