Heirloom Tomato Salad & Dijon Vinaigrette

I am very busy putting some of those beautiful garden heirloom tomatoes to use. This a fun simple and tasty salad that was perfect for the sweet taste of the heirloom tomatoes. The arugula was a nice compliment with the dijon vinaigrette. Arugula also commonly known as "rocket" was originally grown as a Mediterranean herb. If you have never had it arugula is a peppery green that is known to be used first by the Romans. Today you can find arugula in most grocery stores throughout the USA. Arugula can have a spicy bite to it and often can be a bit overwhelming if left in the garden to grow a little too long. I prefer organic arugula because it is often harvested while it is still very petite so the flavor is not as harsh and the leafs are very tender. I always recommend tasting it before you use it in a recipe, this will help you decide if it should be used sparingly. This recipe was inspired by my lovely heirloom tomatoes in my garden. I am so happy to have a great crop of tomatoes this year. I love arugula especially with sweet tomatoes. If you are feeling bold and daring I encourage you to try it. If you are not a fond of arugula, I would recommend substituting Romaine lettuce. Whichever you decide on, I would love to hear from you . . . to see what you think of this recipe. Bon Appetit, Cecelia