Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Summer Salad in a Jiffy

Refreshing Watermelon-Papaya Salad
Mint plant I am taking care of for my friend S while she is away!
Its summer, and you have a million things to do and ummm, one has to eat! So what does one do? Cook up quick, refreshing salads of course!

I was inspired by this super simple, but loaded with flavor watermelon salad over at Madhuli's blog. I added a few additional ingredients like mint (given that I now have a HUGE pot overflowing with it!) and some fresh mozzarella. Everything is better with Mozzarella ;)

The entire recipe including prep time took less than 20 minutes to put together. The marriage of the summer fruits with the mint and ginger-honey dressing was just fantastic!! It made for a great summer lunch paired with some freshly baked corn bread. I am quite sure I will be making this my lunch few more times this summer!

Note: anyone looking to add more honey in their diet should get some from their local farmer's market if available. I have been enjoying unbelievably good wildflower honey, as well as a range of honey flavors that took me by surprise!
16 flavors of honey at the Mountain View farmer's market

Summer Salad in a Jiffy
Ingredients
1. 2 cups watermelon, scooped into balls. You could also just cut up the watermelon into bite sized chunks
2. 1½ cup papaya, scooped into balls. You could also just cut up the papaya into bite sized chunks
3. 1½ tsp freshly grated ginger
4. 3 tsp honey
5. 2 tsp lemon juice
6. 1½ tsp red chili Flakes
7. 4 tsp fresh mint, torn into smaller pieces
6. 2 tbsp fresh mozzarella, cut into smaller pieces
7. Salt to taste

Method
1. In a bowl, combine the watermelon and papaya. Keep aside.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the honey, ginger, chili flakes and salt to make the dressing. Mix well.
3. Add the dressing to the fruit and toss well.
4. Top with the mint and mozzarella.
5. This salad tasted best when chilled, but could also be eaten right away.

Enjoy :)

13 comments:

Poonam said...

Hi Dhana, those little watermelon donuts look so cool! also the range of honey flavors are amazing!

FH said...

Watermelon and Mozzarella! YUM! I saw a Peach and Mozzarella too.Great salads for Summer.Thanks.

Tee said...

Salad looks great, perfect for summer.
The mint plant is so gorgeous!

Saju said...

lovely! I love the mixed flavours of sweet and savoury.
with ginger, honey and chilli flakes - my mouth is watering!

Jyothi said...

Looks refresh and healthy. Yummy and colorful salad. Thanks for sharing.

Dhana said...

Thanks Poonam. The different flavors of honey at the farmer's market were unbelievable!

Ooh Asha, peach & mozzarella does sound good! I should try that next time.

Thanks Tee. Yah, I am plant sitting (is that even a valid word )) fo my friend who is traveling....soo need to grow some mint myself!

Saju, your description is so apt !

Jyothi, this truly was a refreshing and healthy salad! Any salad with no oil / mayo is top on my list!

Suganya said...

What is that silver thing in the mint pot? Is it for watering purposes?

Sharmi said...

refreshing salad. Btw what are they selling the honey in?

Dhana said...

Suganya, the silver hole riddled contraption is used to put the fresh mint leaves in and dip it in your tea. Its soo great! They were selling the entire package at trader Joe's till recently.

Sharmi, the lady at the farmers market sells the honey in long plastic pouches, almost like a pepsi cola, except filled with the yummiest honey!

Cynthia said...

I love how the colours of the food and fruits at this time reflects all the colour of the season.

Dhana said...

Thanks Cynthia. I loved the colors and the mix of wonderful flavors!

Kajal said...

Watermelon-Papay salad looks very colorful. WOW 16-flavors of honey great....Good day.:)

Dhana said...

Thanks Kajal!