Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Cherry Pistachio Salad with Sweet Lemon Vinaigrette and Fresh Mint



Often times in life simple is best.  I went on a walk last night along the Mississippi river with someone special after dinner, and although it was just a walk it was so much more than that.  It It was one of the most enjoyable walks, not to mention moments I have had in quite a long time filled with lots of good conversation.  It was a beautiful night, with a light breeze and lots of people watching of course with an awesome view of the river. Although I have to admit the company was more of the enjoyment than the act of walking itself.  I guess it doesn't matter what you do as long as you do it in good company.  It was so much better than any movie we could have gone to, or something costing lots of money to do.  I have always appriciated the simple, especially when it comes to spending time with those you care about.  Afterall, without all the distractions you can just focus on each other, and that is always best!  The same goes for food sometimes as far as simplicity goes.  Tonight I made a wonderful salad with a few fresh seasonal ingredients, cherries, mint, and local greens topped off with some toasted pistachios.  It was delightful!  So simple and quick to make, and yet so good!  The perfect accompaniment to a light tofu dish I had also made.  I have included a recipe if you would like to try some!  Take some time to enjoy the simple things in life, all too often we get lost in the details. 


Cherry Pistachio Salad with Sweet Lemon Vinaigrette and Fresh Mint
Serves 2

Dressing:
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp agave nectar
sea salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste

Salad:
1 cup pitted halved fresh cherries
2 Tbsp fresh mint, cut in chiffonade
1 large bunch of arugula or greens of your choice
1/2 cup shelled roasted salted pistachios

Whisk together dressing ingredients and set aside.  In a large bowl, combine cherries, mint, and greens.  Pour over dressing and toss to coat.  Divide salad between 2 plates, and scatter pistachios over each. 

4 comments:

Tiffany said...

Oh my goodness! My nana makes a pistachio-cherry cake. I'm going home on Monday and had it as my mission to get her secret recipe! How crazy that you made a delish salad with a similar flavor profile!!! And I love the sound of the sweet lemon dressing! MMMM!

Happy When Not Hungry said...

Wow this looks great! Love the flavors and especially those cherries too!

Caitlin said...

i love the idea of cherries, mint, and pistachios! yum!

Sandra said...

Very pretty and I would be so happy with at least two serving of this.