Spicy Melon Mint Salad

Spicy Melon Mint Salad
Serves 4 to 6

So… this isn’t really a recipe so much as a showcase of seasonal ingredients. Which, in a nutshell, IS summer cooking. Feel free to play with any “soft” herbs here (such as basil, mint, tarragon), and vegetables. Quick pickling is totally optional, I just think it adds a little something, something.

1/2 honeydew melon (if it’s big), rind and seeds removed and sliced
1 cantaloupe melon, rind and seeds removed and sliced
2-3 small cucumbers or 1/2 a larger, sliced thinly
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar (or you can use the hot honey below)
1 teaspoon salt
1 jalapeno, seeded and thinly sliced
Handful of mint, chopped
Salt
Hot honey, garnish
Extra virgin olive oil, garnish

Scatter melon on a large platter. Combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and cukes. Let this hang out for a bit, this can be done before the melon carving ceremony.

Top melon with quick pickles, salt, honey, and olive oil.