Melon Mania

This has got to be the best summertime treat ever! I decided to take advantage of the beautiful summer melons at my local produce stand and come up with the perfect complement to these hot days. This salad is down right full of flavor and color. I recommend eating it with the pecans because having that crunch with the spinach and melon is just wonderful! This dressing is so good you’ll want to put it on every salad from here on out! To make it even easier, buy a seedless watermelon.  I have lots of easy salads in my Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook, perfect for summer days.

Spinach and Melon Salad with Honey Citrus Vinaigrette

Looking for a great summer salad that’s refreshing, colorful, and jam-packed with flavor? Give your taste buds a thrill with this fruity spinach salad accented with Maple Pecans, if desired.  From my Gulf Coast Favorites cookbook-my sister says this is my easiest cookbook and she doesn’t like to cook!

Makes 6 Servings

1 (6-ounce) package fresh baby spinach
1 cup cubed seeded watermelon
1 cup cubed cantaloupe
1 small cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
½ cup thin red onion slices, halved
Honey Citrus Vinaigrette (recipe below)
Maple Pecans (optional, recipe below)

1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Toss with Honey Citrus Dressing and Maple Pecans.

Honey Citrus Vinaigrette

2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash hot sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients.

Maple Pecans

Simple to make and adds an enticing crunch and sweetness to any salad or snack.

¼ cup pecan halves
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl, combine pecans and syrup. Spread on prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (not including pecans)
Calories 77
Calories from Fat 3g
Saturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 29mg
Carbohydrate 14g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 11g
Protein 2g
Diabetic Exchanges 1 carbohydrate/ ½ fat

Nutritional Information Per Serving of Pecans
Calories 40
Calories from Fat 3g
Saturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 0mg
Carbohydrate 3g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 2g
Protein 0g
Diabetic Exchanges ½ fat