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Organic Heirloom Tomato and Mini Gherkin Salad: A Taste of Late-Summer in the South

organic heirloom tomatoes styled on a white surface

As the late-summer sun blazes in North Carolina, nothing embodies the true spirit of the season for me quite like organic heirloom tomatoes. I recall seeing a diverse assortment of heirloom tomatoes when I first started working with Happy Dirt. All I could think about was the scent and look of our heirloom tomatoes paired with creamy goat cheese and tart organic mini gherkins—a blend that perfectly captures the flavors of late-summer in the South.

a special connection to the ingredients

Tomatoes, for many of us in the South, are more than just an ingredient; they’re a symbol of the season. My own memories of summer are deeply rooted in the taste of tomatoes. I vividly remember the first time my grandmother introduced me to fried green tomatoes. Initially, I was skeptical—who fries a tomato? But one bite into that tart, crispy, golden delight changed everything. It quickly became a summer staple, one that we enjoyed while watching the classic movie “Fried Green Tomatoes” featuring Cicely Tyson and Kathy Bates. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a tradition, a taste of home and love.

a hand touches an organic heirloom tomato that is still on the vine

why southerners love their organic heirloom tomatoes

Now, let’s talk about tomatoes. In the South, we take our tomatoes seriously, especially when they’re in season. There’s a certain pride that comes with growing them, and that pride extends to how we prepare them for friends and family. Whether it’s a classic ‘mater sandwich, a savory tomato pie, or everyone’s favorite fried green tomatoes, we know how to make the most of this summer fruit. And let’s not forget our famous NC Western BBQ sauce, where tomatoes play a crucial role. 

The Recipe: A Simple Summer Salad

The organic heirloom tomato and mini gherkin salad is my tribute to my summer memories. It’s a simple yet delightful way to make use of those fun heirlooms or garden-grown ‘maters you might have lying around. The flavors come together beautifully—Smoky Mtn. Goat Lady Cheese, Artisan & Heirloom Tomatoes, Mini Gherkins (or English Cucumbers), Micro greens, Lemons, and Graza Olive Oil. The preparation is straightforward: soak the goat cheese in olive oil and salt, then mash it with a fork. Chop the tomatoes and cucumbers, toss them in lemon juice and olive oil, and serve with a smear of goat cheese or on the side. Finish with Red Hawk Farms Mild Micro greens, Graza Finishing Olive Oil, Maldon Salt, and Pepper. 

The Cherokee Purple: A Favorite Heirloom

When it comes to organic heirloom tomatoes, my favorite is the Cherokee Purple. This tomato has a rich, smoky flavor with a thick skin that carries an earthy note reminiscent of tomato leaves. It’s the kind of tomato that makes you appreciate the complexity of flavors a simple fruit can offer. 

why organic mini gherkins?

As for why I chose organic mini gherkins instead of regular cucumbers, it’s all about that bite and tang. Mini gherkins, or cuca melons as some folks call them, offer a delightful surprise. You bite into one, and you’re greeted with a tangy, tart flavor that’s as refreshing as it is unexpected. The skin is incredibly crunchy, adding a wonderful texture that complements the creamy goat cheese and juicy tomatoes. 

the music behind the salad

As I prepped this dish, I had “Steps Beach” by Childish Gambino playing in the background—a track that perfectly complements the laid-back vibe of late-summer cooking. 

organic heirloom tomato and mini gherkin salad on a green plate

organic heirloom tomato and mini gherkin salad

Yield: 4-6 people 

Prep Time: 30 – 45 minutes 

organic ingredients

  • Mixed Organic Heirloom Tomatoes – 3 pounds
  • Organic Artisan Cherry Tomatoes – 2 pounds (Sub in 4 clamshells of Organic Mixed Cherry Tomatoes if Artisan Cherry Tomatoes aren’t available.)
  • Organic Mini Gherkin Cucumbers – 1 clamshell (Sub in 2 each English Cucumbers if Mini Gherkin Cucumbers aren’t available.)
  • Red Hawk Mild Organic Micro greens1 clamshell 
  • Lemons, medium3 each 
  • Smokey Mtn Goat Lady Cheese1 round Classic Chevre Goat Lady Cheese will work as substitute.) 
  • Graza Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 bottle 
  • Maldon Salt – 1 small  
  • Kosher Salt – 1 teaspoon (Goat Cheese) + 2 teaspoons (Tomato Salad) 
  • Black or Pink Peppercorn – 1 small

preparation

  1. Marinating the Smokey Mtn Goat Lady Cheese – this can be done a few days in advance.
    1. Marinate Smokey Mtn Goat Lady Cheese in 4 tablespoons of Draga Finishing Olive Oil and 1 teaspoon of Kosher Salt.
    2. Let the mix sit on the counter at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Once the Goat Cheese is pliable, mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until it’s nice and soft. You’ll want a similar texture to hummus. Place in the cooler until everything else is ready to go. 
  2. Chop all Mixed Heirloom Tomatoes into large chunks.
  3. Cut all Artisan Cherry Tomatoes and Mini Gherkin Cucumbers in half.  
  4. Zest and Juice 2 lemons and set aside. 
  5. Toss the Mixed Heirloom Tomatoes, Cherry Artisan Tomatoes, Mini Gherkin Cucumbers with Lemon Juice and Zest. 
  6. Add 2 teaspoons of Kosher Salt, 6 tablespoons of Graza Drizzle Olive Oil, and about 1-2 teaspoons of Pink/Black Peppercorn. Toss everything together and set aside. 
  7. Take a large spoon full of the marinated Smokey Mtn Goat Lady cheese and spread it across the bottom of the serving platter. Place the salad mix on top of the goat cheese, be sure to drain any excess juice from the tomato and cucumber salad.  
  8. Once everything is plated, finish the dish with a good hand full of Red Hawk Mild Microgreens, Graza Drizzle Finishing Olive Oil, sprinkle of Maldon Salt and cracked pink/black peppercorn.

notes

  • Vegetarian Dish
  • The salad should up to 2 days.
  • Yield 4-6 people 
  • Equipment
    • Small Mixing Bowl, 1 each 
    • Large Mixing Bowl, 1 each
    • Large Spoon, 1 each
    • Small Spoon, 1 each
    • Cutting Board, 1 each
    • Knife, 1 each
    • Large Serving Platter

Learn more about what Happy Dirt farmer-partners grow in the field during the summer months. If you’re a wholesale buyer interested in learning more about the availability of North Carolina organic sweet corn, give us a shout. Simply enjoy learning about Happy Dirt farmers and organic produce, sign up for our newsletter

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