This simple tomato salad looks as beautiful as it tastes. I recommend using a firm, not soft, goat cheese. We used the French log called Rondon du Poitou, but any kind will do. Note that the vinaigrette is also made with tomatoes.

Vinaigrette:

½ cup cherry tomatoes, seeded

½ teaspoon ground coriander seed

¼ cup olive oil

2 teaspoons chopped basil

1 teaspoon sherry vinegar

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Salad:

4 medium heirloom or other tomatoes

8 ounces aged goat cheese

Salt and freshly ground pepper

12 basil leaves

Combine vinaigrette ingredients and purée in food processor or blender until smooth. Reserve.

Use a serrated knife to slice tomatoes as thinly as possible. Cut goat cheese into 8 slices and place one slice on each of 4 plates.

Drizzle some vinaigrette over the goat cheese. Top each slice of cheese with a few slices of tomato and drizzle with a little vinaigrette. Place a second slice of goat cheese and a few more slices of tomato on top. Drizzle with more vinaigrette. Arrange basil leaves around the salad, and decorate plate with any leftover vinaigrette. Serves 4.