Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad is refreshing and vibrant, combining juicy honeydew melon balls with antioxidant-rich blackberries and peppery watercress for a balanced flavor. The shallots add a mild sharpness while the lemon-honey dressing brings a perfect sweet-tart finish. It’s quick to prepare and works wonderfully as a light lunch or a beautiful side dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 honeydew melon, scooped into balls
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 cup watercress
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the honeydew melon balls, blackberries, watercress, and sliced shallots.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and sea salt until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Substitute red spring onions or green onions for shallots.
- Replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
- Add toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
- Mix in fresh mint or basil for a herbal twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Best served chilled and fresh; no reheating needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use other melons?
Yes, cantaloupe or watermelon can be delicious alternatives.
2. Is this salad vegan?
Swap honey with agave syrup to make it fully vegan.
3. Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but add dressing just before serving to keep ingredients fresh.
4. Can I use frozen berries?
Fresh berries are preferred, but thawed frozen berries can work.
5. Is watercress necessary?
You can substitute with arugula, spinach, or mixed greens.
6. How do I prevent the melon from browning?
Melon does not brown quickly, but keep it refrigerated and covered.
7. Can I add cheese?
Yes, crumbled feta or goat cheese pairs nicely with these flavors.
8. Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
9. What other dressings can I try?
A simple balsamic vinaigrette or citrus vinaigrette would also be great.
10. How can I add protein?
Add grilled chicken or toasted chickpeas for a more filling meal.
Conclusion
This Honeydew Blackberry Salad is a light, fresh, and colorful dish that combines sweet, tart, and peppery flavors in every bite. Quick to prepare and full of vibrant nutrition, it’s a perfect addition to your spring and summer menus, ideal for any occasion or casual meal.
Honeydew Blackberry Salad
This honeydew melon and blackberry salad is a delightfully flavorful and unique salad. Perfect for spring or summer, you’ll love the refreshing combination of sweet melon, tart berries, and peppery greens dressed with a bright, tangy vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
1 honeydew melon, scooped into balls
1 cup blackberries
1 cup watercress
1 shallot, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the honeydew melon balls, blackberries, watercress, and sliced shallots.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and sea salt until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Notes
Substitute red spring onions or green onions for shallots.
Replace honey with agave syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
Add toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
Mix in fresh mint or basil for a herbal twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg