Summer

Cantaloupe & Cucumber Salad with Basil & Feta

August 13, 2014
3.3
3 Ratings
Photo by Linda Pugliese
  • Prep time 5 minutes
  • Makes about 4 cups
Author Notes

A note on the chiffonade: a good technique to use on anything that exists in leaf form. To make wavy ribbons out of your herbs/kale/collards/etc, stack the leaves on top of each other, then roll the whole stack tightly to form a green cigarette. Thinly slice across the roll, forming a pile of pretty little plant wisps. —Kendra Vaculin

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Ingredients
  • 1/2 of a medium cantaloupe, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
  • 1 cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch chunks (any variety will do, but I prefer a hothouse — seedless, with a thinner skin — for this salad)
  • 6 large basil leaves, chiffonaded (see note)
  • 3 ounces feta, crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons shelled raw sunflower seeds
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Flaky sea salt
  • Ground pepper
Directions
  1. To toast the sunflower seeds, place in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast 2 to 3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until lightly browned and fragrant.
  2. In a bowl, combine the cantaloupe, cucumber, feta, and half the basil. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Serve the salad topped with the toasted sunflower seeds, flaky salt, and more pepper.

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10 Reviews

kitchenkd July 7, 2017
The basil kind of got lost in the dressed salad. I will put it on top next time. Nice summer salad. I also added a few red grapes (cut in half).
Renee Z. July 29, 2016
It is fast, colorful and incredibly delicious! Just made it on the spur of the moment.
Cherie October 1, 2014
This is a really great summer salad, couldn't believe how great it tasted!
stilllifewithwhisk September 11, 2014
Wow! This is such a wonderful salad. Where has it been all my life?
Shannon September 2, 2014
I'm allergic to cucumber. What can I substitute?
Kendra V. September 3, 2014
i would say double the melon! maybe honeydew + cantaloupe?
Heidi R. July 8, 2017
Also, try jicama -- I should think it would be very good in this!!
mkbryant3 August 29, 2014
"...to form a green cigarette situation." Awesome. I loved that phrase.
rengahan August 19, 2014
Just at first taste, this is wonderful! The taste is so fresh! I wonder how it will develop and will find out tomorrow at lunch.
glammie August 18, 2014
>>Note: I chiffonade everything that exists in leaf form because I think it's pretty. << Me too!!