Happiness is this juicy cherry tomato salad with mint, pomegranate jewels, herbs, nuts, and seeds tossed in a sweet and sour vinaigrette. The balsamic vinegar really brings out the sweetness of the fruits and makes for pleasant bursts of sweet and tangy flavors. Like many of my favorite recipes, this salad was born out of the ingredients that happened to be in my kitchen on a chilly Mediterranean afternoon. Vibrant, fresh, and inviting, it is both a great starter or side dish. Serves well with my  Roasted Chicken with Pomegranate and Sumac or white fish such as halibut or cod.

INGREDIENTS/ SERVES 2

For the Salad

25 cherry tomatoes (350gr.), halved
1 large pomegranate, seeds removed
1 bunch mint leaves, full handful
1/4 cup golden raisins (sultanas)
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted*
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, toasted*
1/2 cup parsley leaves (handful), chopped
salt, to taste

For the Vinaigrette

4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
pinch all-spice

METHOD

1. Place all of the salad ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.

2. Combine the vinaigrette ingredients in another bowl and whisk together to combine. Pour into the salad and gently toss all ingredients together. Add salt to your liking, spoon into a serving platter, and sprinkle a dash of cinnamon over the top. Enjoy right away or keep the salad and dressing separate until serving.

NOTES

*To toast the pine nuts and pumpkin seeds, place them into a small saucepan over medium heat and toast for a few minutes while stirring or flipping until golden.