We’ve reached the part of the summer where it’s so hot I’m not interested in eating anything! I walk through the grocery store with my kids staring at food with no inspiration for mealtime. I’m convinced my muse has split for her own tropical vacation.
I recently bought a new kitchen gadget that has perked up my interest; a Sprializer. The whimsical end result of the gadget is popping up all over the internet with ‘pasta’ made purely from vegetables, fruit ribbons and more. I’m not usually one to jump on a trendy bandwagon and certainly my kitchen is bursting with niche gadgets already, however I love the idea of more easily incorporating fruits and vegetables into our family meals in unexpected ways. It decreases cooking time (perfect for summer) and increases the nutrition we all need.
The Spiralizer really works best with firm fruits and vegetables and my ideas was for a bed of cucumber ‘noodles’ topped with juicy, cool, naturally-sweet melon balls and a light dressing. A healthy salad to quench the heat and inviting to the palate. I did not want a heavy vinaigrette but a smidge of a tang and a bit of some sweetness would be a perfect complement to the refreshing cucumber and sweet, juicy melon.
Though any neutral oil could be used I chose Grapeseed which is mild in flavor in a fantastic green hue. As it sounds, grapeseed oil is derived from the seeds of grapes. For cooking it has a reasonably high smoke point. The flavor is light, clean and non-distinct making it perfect for dressings, as well as it is high in polyunsaturated fats which is a good attribute of fats and oils. It is a great oil to keep in your pantry and perfect on this salad!
Cucumber Melon Spa Salad
This light, refreshing, juicy salad is not only healthy but perfect to stave off the summer heat. Spiralized cucumber noodles provide a bed for mixed melon balls, lightly dressed in a grapeseed oil mint dressing.Should a spiralizer not be available, the cucumber may be cut into any desirable shape; thinly sliced, cut into matchsticks or thin shavings with a peeler. No matter what the shape, the salad will be delicious!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Cucumber Melon Spa Salad:
- 2 cups Cucumber 'noodles' (using the 1/8-inch 3mm noodle blade)
- 1 1/2-2 cups mixed Melon balls (cantelope, honeydew, crenshaw, etc); sizes of the melon balls can also be varied for visual interest
- Optional: Torn mint leaves to garnish
Ingredients for Spa Salad Dressing:
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed Lime Juice
- 2 tablespoon Grapeseed Oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh Mint , diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Agave Nectar
Instructions
- On serving plates assemble a bed of cucumber noodles, 1 cup per plate. Add melon balls equally to each plates.
- Combine ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl; whisk to fully combine. Lightly dress each salad. Torn mint leaves may be added if desired.
Recipe Notes
Yield: Makes 2 side salads and 1/3 cup dressing.
Nina says
So simple and refreshing!
eve says
Just looking at the dish is already refreshing, what more if I actually taste it? I love the presentation as well. Using a spiralizer makes a great difference. Love this post.
Rachel @LittleChefBigAppetite says
This salad and your plating are both beautiful!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
how delicious and so perfect for summer! looks divine.. cucumbers and melons go SO well together.
Melanie says
OMG, your salad looks so good. Something they would serve in a high end resort.
Kristy @ She Eats says
I toats feel you – it IS so hot I’m not interested in eating anything! Let alone cooking much! Unless you give me a giant hunk of bread and some cheese. And wine. And I’m pretty happy then.
I have a cucumber in the fridge right now that I didn’t know what to do with.. so you know… thanks 🙂
PS. Your bowls are unbelievably adorable.
Anna | One Prickly Pear says
This salad look absolutely wonderful! I need to get myself a spiralizer ASAP! Great recipe. Perfect for summer 🙂
Christine at Cook the Story says
This salad sounds so refreshing and healthy. Love!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Love this, Toni! Beautiful, refreshing and packed full of good for your nutrients! My spirializer was starting to get lonely. But no more! Thank you for the recipe!
Jodee Weiland says
Toni, this looks wonderful! What a great idea for a refreshing summer salad…thanks for sharing!
Ginny McMeans says
This is a beautiful recipes and I can see it being offered in the finest of Spas.
Carolyn says
I love my spiralizer and I love this recipe! 🙂
Christie - Food Done Light says
I have a spiralizer that I haven’t used. I have got to try it with this salad. Looks so refreshing and healthy.
Jaime the German granddaughter says
OMG. This looks amazing!! Can I come over for spa day!!?? I have also been wanting to buy a spiralizer. Where did you get yours? I am going to be doing a conscious cleanse in almost 2 weeks and I’m looking for a way to have some fake pasta. Beautiful pics.
Toni Dash says
Jaime I bought the one I linked to on Amazon (the live link; let me know if you can’t access it). I also have Amazon Prime so shipping was free. I am really excited to work with it. I am thinking winter squash noodles would be great for the cold temps.