Broccoli Salad with Smoked Gouda

I bought a lovely piece of smoked Gouda cheese the other day and instead of just lightly snacking on it, I went looking for a recipe that incorporated one of my favorite cheeses. This light refreshing side salad fits the hazy hot end of August days we've been experiencing.

Broccoli Salad with Gouda

* 3 cups small broccoli florets 

* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion 

* 1/2 cup grape tomatoes,quartered

* 1/2 cup toasted slivered almond (or pine nuts) 

* 6 -8 ounces Gouda cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (smoked or regular)

 * 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil 

* 1/3 cup red wine vinegar

 * 1/4 teaspoons liquid stevia

* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

 * salt, to taste

 Directions: 
1 Cook broccoli in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes. Drain well; rinse with cold water; drain well again.
2 Combine the broccoli with onion, tomatoes, nuts and cheese.
3 In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, sugar, pepper and salt; pour over salad mixture and toss to coat.