Refreshing Melon & Apple Balsamic Fruit Salad
Melon and Apple Fruit Salad with Tangy Balsamic Dressing
This is a refreshing diet salad featuring the crispness of Korean melon (chamoe), the sweetness of apples, and fresh salad greens, all brought together with a light and flavorful balsamic dressing. It’s a perfect light meal or appetizer that celebrates the natural taste of its ingredients, offering both health and deliciousness.
Salad Ingredients
- 3-4 handfuls of fresh salad greens (e.g., romaine, lettuce, mixed baby greens)
- 1 crisp and sweet apple
- 2 tender Korean melons (chamoe)
- A sprinkle of toasted almonds for a nutty crunch
Balsamic Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (use one with good flavor)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon agave syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 pinches of salt
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (use one with good flavor)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon agave syrup or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1/2 to 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 pinches of salt
- A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your salad greens. Soak them in cold water for about 3-4 minutes to enhance their crispness. Then, rinse them thoroughly under running water multiple times. It’s crucial to remove excess water so the dressing clings well; drain them in a colander or gently pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Thoroughly wash the apple and Korean melons. It’s recommended to soak them briefly in water with a little vinegar or baking soda, then rinse them well under running water. This helps to remove any residue from the fruit’s skin.
Step 3
Cut the apple in half. Carefully remove the core and seeds from the center.
Step 4
Slice the apple thinly into wedges. Aim for a consistent, thin slice so they blend well with other ingredients.
Step 5
Peel the Korean melon. Cut it in half lengthwise, then use a teaspoon to gently scrape out and remove the seeds and the pulpy center.
Step 6
Slice the prepared Korean melon into bite-sized pieces, similar in thickness to the apple slices. The melon’s crunch will add freshness to the salad.
Step 7
Combine the drained salad greens, sliced apple, and Korean melon in a large bowl. Gently toss them together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can bruise the greens and fruits.
Step 8
Now, let’s make the delicious balsamic dressing! In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Add 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of agave syrup or honey for sweetness, and 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Finally, add 2 pinches of salt and a pinch of pepper. Whisk vigorously with a fork or small whisk until the dressing is well emulsified and creamy.
Step 9
Arrange the salad attractively on serving plates. The vibrant colors of the fresh greens and fruits will look appealing.
Step 10
Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing evenly over the salad. You can adjust the amount of dressing to your liking.
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle a few toasted almonds over the top for added texture and nutty flavor. Your crisp and refreshing Melon & Apple Balsamic Fruit Salad is now ready to enjoy!
