Spicy Melon Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Puree 1/2 cup cilantro, 1/2 small seeded serrano chile, the juice of 2 limes, 1/4 cup olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss with 4 cups cubed assorted melons, one 15-ounce can hearts of palm (drained, rinsed and sliced 1/2 inch thick) and 2 sliced scallions; season with salt and pepper.

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette: Combine the oil, honey, lime juice, zest, shallots, hot sauce, garlic and salt and pepper in a bowl to make a sweet and spicy vinaigrette. Set aside.
• For the salad: Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the pecans and brown sugar, stirring to coat. Cook over medium heat until the sugar begins to caramelize, about 3 minutes. Spread out pecans on prepared baking sheet to cool.
• Heat an outdoor gas grill to high or prepare a charcoal grill for high, direct-heat grilling. Trim the ends off the watermelon. Stand the watermelon on one cut end and cut in half, then cut each half in half again. Cut the quarters into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Brush the vinaigrette on both sides of the watermelon slices. Add the watermelon slices to the grill in a single layer and cook until warmed through and grill marks appear, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Cool the watermelon, then cut into cubes. (You won't use all the watermelon for the salad. Use as much as you like.)
• Layer the arugula leaves, grilled watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, blue cheese, pecans, parsley and scallions in a salad bowl. Add vinaigrette and toss just before serving.

Steps:

• Add the agave, lime juice, cayenne pepper and salt to a large bowl and whisk to combine. Add the cantaloupe and honeydew to the bowl along with the mint leaves and toss to coat with the dressing. Serve as is, or for a more intense flavor, refrigerate for a few hours and up to overnight and toss again before serving.

Steps:

• Whisk 1 tablespoon each brown sugar and vegetable oil, 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon Sriracha and the zest and juice of 1 lime. Drizzle over 1/2 each sliced cantaloupe and honeydew melon. Top with 2 tablespoons each chopped peanuts, cilantro and mint.

Steps:

• Shingle the cantaloupe half-moons and watermelon wedges on a platter. Crush the chiles and sprinkle them over the melons. Season with the salt. Scatter with the arugula. Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice over the top.

Steps:

• Mix cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.
• Place watermelon into serving bowls; sprinkle with spice mixture. Squeeze lime juice over spiced watermelon.

Steps:

• For the spicy chipotle-lime vinaigrette: Whisk together the honey, olive oil, vinegar, lime zest and juice and chipotle chile powder in a small bowl. Season with salt to taste.
• For the watermelon salad: Combine the watermelon, red onion, mango and cucumber in a medium bowl.
• Pour the vinaigrette over the mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until ready to serve. Just before serving, add the mint and toss to combine.

Steps:

• Place 2 cups watermelon in a blender; cover and puree until smooth. Press through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl; discard pulp. Pour 1 cup juice into a small saucepan (save any remaining juice for another use). Add chili sauce, fish sauce, lime juice and ginger to saucepan. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is slightly thickened, 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat. Refrigerate until cooled., Meanwhile, prepare noodles according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain well. Place noodles in a large bowl. Add carrots, red onion, cilantro, mint and remaining 2-1/2 cups watermelon. Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat. Serve with peanuts and lime wedges.

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk the oil,lemon juice,spices and salt/pepper, allow to set in refrigerator at least 1 hour.
• Arrange watermelon chunks on individual serving plates, sprinkle with onion,parsley,mint,olives and feta, drizzle dressing on top.
• Top with almonds if desired.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, stir together oil, vinegar, lime zest and juice, honey and jalapeño. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the red onion and toss to coat. Let marinate, 10 minutes.
• While the onions marinate, chop the watermelon and the pineapple into 1-inch cubes, discarding any seeds. Add watermelon and pineapple to the vinaigrette and toss to coat; season to taste. Refrigerate until serving.
• When ready to serve, add feta and herbs to salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with Tajin, if using, and serve immediately.