Zenith Point Artisan Cheese (Printable Version)

Fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and pomegranate seeds arranged around a creamy cheese wheel for a stunning presentation.

# What You Need:

→ Fresh Produce

01 - 2 cups baby arugula
02 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
04 - 1 small watermelon radish, thinly sliced
05 - 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

→ Nuts & Seeds

06 - 1/4 cup toasted walnuts

→ Dressing

07 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
09 - 1 tsp honey
10 - 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese Centerpiece

12 - 1 small artisanal cheese wheel (approx. 9 oz), such as Saint-Marcellin, Brie, or similar soft-ripened variety

# How-to Steps:

01 - Place the cheese wheel on a small pedestal or plate in the corner of a large serving platter or board.
02 - Arrange baby arugula in a sweeping arc radiating outward from the cheese wheel to create directional lines toward the centerpiece.
03 - Place halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and watermelon radish slices in neat rows angled toward the cheese wheel.
04 - Distribute pomegranate seeds and toasted walnuts across the arranged produce, maintaining alignment toward the cheese.
05 - Combine olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; whisk until emulsified.
06 - Lightly drizzle the dressing over the salad components while avoiding the cheese wheel.
07 - Serve immediately, encouraging guests to cut from the cheese wheel and combine with the arranged ingredients.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a conversation starter that looks far more complicated than it actually is.
  • Vegetarian, naturally elegant, and requires zero cooking—just mindful arrangement.
  • The dramatic presentation means you'll actually want to serve it at dinner parties.
02 -
  • The dressing must be whisked properly, or it separates and pools—a stable emulsion is your insurance policy.
  • Prepare everything except the dressing 15 minutes before serving; this gives ingredients time to settle without wilting.
  • The cheese should be cool and just ripe enough to cut cleanly; too warm and it becomes a formless puddle.
03 -
  • Test your dressing on a single leaf of arugula first—better to adjust before committing to the whole salad.
  • Use a very sharp knife for all slicing; dull blades bruise delicate vegetables and rob them of their crispness and visual appeal.
Go Back