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Home » Recipes » Main Meals » Heirloom Tomato – Lemon Cucumber Salad with my Strata

Heirloom Tomato – Lemon Cucumber Salad with my Strata

August 1, 2011 by Chef Dennis Littley 70 Comments

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 zebra heirloom tomatoes stacked on a clear plate

I had such a good time at the farmer’s market this Saturday that I decided to make a few dishes for a Meatless Monday! It’s such a wonderful feeling being at the market surrounded by locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and Collingswood Farmer’s Market is by far the best market in the area!

I haven’t seen too much different this year, but there seems to be a greater variety of Heirloom Tomatoes in the market and I have tried a few of the varieties, but field grown Jersey tomatoes are still the best tomato you could ever have! I did buy some red and green zebra tomatoes, but technically  those aren’t heirloom tomatoes having made their entry into the market in 1983. The zebra is a tangy sweet tomato, with a little different flavor, and as Lisa says it nice to try something different. (which usually means but don’t buy it again!)

lemon cucumbers with one cut in half with a knife next to it

I also picked up some heirloom lemon cucumbers which have just started showing up in the market. Lemon Cucumbers have a sweeter flavor than regular cucumbers and are not supposed to have as much of the chemical that makes them bitter and hard to digest. I found the skins to be a little tougher but not too bad. These little beauties would be great for pickling!

lemon cucumber heirloom tomato salad on a clear plate

What I did end up with was a beautiful combination of colors and flavors that made a perfect side dish, or would have went well over a green salad. I just added some extra virgin olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar a little salt and pepper and let nature do the rest with by commingling the flavorful juices from these fruits! That’s right scientifically speaking both the cucumber and tomato are classified as fruits, but from a culinary standpoint they are counted as vegetables.

whole strata on a white platter

I had been thinking about Strata’s for the past few weeks, I don’t why but I remembered a lunch that Mama Jeanette had made one afternoon, she didn’t want to interrupt my work on the house, so she threw together a dish from what she had available. A stale loaf of bread, eggs, and of course cheese!

A Strata is very similar to a quiche or frittata, I think the only real difference is the inclusion of bread in the strata.

You can add vegetables, or meats to the strata, but I kind of like it the way Mama made it that day, so when I recreated that lunch I kept it basic, and it was feast for the stomach as well as the soul.

slice of strata and zucchini blossoms on a white plate

Strata is  a quick and easy dish to prepare, that could be served at any time of the day, be creative, add your own touch just keep the basic recipe intact and it will never disappoint! The nice people at Euphrates Feta Cheese had graciously sent me a sample of their feta cheese to have some fun with, so I did decide to alter the recipe with the addition of feta, and it was an outstanding decision. The tang of the feta added another dimension to this flavorful dish. Feel free to substitute Chobani Low Fat Greek Yogurt for the heavy cream in the recipe, a great way to keep the fat and the calories down!!

Strata
Ingredients:
2 cups of old bread cut into large cubes
1 tbsp. melted butter

6 Large Eggs
1 cup Whole milk
1/2 cup Heavy Cream (or Chobani Greek Yogurt)
1 cup Sharp Cheddar shredded
1 Cup Euphrates Feta Cheese crumbled
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
Black pepper to taste
6 Zucchini Blossoms (optional)


Directions:
1. Cut bread into large cubes and lightly coat with melted butter, season with garlic, onion, and pepper and place in a 350 degree oven to toast.
2. Place Toasted bread in the bottom of a baking dish (or 9″ springform pan)
3. Lightly beat eggs, add milk, heavy cream , grated romano and black pepper and mix together until well blended.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Feta over the bread.
5. Pour egg mixture over bread and allow to stand for 10-15 minutes to allow bread to soak up the egg mixture.
6. If your using zucchini blossoms place them on top of the mixture and just press down into the egg lightly to cover them. (they may float back up its ok)
7. Place in 350 degree oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the egg mixture is fully cooked in the center.
(you may need to cover the with aluminum foil if the top is getting too dark)
8. Allow Strata too rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing, so it sets up well.
9. Cut into squares or remove from the springform pan , slice and serve at room temperature.

Strata is such a versatile and fun dish to make for friends and family, serve it as a late supper with a salad and a nice glass of wine, or at a brunch. Any way you served it just make sure you have enough, because your guests will be coming back for seconds!

Have a great week my friends, August is upon us and the Dog Days of Summer can’t be far behind! So stay cool,  eat light, eat healthy but save room for dessert! Till next time…..

Cheers
Dennis

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About Chef Dennis

Picture of Chef Dennis

Chef Dennis is a semi-retired Chef, writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis aka Ask Chef Dennis®. Chef Dennis worked professionally in White Table Cloth Restaurants for 40 years and has been developing easy to make, restaurant-style recipes since 2009. The second phase of his reinvention from chef to blogger has earned him a place at the Worlds Dinner Table. Join him on his Culinary Journey enjoying his easy to make Restaurant Style recipes and travel adventures. For more details, check out his About page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. syrupandbiscuits

    August 05, 2011 at 1:21 am

    What beautiful, colorful produce. I grow heirloom tomatoes and love making a salad with all the different color combinations. I also grew lemon cucumbers for the first time this spring and had moderate success until downy mildew attacked the plant. Your idea about using the zucchini bloom in the strata is awesome. I rarely make stratas but I do make a lot of frittatas. I will certainly use the blossoms in the next squash frittata I make. Thank you, Chef Dennis!

    Reply
  2. Shirley

    August 04, 2011 at 11:31 pm

    Chef, I was thinking of you when the zucchini plant in my garden started producing blossoms! I've never heard of zebra tomatoes, but they're beautiful. And this strata looks hearty and wonderful.

    Reply
  3. Big Dude

    August 04, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    the strata sounds delicious and I like that salad also. I grow the green zebra as I really like it's tang.

    Reply
  4. Tiffany

    August 04, 2011 at 2:16 am

    I had a heirloom tomato omelette for dinner tonight!!! I guess great minds think alike :D. And congrats on making Top 9!!!

    Reply
  5. nicole

    August 04, 2011 at 2:08 am

    Your tomatoes are wooing me. I am in love.

    Reply
  6. KC Quaretti

    August 04, 2011 at 2:05 am

    Oh how I wish we had lemon cucumbers here in Florida! Chef Dennis, your strata looks marvelous. I shared this post on my facebook page knowing so many will enjoy knowing about a strata! Thank you.

    Reply
  7. Claudia

    August 04, 2011 at 1:58 am

    Feeling so very sorry for myself because lemon cucumbers have never showed up in the MN markets. Must teach MN to experiment a wee bit. But the heirloom tomatoes are in and savor every little bump and sweetness in them. I have made stratas. And I made them badly. Time to rethink and look at your recipe.

    Reply
  8. Jessica

    August 03, 2011 at 11:42 pm

    Thank you for such great inspiration! I am definitely visiting the farmers' market this weekend and strata is a great idea to serve with fresh seasonal vegetables! Yours looks mouth watering!

    Reply
  9. Karen

    August 03, 2011 at 11:00 pm

    This looks so delicious! The tomatoes also look so tasty and vibrant. Good idea to sub Greek yogurt for heavy cream.

    Reply
  10. Meagan @ Scarletta Bakes

    August 03, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    Gosh does this look gorgeous! So refreshing and perfect for summer.

    Thanks for another wonderful post and recipe, Chef Dennis!!

    Reply
  11. Megan @ Pip and Ebby

    August 03, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    The tomato-cucumber salad is right up my alley. I'm a major salad fiend. This looks insanely delicious! I just made an heirloom tomato salad last night!

    The strata looks amazing, too!

    Reply
  12. Becka (The Elegant Eggplant)

    August 03, 2011 at 3:10 pm

    That produce is BEAUTIFUL!!!! I am incredibly jealous!

    Reply
  13. Elyse @The Cultural Dish

    August 03, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    That strata looks really good for stale bread! Love the photos, especially with the zucchini blossoms!

    Reply
  14. Emily @ Life on Food

    August 03, 2011 at 11:29 am

    Oh man, I love going to a good farmer's market. All of the veggies look amazing. I have some zuchinni blossoms right now and had no idea what to do with them. I think I will try this out – I love the simplicity.

    Reply
  15. Peggy

    August 03, 2011 at 10:55 am

    Look at those beautiful tomatoes and cucumbers! Don't think I've ever had a lemon cucumber before – and this strata sounds absolutely delicious – might have to try it soon seeing that I practically have all the ingredients on hand already!

    Reply
  16. Jenny @ Savour the Senses

    August 03, 2011 at 8:11 am

    Love, love heirloom tomatoes! We have 9 heirloom tomato plants in our garden right now. These ones are gorgeous!

    Reply
  17. Elly

    August 03, 2011 at 5:25 am

    Hi Dennis,
    I absolutely love your recipes and your pics, they're always better and better!

    Have a nice day!
    Elly (Dolce Mania)

    Reply
  18. Elin

    August 03, 2011 at 4:45 am

    Chef Dennis..
    Came back from a church retreat and here I am drooling over your delicious meal 🙂
    over here we don't get to see these lovely heirloom tomato and lemon cucumber in the market so can only drool here 🙁 but we surely we can substitute with cherry tomatoes and japanese cucumber, though the taste and texture may not be the same 🙂 Love that strata you have here…yea with the tomato salad and a glass of wine…perfect meal 🙂
    Thanks for sharing the recipe 🙂

    Reply
  19. Cheap Ethnic Eatz

    August 03, 2011 at 2:36 am

    The salad looks stunning but the strata…oh my…with all that cheese it looks and I am sure tastes like heaven. Bookmarking this one.

    Reply
  20. kitchenarian

    August 03, 2011 at 2:16 am

    Your heirloom tomatoes are so beautiful! I love the farmer's market. The strata looks delicious too!

    Reply
  21. Skylar Wolfe

    August 03, 2011 at 2:11 am

    Looks stunning, that strata looks absolutely delicious.
    Tomato time is my favorite time of year, fruit or vegetable, to me it's tasty

    Reply
  22. Charlie

    August 03, 2011 at 1:49 am

    This salad looks amazing! I've never seen lemon cucumbers before but it is definitely something I want to try!

    Reply
  23. Joy

    August 03, 2011 at 1:16 am

    The strata looks great.

    Reply
  24. The Culinary Lens

    August 03, 2011 at 12:30 am

    I find it so appropriate that you work in an educational setting because I always learn from your posts.
    The salad is really incredible. I never heard of a strata it's almost a savory bread pudding. This will be on my home brunch list for sure.

    I am always trying to explain how certain "vegetables" are actually fruit but your sentence makes it much clearer than I ever have..
    "That's right scientifically speaking both the cucumber and tomato are classified as fruits, but from a culinary standpoint they are counted as vegetables."

    Reply
  25. LaDivaCucina

    August 02, 2011 at 11:07 pm

    I'm trying to remember where I had a lemon cucumber before…but I remember I liked it! Your salad looks divine, I really can almost taste it!

    Being a lover of fritatta and quiche, the strata looks really interesting and right up my alley. What a great brunch idea too. Good for you for participating in Meatless Monday! (i had cheese pizza!)

    Reply
  26. [email protected]

    August 02, 2011 at 7:28 pm

    This looks fantastic Dennis! I have always loved finding uses for tomatoes beyond salads (it's so easy to get bogged down in what we're used to) and this sounds like a great way to use some heirloom ones I picked up. Thanks!

    Reply
  27. FamilySpice

    August 02, 2011 at 5:32 pm

    We tried zebra tomatoes a few summers back, also from a farmer's market, too. Dee-licious! I always make crustless quiches. Now I know to name it a strata. Thanks for the lesson!

    Reply
  28. Rita

    August 02, 2011 at 5:06 pm

    Hi Chef Denis,
    I lost you somehow and now I come back to see this fantastic recipe. I have never made this and I think it would make a perfect repas for the 2 of us.
    Rita

    Reply
  29. Adelina

    August 02, 2011 at 5:04 pm

    Lemon cucumbers? Need to try them. I love your salad and strata. I like to have my toast dipped in eggs and pan-fried similar to french toast and this is just a fancy version with Zucchini blossoms… and cheese.

    Reply
  30. mangiabella

    August 02, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    the strata is fantastic, just perfect!!! all of these magnificent colors just make me so happy right now….

    Reply
  31. Laural @ Being Healthier

    August 02, 2011 at 4:25 pm

    oo zebra tomatoes and lemon cucumber, oh my! what amazing produce to photgraph AND use in a recipe ha! love the strata too- I used to make those all the time and just thought it was the same as frittata but now I see why the different name!

    Reply
  32. warmvanillasugar

    August 02, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    This sounds lovely! I've never made a strata before, but sure will now!

    Reply
  33. Brooks at Cakewalker

    August 02, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    Chef, the timing of this post is spot on, as is the photography and recipe. I have 5 plants of vigorously producing heirloom tomatoes begging to use their fruit in new ways. Thanks for the recipe good man and happy summer to you!

    Reply
  34. Cheryl and Adam @ pictureperfectmeals.com

    August 02, 2011 at 3:12 pm

    Chef your salad is superb and dressed perfectly. Nothing better than good olive oil and a splash of balsamic, or lemon juice. Never had heirloom cucumbers though, we'll have to look for them at the farmer's market this weekend. Great photos, by the way.

    Reply
  35. Mari @ Mari's Cakes

    August 02, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    Wonderful recipes. I love the salad 🙂

    Reply
  36. Santy Gibson

    August 02, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    This strata look yummy…I never tried lemon cucumber before. What does is taste like?

    Reply
  37. Kath

    August 02, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    I'd like your strata for breakfast this morning!

    Reply
  38. Pretend Chef

    August 02, 2011 at 1:34 pm

    I love the vibrant colors of the salad. Both of these dishes sound and look amazing. The lemon cucumber is a new to me ingredient. I would love to give it a try sometime if I come across it.

    Reply
  39. Rosemary

    August 02, 2011 at 10:51 am

    I haven't had a lemon cucumber before, but last evening, a neighbor gave me an apple cucumber he gew, and I'm so anxious to try it for lunch today. Fresh (and new) veggies are so intriguing. Your strata looks heavenly.

    Reply
  40. Dzoli

    August 02, 2011 at 8:49 am

    The colours are so inviting and the combination of two dishes is divine;)

    Reply
  41. Baking Serendipity

    August 02, 2011 at 3:35 am

    I love your meatless meal 🙂 All the fresh vegetables at the market lately make the best stars of the dish. That salad looks especially delicious!

    Reply
  42. Bouler Locavore

    August 02, 2011 at 3:31 am

    This looks great Dennis. I grew Green Zebra tomaotes last year, absolutely loving them and savored every one. I also love lemon cucumbers; they have such a fresh taste. Growing them this year. The strate looks perfect. I am finding myself wanting to prepare 'one dish' faire like this right now in the heat.

    Reply
  43. Happy When Not Hungry

    August 02, 2011 at 3:26 am

    Those tomatoes look gorgeous!!! Love that strata as well. Beautiful photos too!

    Reply
  44. Maria

    August 02, 2011 at 2:26 am

    Yummiiii!
    Enjoy Cooking!

    Reply
  45. Candace

    August 02, 2011 at 1:58 am

    Chef, that is one delicious looking salad! I had lemon cucumbers for the first time last summer and found them to be absolutely delicious. I haven't been able find any this summer since I moved to New Hampshire. Would you believe that I've never had strata? I definitely need to change that.

    Reply
  46. Grammy T.

    August 02, 2011 at 1:43 am

    One Word:
    YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!

    Reply
  47. Kristen

    August 02, 2011 at 1:30 am

    Heirloom vegetables are such beautiful creations. I just love how they look in your salad. It is like a plate full of summer.

    Reply
  48. The Harried Cook

    August 02, 2011 at 1:19 am

    Love your recipe for Strata! Bookmarking it, Chef Dennis… Sounds so yummy, and I must try it. I have never seen lemon cucumbers before, but they look really pretty! And those tomatoes are gorgeous too! Beautiful post 🙂

    Reply
  49. Ann

    August 02, 2011 at 1:13 am

    I love stratta…who doesn't love cheese and eggs? Your tomato salad so fresh and tasty looking! I could eat them both every day! I absolutely adore the bowl of tomato picture.

    Reply
  50. Island Vittles

    August 02, 2011 at 12:54 am

    What a gorgeous bounty of vegetables! I can't wait for the lemon cucumbers to hit our local market too…Theresa

    Reply
  51. Erin

    August 02, 2011 at 12:27 am

    Those tomatoes are just beautiful! The Strata sounds rich, and creamy and delicious! What a great trip to the Farmers Market.

    Reply
  52. BonnieBanters

    August 01, 2011 at 11:29 pm

    I love good tomatoes and I like to experiment also. I've not heard of lemon cucumbers…I'll have to look for them at the international market close to me. Strata is a dish for all times of the day and very comforting. Thanks!

    Reply
  53. Monet

    August 01, 2011 at 10:50 pm

    What a stunning strata! I have been enjoying quite a few heirloom tomatoes this week. Don't you just love them? I'm glad I'm reading your blog during my afternoon snack break. I would have some serious hunger pains if I didn't have bowl of food in front of me! I hope you are having a wonderful Monday. Thank you for sharing with me, Chef Dennis. Love and hugs from Austin!

    Reply
  54. Inspired by eRecipeCards

    August 01, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    I was about to drool on your tomatoes and cucs, but that strata looks fabulous. Amazing photos.

    And Farmers markets are amazing… especially for the next 4 or 5 weeks. So uch fun

    Reply
  55. Pam

    August 01, 2011 at 9:53 pm

    Like that strata! It looks delicious! The tomatoes are pretty and there's nothing like a farmer's market in the summer. The local corn and tomatoes are excellent this year.

    Reply
  56. lostpastremembered

    August 01, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    That strata looked like a slice of heaven, Dennis and perfect for a hot day with all those lovely tomatoes and veggies… hate the heat but love the produce!

    Reply
  57. Lisa (this litttle piggy)

    August 01, 2011 at 9:09 pm

    Looks like a perfect brunch for the summer. LOVE heirloom tomatoes.

    Reply
  58. Christine's Pantry

    August 01, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    I have not seen lemon cucumbers in my area. I will be on the look out for them. Your salad and strata looks wonderful. Salad perfect for a hot day, like today, it's 108 degrees.

    Reply
  59. Lolly's Sweet Treats

    August 01, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    This looks absolutely divine! Nothing beats fresh tomatoes. I think I may make this for brunch on Saturday. Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  60. RavieNomNoms

    August 01, 2011 at 8:19 pm

    That looks SO good! I wish I had that for my dinner tonight, I would most definitely snack on 2 pieces of that lovely strata!

    Reply
  61. Tastemonials

    August 01, 2011 at 7:40 pm

    This looks amazing. Heirloom tomatoes and lemon cucumber salad is a summer staple for us. Unfortunately, the heirlooms are late this year!

    Reply
  62. Veronica Gantley

    August 01, 2011 at 6:46 pm

    I knew you couldnt resist sticking a squash blossom in one of those pictures. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  63. rinku

    August 01, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    This looks absolutely lovely, beautiful pictures!

    Reply
  64. Kate

    August 01, 2011 at 6:40 pm

    What a wonderful salad!! And, that strata looks equally wonderful!!!!!

    Reply
  65. Torviewtoronto

    August 01, 2011 at 6:35 pm

    delicious looking meal Dennis this looks refreshing

    Reply
  66. Sarah

    August 01, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    We spent almost three hours at our local market yesterday…it's so nice in the summer! Those tomatoes are just gorgeous and that strata sounds wonderful!

    Reply
  67. kankana

    August 01, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    Farmers market is always so much fun and I always end up buying so many variety of vegetables! This strata looks so delicious. I never made it .. should try sometime.

    Reply
  68. Adora's Box

    August 01, 2011 at 6:24 pm

    I wish we had a nice market around here. There's not much variety in terms of fresh produce around here. Very interesting tomatoes and cucumbers. The strata is just stunning. Just perfect with the fresh salad.

    Reply
  69. Kim Bee

    August 01, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    Your strata looks amazing Dennis. It turned out perfect. I am happy to know the lemon cucumbers are out. They are my daughter's fave veggie but so hard to find. Going to take a drive and see if some of the fruit n veggie stands in the area have them. That salad looks so good. Have a great week!

    Reply
  70. S.V.

    August 01, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    This strata looks so good!

    Reply

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