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Melon and Cucumber Salad

The Washington Post, September 3, 2008
  • Course: Salad, Side Dish
  • Features: Fast

Summary:

This salad combines spicy and sweet to make a cooling and flavorful side dish. One warning: Do not add the dressing until the last minute or the melon and cucumber will become limp.

Sriracha is a hot garlic chili sauce that packs a punch; use it sparingly until you’re familiar with its heat.

6 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons garlic chili sauce, such as Sriracha (see headnote)
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • Salt
  • 1/4 cup mild olive or vegetable oil
  • 2 6- to 8-ounce cucumbers, peeled, cut in half lengthwise, seeded and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices
  • 8 ounces cantaloupe, cut into 1-inch-long matchsticks, each about 1/4-inch thick (from 1 large cantaloupe)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, lightly toasted (see NOTE)

Directions:

Whisk together the garlic chili sauce, vinegar and salt to taste in a small bowl. Slowly whisk in the oil to form a well-blended dressing.

Combine the sliced cucumbers, melon and cilantro in a large serving bowl, mixing gently to distribute the cilantro evenly. Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad, then sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top.

NOTE: To toast sesame seeds:

Spread the seeds evenly on a baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven for 15 minutes.

Recipe Source:

From In Season columnist Stephanie Witt Sedgwick.

Tested by Stephanie Witt Sedgwick for The Washington Post.
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(James M. Thresher for The Washington Post)
Nutrition Facts
Information per serving
Calories: 143
% Daily Values*
Total Fat: 9g 14
Saturated Fat: 1g 5
Cholesterol: n/a 0
Sodium: 77mg3
Total Carbohydrates: 13g 4
Dietary Fiber: 2g 8
Sugar: n/a
Protein: 1g
*Percent Daily Value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Total Fat: Less than65g
Saturated Fat: Less than20g
Cholesterol: Less than300mg
Sodium:Less than2,400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 300g
Dietary Fiber: 25g

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