Cucumber Pineapple Salad

A refreshing --- and easy --- twist for a summer side dish. You can probably substitute basil or mint for the cilantro (~mojito/other summer drinks) if you like and omit the red onion, depending on your preferences.

Photo Credit: Cooks Joy

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups cucumber, diced
• An English (or seedless/small seeds) cucumber is recommended 
• 2 cups pineapple, diced
• 4 Tbsp (fresh) cilantro, diced
• Many stores sell small packets of fresh herbs, which is easier and less wasteful than buying the whole bunch.
• 2 Tbsp red onion, chopped
• 4 tsp lemon juice
• A pinch/sprinkle of chili powder (if desired)
• Salt to taste (I didn't add any)

DIRECTIONS

• Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
• To ensure an even mixture, I combined the cucumber and pineapple, then added the cilantro and mixed, followed by the red onion. I then drizzled and mixed the lemon juice, and then sprinkled the chili powder before one final stir.
• Chill and serve.

Recipe via Cooks Joy

Apple-Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Ingredients

• 16 slices French bread (1/2 inch thick)
• 1 medium Fuji apple, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 3/4 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Directions

1. Combine the apple, goat cheese, thyme, oregano and pepper; sprinkle over bread. 
2. Broil until cheese is softened. Yield: 16 appetizers.