MELON, CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD

Melon, Cucumber and Tomato Salad image

Melon and cucumber are a marvelous combination, never more so than when ripe tomatoes provide a bridge between the two. Parsley, mint and the refreshing bite of Champagne vinegar take the flavors even higher, making this salad both a perfect lunch or a fine start to a summer dinner.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 2h40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 European cucumber, peeled if desired and cut in medium dice
Salt to taste
1 pound ripe tomatoes, peeled and seeded if desired, cut in thin wedges or diced
1 small ripe honeydew melon or cantaloupe, peeled and cut into 1-inch dice or shaped into melon balls
2 to 3 tablespoons Champagne vinegar or sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon mild honey, like clover, or agave nectar
4 tablespoons grapeseed oil, rice bran oil or canola oil
1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Fresh watercress for garnish (optional)

Steps:

Put the cucumbers in a colander set in the sink or a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let drain for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients.
Toss the cucumbers, tomatoes and melon together in a bowl. Whisk together the vinegar, salt to taste, lime juice, honey and oil and toss with the fruit and vegetable mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
Just before serving, toss with the herbs. Line plates with watercress if desired. Taste the salad, adjust the seasonings and serve over the watercress.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 138, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 14 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 555 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams