| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 140 | 9g | 4g | 10g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 4g | 0.4g |
When we think of refreshing, light, and tangy salads, our minds often wander towards the citrusy coleslaws and the classic Greek salad with their crumbled feta cheese, but have you ever encountered the delightful Mouse Melon and Feta Cheese Salad? If not, it’s high time you did. This vibrant, crunchy, and intriguingly named salad brings an unexpected twist to your palate and your routine recipes.
The Magic of Mouse Melon
The star of this salad, mouse melon, or the Mexican sour gherkin, is a burst of flavors – a tangy, slight citrus taste. Remember, in my New England neighborhood, we never shy away from a flavor burst. It’s like the bouquet of Atlantic breeze that invigorates one’s senses. These little powerhouses are not only flavor bombs but packed with health benefits. High in antioxidants and vitamins, mouse melon is great for good heart health. Isn’t that a bonus? A salad with benefits!
A Harmonious Symphony of Flavors
The combination of ingredients in the Mouse Melon and Feta Cheese Salad is no short of a joyous symphony. The mouse melon’s tartness finds a perfect balance with the salty, tangy feta cheese. Next, the crunch from fresh cucumbers, the zesty zing from red onions, and the aromatic touch of fresh mint leaves make every bite a zesty explosion. To round off the perfect flavor profile, the dressing is a simple mix of fresh lime juice and olive oil – nothing like a citrus splash to awaken the taste buds!
This salad pairs brilliantly with grilled seafood or if you are looking at a meat-free meal, it fits snugly next to a hearty bowl of vegan chickpea curry . Intriguing as the name might be, once you taste the Mouse Melon and Feta Cheese Salad, it just might become a staple in your culinary repertoire, as it has become in mine. As a bonus, my daughters Erin and Samantha, who are usually quite particular about their greens, have come to love this recipe.
So why not venture out of the usual and try out this quirky-named yet amazingly scrumptious salad? Believe me, the Mouse Melon and Feta Cheese Salad is a revelation in every bite!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of mouse melon (also known as Mexican sour gherkin)
- 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 fresh limes, juiced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preparing the ingredients. Rinse the mouse melons under cold water. Dice the cucumber and thinly slice the red onion. Crumble the feta cheese if it’s not already pre-crumbled. You should also juice the fresh limes and finely chop the fresh mint leaves.
Step Two
Take a large bowl and mix together the mouse melons, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix all the elements.
Step Three
Add the crumbled feta cheese to the vegetable mix in the bowl. At this stage, refrain from mixing too vigorously as the feta can easily disintegrate.
Step Four
In a separate jug or small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil until well blended. This will serve as your salad dressing.
Step Five
Drizzle the lime and olive oil dressing over the vegetables and feta in the bowl. Sprinkle the finely chopped fresh mint leaves for extra freshness. Season the salad with salt and a generous amount of fresh ground pepper to taste.
Step Six
Toss the salad gently to ensure every ingredient is lightly coated with the dressing. Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to mingle beautifully. Enjoy your Mouse Melon and Feta Cheese Salad!
