Colorful Melon Medley with Sweet Sesame Glaze
This vibrant Colorful Melon Medley with Sweet Sesame Glaze is an exquisite fusion of refreshing fruits, enhanced with a rich, sweet, and nutty dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light snack, this delightful salad combines the juicy sweetness of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew with the crunch of cucumber, all beautifully dressed in a homemade sesame vinaigrette. Garnished with fresh cilantro and optional crispy bacon, this dish is sure to please your guests and bring a burst of color to your table.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
unbleached white sugar
1/3 cup (none)
champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (none)
kosher salt or salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (or freshly grated if preferred)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (none)
extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
toasted sesame seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons (toasted (consider using half black sesame seeds for color))
toasted sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cayenne pepper
1 dash (none)
cut-up seedless watermelon
2 cups (cut up)
cut-up cantaloupe
2 cups (cut up)
cut-up honeydew
2 cups (cut up)
sliced English cucumber
1 cup (sliced (alternatively use 1/2 cup each of English and lemon cucumber if available))
lettuce leaf
as needed (for lining the serving bowls)
snipped fresh cilantro
optional (for garnish)
crisp cooked bacon
optional (drained and crumbled for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the dressing. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, champagne vinegar (or white wine vinegar), kosher salt, and ground ginger. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2
In a medium bowl, slowly whisk in both vegetable oil and extra-virgin olive oil into the cooled sugar mixture, allowing it to thicken gradually as you continue whisking. Once combined, stir in the toasted sesame seeds, toasted sesame oil, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Set the dressing aside.
3
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cut-up seedless watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, and sliced cucumber. Drizzle 1/2 cup of the prepared dressing over the fruit mixture, and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
4
To serve, line individual salad bowls or a serving platter with crisp lettuce leaves. Spoon the dressed melon mixture on top. For added flavor, admire your salad with freshly snipped cilantro and crumbled bacon, if desired.
5
Finally, pass the remaining dressing at the table for those who'd like an extra drizzle.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
16.7g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Colorful Melon Medley with Sweet Sesame Glaze?
It is a refreshing fruit salad made with watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, combined with cucumber and a homemade sweet sesame vinaigrette.
What types of melons are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups each of seedless watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
How do I make the sweet sesame glaze?
Combine sugar, vinegar, salt, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat until dissolved, then whisk in vegetable oil, olive oil, sesame seeds, sesame oil, and cayenne.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
The recipe is vegan-optional; simply omit the optional bacon garnish to make it fully vegan.
Is the Colorful Melon Medley gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free based on the ingredients listed.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
One serving of this melon medley contains approximately 133 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and protein counts?
Each serving contains 16.7g of carbohydrates and 1g of protein.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can use freshly grated ginger as a substitute for the 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger if preferred.
What kind of cucumber is recommended?
The recipe suggests using English cucumber, or a mix of English and lemon cucumber if available.
What type of vinegar should I use for the dressing?
You can use either champagne vinegar or white wine vinegar.
Is the dressing spicy?
The dressing contains a dash of cayenne pepper, which adds a very subtle hint of heat without being overly spicy.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 16 ingredients, including the fruit, dressing components, and optional garnishes.
How do I serve this melon salad?
Serve the dressed melon mixture in bowls or on a platter lined with crisp lettuce leaves.
What are the recommended garnishes?
The salad can be garnished with freshly snipped cilantro and crumbled crispy bacon.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and set it aside while you prepare the fruit mixture.
What oils are used in the sesame glaze?
The glaze uses a combination of vegetable oil, extra-virgin olive oil, and toasted sesame oil.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of unbleached white sugar.
Should the sesame seeds be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using toasted sesame seeds for the best flavor.
Can I use black sesame seeds?
Yes, the recipe suggests using half black sesame seeds to add extra color to the dish.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing thickens gradually as you whisk the oils into the cooled sugar and vinegar mixture.
Is this a good recipe for summer parties?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing summer recipe perfect for gatherings and brings a burst of color to the table.
How much salt is needed for the glaze?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt or regular salt.
Do I need to cook the fruit?
No, the fruit is served fresh and raw; only the sugar and vinegar mixture for the dressing is heated.
How do I prepare the bacon garnish?
The bacon should be cooked until crisp, then drained and crumbled before adding to the salad.
Can I add more dressing at the table?
Yes, the instructions suggest passing the remaining dressing at the table for guests who want extra.
What type of lettuce should I use?
Any variety of crisp lettuce leaves can be used to line the serving bowls.
Is the watermelon seedless?
The recipe specifically recommends using seedless watermelon for ease of eating.
How long does it take to dissolve the sugar?
The sugar should be stirred constantly over medium heat until it is fully dissolved, which usually takes only a few minutes.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for quick preparation.