![TomatoCucumberSaladAI3 Tomato Cucumber Salad](http://afoodloversdelight.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/TomatoCucumberSaladAI3.jpg)
Summertime brings ripe tomatoes and cucumbers. My Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Peppered Goat Cheese pairs well with the coolest summer meals.
![Tomato Cucumber Salad](http://afoodloversdelight.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/TomatoCucumberSaladAI3-300x225.jpg)
Creamy fresh goat cheese is the best. I like to use the MontChevre Crottin goat cheeses when I can. Either served as crumbles or as a chunk, MontChevre goat cheese is a smooth, creamy, and tangy addition to my salads. This version uses the Four Peppers goat cheese. Trader Joe’s carries the MontChevre Crottin three-pack with Four Peppers, Natural, and Garlic & Herbs goat cheeses. You can use either of the three, or your favorite goat cheese.
![MontChevre Goat Cheese assortment (Photo Credit: montchevre.com)](http://afoodloversdelight.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/crottinchabis-580-montchevre-268x300.jpg)
Also, my favorite nuts include Trader Joe’s Dry Toasted Pine Nuts. They’re pretty tasty.
![Trader Joe's Dry Toasted Pine Nuts are a great addition to any recipe! (Photo Credit: Adroit Ideals)](http://afoodloversdelight.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/TraderJoesDryToastedPineNutsAI-e1373931248326-225x300.jpg)
This is a simple salad made “fancy” with a cucumber “chiffonade.” A chiffonade means that the cucumber is cut into thin strips. I like to cut cucumber rounds and then stack them and cut across into a chiffonade. Keep the dark green cucumber peel on the cucumber — it adds color.
![Cut the cucumber into a chiffonade (Photo Credit: Adroit Ideals)](http://afoodloversdelight.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/CucumberChiffonadeAI-300x225.jpg)
Arrange some quartered tomatoes and the cucumber chiffonade on a plate. Drizzle with my special Tarragon Balsamic Dressing. Top with a chunk of peppered goat cheese and Trader Joe’s dry toasted pine nuts. Salad is served!
![Super easy tomato and cucumber salad. Top with tarragon balsamic dressing, peppered goat cheese, and toasted pine nuts! (Photo Credit: Adroit Ideals)](http://afoodloversdelight.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/TomatoCucumberSaladAI3-300x225.jpg)
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From the kitchen of A Food Lover’s Delight….
Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Peppered Goat Cheese
Ingredients:
8 medium-size tomatoes, washed, cored and quartered
1/2 English or seedless cucumber, washed, unpeeled
1/2 c Tarragon Balsamic Dressing
3.5 oz MontChevre Crottin four peppers goat cheese, divided into four portions
1/4 c Trader Joe’s toasted pine nuts
4 salad plates
Method:
1. Core and quarter the tomatoes.
2. Cut the unpeeled cucumber into 1/4 inch thick round slices. Stack 4 – 5 slices on top of each other and cut into long strips to form a chiffonade.
3. Arrange 8 tomato quarters in a decorative design on each plate.
4. Divide the cucumber chiffonade amongst the plates.
5. Drizzle the tarragon balsamic dressing over the tomatoes and cucumbers.
6. Top each salad with a portion of goat cheese.
7. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the salad.
8. Serve!
Serves 4 as a salad course. Offer toasted garlic bread or flavored crackers with the salad.
Varations: If you have larger beefsteak tomatoes, slice the tomatoes instead of quartering them, and place the cucumber, dressing, goat cheese, and pine nuts on top of the slices. Substitute a wedge of bleu cheese for the goat cheese. Use plain goat cheese instead of flavored. Now, if you want a super splurge, substitute my favorite indulgent Bleu Cheese Dressing for the Tarragon Balsamic Dressing, and top with a big chunk of your favorite bleu cheese. If you want to lighten this recipe, omit the cheese and try my Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette or my Low-Fat Bleu Cheese Dressing.
www.afoodloversdelight.com (Copyright Adroit Ideals 2013)
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