Seared Scallop Watermelon Salad W Sparkling Mint Vinaigrette Recipes

Steps:

• To pickle the watermelon rind, combine the champagne vinegar, water, sugar and 1 tablespoon salt in a large bowl. Carefully remove the rind from the watermelon. Using a mandoline or sharp vegetable peeler, shave the rind into ribbons about 1/8-inch thick. Add the watermelon rind ribbons to the bowl and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Drain and reserve the pickling liquid.
• Dice the watermelon flesh into 1/2-inch chunks and add to a large bowl. Add the Castelfranco, dandelion greens, red onions, pickled watermelon rinds and watermelon radish to the watermelon chunks and toss to combine. Add 2 tablespoons of the pickling liquid and a nice drizzle of oil into the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt.
• Heat a large nonstick pan with some oil over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Pat the scallops nice and dry and sprinkle with salt. Sear on each side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. The scallops will be done when they are no longer translucent, but it's important not to overcook them. Remove them from the pan and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
• To serve, slice the scallops in half lengthwise and nestle alongside the three-watermelon salad.

Steps:

• In a blender, combine mint, lemon juice, simple syrup, and amaretto. Blend until smooth.
• In a large bowl, combine the watermelon and the cantaloupe. Add the vinaigrette and toss. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
• In a saucepan, combine water and sugar over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved. Take pan off heat and cool the syrup. Any extra cooled syrup can be saved in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Steps:

• Using a 2- 3 inch cookie cutter, cut the watermelon into 8 rounds. Slice the radishes thin and set aside.
• Pat the scallops dry and remove the "foot." Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.
• Heat a large skillet to high. Drizzle a scant amount of oil in the skillet and carefully rub it around with a paper towel. When the skillet is smoking; place the scallops top down. Sear for 1 1/2 minutes until you can see carmelization around the edges.
• Using tongs or a metal spatula, flip the scallops. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and cook 1-2 more minutes.
• Puree the mint, vinegar, grape seed oil, agave, salt and pepper in the blender. To assemble: Place a handful of arugula on a plate. Add one watermelon round on the arugula, followed by a scallop. Arrange the radishes around and drizzle with mint vinaigrette.
• Makes 8 first-course servings, or 2-4 dinner servings.

Steps:

• Whisk 1 tablespoon oil, vinegar and both mustards in medium bowl to blend. Whisk in mayonnaise, then cream. Mix in 2 tablespoons chives. Season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cook potatoes in large saucepan of boiling salted water until just tender, about 12 minutes. Drain potatoes; pat dry with paper towels. Cool completely. Cut each potato crosswise into 4 slices.
• Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add potatoes and sauté until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Using slotted spoon, transfer potatoes to plate. Add scallops to same skillet and sauté until just cooked through, about 1 minute per side.
• Toss mixed greens in large bowl with enough vinaigrette to coat. Season salad to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon salad onto center of plates. Arrange scallops and potatoes atop salad. Drizzle remaining vinaigrette around scallops and potatoes. Sprinkle with additional chopped chives and serve.

Steps:

• Whisk first 10 ingredients together well and set aside so the flavors can develop for 15 minutes. Dry off scallops and sear off in a little olive oil, a minute on one side, 30 seconds on the other side -- you don't want to overcook them! Toss lettuce with croutons and parmesan cheese. Top with scallops.