Melon Salad

(picture and recipe borrowed from www.shewearsmanyhats.com)

I was searching the internet for a fun recipe to bring to Brian and Lisa’s cookout when I came across the picture above.  I just thought it looked so tasty that we had to try it! The picture didn’t disappoint it was such a nice refreshing salad!

Melon Salad Recipe
(makes about 8 servings)
adapted from Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water

1 cup sugar

3 1/2 cups (approximately) watermelon balls

3 1/2 cups (approximately) cantaloupe balls

1/2 cup mint leaves, packed

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon amaretto (optional)

Directions:

– Begin by making the simple syrup. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a low simmer and stir, making sure that all sugar is dissolved. It should only take a couple of minutes of simmering. The liquid will thicken slightly and should remain clear. Remove from heat and let cool. (Remember: You are only using a portion of this syrup. Refrigerate the remainder for a few days if you’d like, for use in another recipe. It’s great for sweetening tea or water.)

– Next, using a melon baller, scoop about 3 1/2 cups of watermelon and 3 1/2 cups cantaloupe into a large mixing bowl and set aside. If you don’t have a melon baller you can always cut up the melon into about 1-1 1/2″ squares.

– Once the simple syrup has cooled, blend 1/4 cup of the simple syrup, mint, lemon juice and amaretto in a blender until mint is finely chopped.

– Pour the mixture over the melon pieces and combine well.

– Serve right away, or cover and refrigerate until needed.