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This explosion of summer produce makes the most beautiful, colorful, and delicious side dish salad that pairs well with a variety of cooked proteins. A perfect addition to summer potlucks and backyard BBQs.

Prep: 15 minsTotal: 15 mins
Servings: 10 cups 1x

Ingredients

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 1¾ cups)
  • 1 medium cucumber, chopped (about 1½ cups)
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color, about 1 cup)
  • 1 cup sliced snap peas
  • 1 cup fresh corn kernels (may use canned or frozen and thawed)
  • ½ small red onion, sliced or diced (about ½ cup)
  • ¾ cup (4 ounces) crumbled soft goat cheese 
  • ½ cup roasted sunflower seed kernels
  • ½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley or fresh basil
  • 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive or avocado oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, finely minced 
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste 
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, place piles of the tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, snap peas, corn, red onion, goat cheese, and sunflower seeds.
  2. In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk or shake together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  3. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine well. The goat cheese will “melt” into the salad, creating a creamy texture.
  4. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Notes

Suggested Substitutions: 

  • If you don’t have cucumber, sub in sliced fresh radishes, chopped zucchini, or kohlrabi 
  • If you don’t have red onion, use sliced scallions (green onions) 
  • If you don’t have snap peas, use sliced snow peas or sliced pole beans
  • If you don’t have goat cheese, sub in crumbled feta or shredded Parmesan
  • If you don’t have sunflower seeds, substitute sliced or slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, or crunchy edamame beans
  • If you don’t have fresh parsley or basil, substitute any mix of fresh herbs, such as fresh mint or oregano
  • If you don’t have red wine vinegar, may sub fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar 

For dairy free, omit the goat cheese.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 140
  • Fat: 10 g
  • (Sat Fat: 2 g)
  • Sodium: 194 mg
  • Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • (Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 3 g)
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg

Dietary

© The Real Food Dietitians
Recipe By: Jessie Shafer