Lemon Balm and Mint Salad

One glance at the bright, luscious hues of the Lemon Balm and Mint Salad, and I’m instantly transported to the coast of Maine with its vibrant seafood and verdant herbs. This recipe elegantly combines the robust eastern flavors of my hometown with the sweet, sunny notes of a sun-drenched orchard. It’s the kind of dish that enlivens not just your palate, but also your heart.

The Power of Freshness

Like the seafood that plays such a large role in my culinary journey, the Lemon Balm and Mint Salad shines with freshness. This recipe starts with a generosity of lemon balm and mint leaves, invigorating herbs that are not only energizing, but also offer unique health benefits. Lemon balm, for instance, is well regarded for its calming properties, while mint is known to aid digestion and relieve allergies.

Each bowl is also heavy-laden with a medley of fruits—strawberries, pineapple, peaches, and blueberries—that burst with natural sweetness and vibrant colors. These fruits infuse each bite with a wealth of vitamins and antioxidants, making it as nourishing as it is enticing.

A Pairing of Sweet and Tart

The Lemon Balm and Mint Salad is elevated further by a delightful play of sweet and tart tones. They come into perfect harmony through a dressing of lemon juice and honey. The lemon juice adds just the right tang to counterbalance the sugary notes of the fruits and honey allows this explosive fruity concoction to really sing. The liveliness of this salad makes it an exhilarating match for a good, old-fashioned Maine lobster roll.

If you’ve ever savored a refreshing fruit salad, this Lemon Balm and Mint Salad will surely feel familiar, yet strikingly new. It’s almost like a reinterpretation, taking what’s great about a classic and injecting it with a distinct zest of its own.

When I put together this salad for my daughters Erin and Samantha, their eyes invariably light up with delight. It’s my little way of sharing with them the essence of Maine in a bowl.

What You’ll Need