Summer Melon Salad with Harissa, Feta and Mint
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Author Notes: This recipe is my riff on the classic pairing of juicy summer melon with feta. I've added cherry tomatoes and Persian cucumbers as complementary flavors and textures. But what really elevates the salad is the harissa-honey dressing and the mint -- the dressing packs a punch and coats the entire salad with a sweet heat, with the mint providing a fresh, cooling effect.
Aside from requiring no cooking, the beauty of this salad is that it can be made ahead and served at room temperature; it'd also be great for a picnic. I've suggested measurements below for serving six people -- but really no measuring is required. Just use equal parts of melon, tomato, and cucumber, and crumble as much or little feta on top as you'd like. For the harissa-honey dressing, taste your harissa first because the amount of heat varies tremendously by brand. - EmilyC
Serves 6
- 1 cup cantaloupe (watermelon could be substituted), cut into small cubes
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Persian cucumbers, cut into thin coins (about 1/8" thick) or English cucumber, cut into half lengthwise and then half moons 1/8" thick
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, leaves roughly chopped or torn
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 T harissa (or to taste)
- 1 tsp honey
- freshly squeezed lemon juice
- fleur de sel (or other sea salt) + freshly ground black pepper
- Mix the cantaloupe, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mint, and feta in a bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk the extra virgin olive oil with the harissa and honey.
- Drizzle the harissa-honey dressing over the salad, a little at a time, tasting as you go. Season to taste with fleur de sel, a little freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice. Toss to combine. The flavors will pop when you get the right amount of seasoning!
- Salad can be assembled in advance and chilled, though I like to add the tomatoes at room temperature. The flavors get even better after they've had a chance to mingle.
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Recipe with Mint
- This recipe was entered in the contest for Your Best Dish in the Raw
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almost 2 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
If you ever develop the recipe would love to see it. A little harissa adds so much flavor.
almost 2 years ago sdebrango
Suzanne is a trusted source on General Cooking.
A wonderful salad and harissa in the dressing has to be a taste explosion. Do you make your own harissa? I haven't had it since I was abroad, its delicious and I imagine the honey tames the heat a bit.
almost 2 years ago EmilyC
Thanks, sdebrango! I've never made my own harissa -- yet another thing to add to my kitchen bucket list. I was surprised how well it worked with all of the other ingredients.