Melon Salsa

Melon Salsa Recipe from Mexico | Ingredients: Jalapeño, Shallot, Green Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Cilantro, Lime, Salt, Cantaloupe

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Melon salsa is a refreshing and flavorful twist on traditional salsa, perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and healthy snack. This recipe combines the sweetness of melon with the heat of jalapeño and the freshness of cilantro for a unique and delicious flavor profile.

History

Melon salsa is a modern twist on traditional salsa recipes, incorporating the use of fresh melon for a sweet and juicy addition. While the exact origins of this recipe are unclear, it has become a popular dish in recent years for its unique flavor and versatility.

Ingredients

1 jalapeño, seeded, stemmed, and chopped
1 shallot, peeled and chopped
1 green onion, sliced
0.5 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
0.33 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
0.13 tsp salt
0.5 cantaloupe, peeled, seeded, and cut into chunks (you can use other types of melon if desired)

How to prepare

Place all ingredients in a blender, excluding cantaloupe. Blend until the ingredients are well combined.
Add chunks of cantaloupe, cover, and blend until the melon is coarsely chopped.
Drain any excess liquid and serve.

Variations

Add diced avocado or mango for extra creaminess and sweetness.
Substitute mint for cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Add a splash of tequila or rum for a boozy twist.

Notes

Melon Salsa from the Public Health Cookbook by the Seattle & King County Department of Public Health—original source of recipe, government resource in the public domain
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño to control the level of heat in the salsa.

- For a milder salsa, you can use a milder pepper such as a poblano or Anaheim pepper.

- Adjust the amount of lime juice and salt to taste, depending on the sweetness of the melon.

- For a smoother salsa, blend all ingredients until smooth. For a chunkier salsa, pulse the ingredients until desired consistency is reached.

Serving Suggestions

Serve melon salsa with tortilla chips, grilled chicken or fish, or as a topping for tacos or salads.

Cooking Techniques

Blending all ingredients together creates a smooth and well-combined salsa. For a chunkier texture, pulse the ingredients until desired consistency is reached.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use honeydew or watermelon in place of cantaloupe for a different flavor profile.

- Substitute red onion for shallot for a stronger onion flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Melon salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve melon salsa in a hollowed-out melon shell for a fun and festive presentation. - Garnish with additional cilantro leaves or lime wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair melon salsa with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a refreshing and light combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover melon salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.

- Melon salsa is best served chilled and does not need to be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 8g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 6g

Fats

- Total Fat: 0g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 1g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Vitamin A: 10% DV

- Calcium: 2% DV

- Iron: 2% DV

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.

Summary

This melon salsa is low in calories and fat, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal or snack.

Summary

Melon salsa is a delicious and refreshing twist on traditional salsa, perfect for summer gatherings or as a light and healthy snack. With its unique combination of sweet melon, spicy jalapeño, and fresh cilantro, this salsa is sure to be a hit at your next party or meal.

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Melon Salsa. The sweet and tangy flavors of this dish perfectly encapsulate the essence of summer, making it a favorite among my family and friends. The story of how I learned to make this unique salsa goes back many years, to a time when I was still a young girl with a passion for cooking.

I first came across the recipe for Melon Salsa during a summer vacation with my family in the countryside. We were staying at a quaint bed and breakfast run by a lovely elderly couple who were known for their delicious homemade meals. One evening, as we sat down for dinner, the hostess brought out a bowl of vibrant, colorful salsa that caught my eye immediately. I asked her what it was, and she told me it was Melon Salsa – a refreshing and unexpected twist on the traditional tomato-based salsa.

Intrigued by the unique combination of flavors, I asked the hostess if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She smiled and said that she had learned how to make Melon Salsa from a dear friend who had passed it down to her. She graciously agreed to teach me how to make it, and we spent the next afternoon in her sunny kitchen, chopping and mixing ingredients until we had a bowl of the most delicious salsa I had ever tasted.

The key to making a good Melon Salsa, as I learned that day, is to use the freshest and ripest melons you can find. The sweet and juicy melon pairs perfectly with the spicy jalapenos, tangy lime juice, and fragrant cilantro, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your taste buds. I took careful notes as the hostess walked me through each step of the recipe, making sure to capture every detail so that I could recreate it at home.

When I returned from our vacation, I couldn't wait to try making Melon Salsa for my own family. I gathered all the ingredients I needed – ripe cantaloupe and honeydew melons, fresh jalapenos, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of salt – and set to work in my own kitchen. As I diced the melons and chopped the jalapenos, the memories of that sunny afternoon in the countryside came flooding back to me, filling me with joy and excitement.

The aroma of the fresh ingredients mingling together on my cutting board was intoxicating, and I knew that I was on the right track. I carefully mixed everything together in a bowl, adjusting the seasoning until it was just right. When I took my first bite of the finished Melon Salsa, I was transported back to that cozy kitchen in the countryside, surrounded by love and laughter.

Since that fateful day, Melon Salsa has become a staple in my recipe repertoire, a dish that I turn to time and time again when I want to impress my family and friends with a taste of summer. I have shared the recipe with countless people over the years, passing it down from generation to generation just like the hostess did for me all those years ago.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover the magic of Melon Salsa, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful experiences and memories that cooking has brought into my life. It is amazing to think that a simple bowl of salsa could hold so much meaning and joy, connecting me to a world of flavors and traditions that span generations.

I can only hope that one day, my own grandchildren will stumble upon a recipe that sparks their passion for cooking, just as Melon Salsa did for me. And when they do, I will be there to teach them how to make it, passing down the knowledge and love that has been shared with me over the years. For in the end, it is not just the food that we cook, but the stories and memories that we create along the way that truly nourish our souls.