September 15, 2008
Spicy Balsamic Melon Salad With Greens
This salad has a perfect balance of flavors. Spicy greenslike arugula or mizuna will work best with this recipe. Braising mix will also work well. If you like a really spicy salad, add more chopped green chiles before serving.
Grilled okra or nopales adds an extra dimension to this dish, if they are available.
1 small or ½ of one large melon, peeled, seeded and diced
into 1 inch chunks
2 cups spicy greens, chopped fine
½ cup balsamic vinegar
½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 or 2 roasted green chiles, skin removed, chopped
2 teaspoons oil
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Pinch of salt
Heat oil over medium high heat, in a medium skillet. Add onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until mostly browned. Add cumin, chiles and balsamic vinegar. Reduce heat to low and simmer until vinegar is reduced by half. Add a pinch of salt and remove from heat. Strain onion and chile out of sauce and discard. Toss melon and greens together in a large bowl and drizzle with sauce.
Stir well to coat. Serve at room temperature.