Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cantaloupe, seeds removed and cubed
- 1 large cucumber (English preferred), thinly sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 – 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper, or to taste
- Good pinch of salt
Garnish
- Fresh basil or mint (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cantaloupe: Slice the cantaloupe in half either horizontally or vertically. Scoop out the seeds using a large spoon and discard. Slice each half into 5 or 6 slices. Carefully cut the orange flesh away from the rind using a sharp knife by cutting from one end of the slice to the other. Then cut the flesh into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Cucumber: Slice off both ends of the cucumber. Optionally peel the outer skin using a vegetable peeler for a milder taste or leave the skin on for extra fiber and nutrition. Slice cucumber into thin 1/8 to 1/4 inch slices.
- Prepare Bell Pepper: Wash the bell pepper and remove the core. Slice the pepper thinly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, then cut slices in half for bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Onion: Slice the red onion in half lengthwise. Remove the outer layer and tops and bottoms. Slice thinly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. If the slices are too long, cut them in half.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cantaloupe, cucumber, bell pepper, and onion. Add apple cider vinegar, olive oil if using, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill and marinate for about 1 hour, mixing occasionally to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with fresh basil or mint if desired.
- Store Leftovers: Place any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 5 to 6 days.
- Yield: This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Notes
- The olive oil in the dressing is optional and can be omitted for a lighter salad.
- Leaving the cucumber skin on increases fiber and nutrients.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar according to your taste preference for acidity.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or mint to enhance the flavor and visual appeal.
- Make sure to use a sharp knife when cutting cantaloupe to avoid tearing the flesh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian