| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 10g | 4g | 9g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 5g | 0.3g |
As a Southern Belle originally hailing from the enchanting city of Charleston, South Carolina, I love to bring the vibrancy and richness of my heritage into my dishes. One of my all-time favorite recipes, that delightfully combines freshness with a tantalizing burst of flavors, is the Mouse Melon and Cucumber Salad. This salad is a beautiful culmination of fruits, herbs, and cheese that seems more like a festival than just a salad!
One look at this lively and refreshing salad and you’re transported into a lush green garden teeming with the juiciest fruits and crispiest cucumbers. The Mouse Melon, also known as Mexican Miniature Watermelon, lends a whimsical touch to the salad. Not only do these tiny gems look adorable, but they also add a unique crunchiness that harmonizes perfectly with the diced cucumber.
A celebration of herbs
What truly makes this salad a standout, though, is the combination of fresh mint and basil leaves. The herbs add a rejuvenating touch that balances the flavors and brings an airy coolness that’s ideal for warm summer afternoons. Furthermore, these herbs are known for their various health benefits. Basil is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, while mint is known for promoting digestion and soothing headaches.
Let’s get cheesy!
And who can pass up on feta? The crumbled cheese doesn’t just give this salad a savory twist, but also creates delightful textural contrasts. The savoriness of the cheese perfectly balances the freshness of the salad. Moreover, feta cheese is a good source of calcium and B vitamins.
This Mouse Melon and Cucumber Salad can make a great side to traditional Southern main courses like fried chicken or biscuits, or shine as a standalone lunch option. It also reminds me of a Greek salad, without the tomatoes, of course. It’s a versatile dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Mouse Melon and Cucumber Salad reigns supreme as one of my beloved recipes because of its blend of textural variety, flavor balance, and nutritional abundance. It encapsulates the essence of a refreshing, wholesome meal in a bowl.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Mouse Melon (Mexican Miniature Watermelon), halved
- 2 large Cucumbers, diced
- 1/4 cup Fresh Mint Leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
- 1 large Red Onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing your produce. Halve the mouse melon and dice the cucumbers. Thinly slice one large red onion. For the herbs, finely chop the fresh mint leaves and fresh basil leaves.
Step Two
In a large bowl, mix together the mouse melons and diced cucumbers. Add in the thinly sliced red onion to the bowl.
Step Three
Add the chopped fresh mint leaves and fresh basil leaves to the mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together to combine.
Step Four
Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad mixture. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and sprinkle with the white wine vinegar. Toss everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Step Five
Season your salad with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for optimal freshness, or refrigerate covered and enjoy within a few days.
