The Flavors of the Picos de Europa in a Fresh Summer Recipe

Nestled in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park, Bulnes is one of the most unique and iconic villages in Asturias. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and accessible only by funicular or traditional hiking trails, this small village has preserved a way of life deeply rooted in nature, shepherding, and the culinary traditions of the high mountains.

Among the products that best represent Bulnes’ culinary identity is Cabrales cheese, one of the world’s most prestigious blue cheeses. Handcrafted in the Asturian mountains and aged in natural caves in the Picos de Europa, it is a true gastronomic symbol of the region.

During the summer, when visitors hike the trails leading to Bulnes, one of the most enjoyable ways to savor this product is through the Cabrales cheese and Asturian apple salad—a refreshing dish that combines the cheese’s intensity with the fruit’s natural sweetness and mildness.

A dish born among pastures and mountains

The culinary history of Bulnes is closely linked to mountain livestock farming. For centuries, shepherds have taken advantage of the abundant high-altitude pastures to raise livestock and produce cheeses that were later aged in the natural caves of the Picos de Europa.

Cabrales is the result of this ancestral tradition and is one of Asturias’ greatest culinary treasures. Its intense and complex flavor finds perfect balance when paired with fresh, light ingredients like apples grown in the region.

This pairing results in a simple yet distinctive recipe, ideal for the warmer months of the year.

Gastronomic Context

Bulnes’ traditional cuisine is characterized by the prominence of local ingredients and a strong connection to the landscape. Artisanal cheeses, mountain meats, and apple-based products are an essential part of the region’s culinary heritage.

During the summer, lighter recipes take center stage, especially those that allow you to enjoy the authentic flavor of the ingredients without elaborate preparation. The Cabrales salad is a magnificent example of this culinary philosophy.

Common Ingredients

The traditional recipe is usually made with:

Cabrales cheese
Asturian apples
Mixed greens
Walnuts
Extra virgin olive oil
Cider vinegar
Salt

Some versions include pear, raisins, or tender young sprouts to add new flavors.

Traditional preparation

The green leaves are arranged as the base of the dish and combined with thin slices or diced fresh apple.

Next, crumbled Cabrales cheese is added, allowing its intense aroma to permeate the entire salad. Walnuts add texture and a pleasant crunch.

Finally, it is dressed with extra virgin olive oil and a few drops of Asturian cider vinegar, creating a balanced combination of sweetness, acidity, and aromatic intensity.

The result is a fresh, elegant salad that is highly representative of Asturian mountain cuisine.

Local or Regional Significance

This recipe perfectly captures the gastronomic essence of Bulnes. Cabrales cheese represents centuries of pastoral tradition in the Picos de Europa, while the apple is directly linked to one of Asturias’ most iconic crops.

Bulnes's Cabrales Cheese and Asturian Apple Salad