Strawberry, Melon & Avocado Salad

JanuaryBride's Note:

Yet another scrumptious salad from Eating Well Magazine. This composed salad makes a cool kickoff for dinner or a nutrition-packed lunch on its own. Easy too!!! NOTE: I just made this salad using melon, berries and avocado only and topped it with the dressing made with Blueberry Pomegranate Infused Red Wine Vinegar and it was awesome!!!

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar (may sub red-wine vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1 small avocado , peeled, pitted and cut into 16 slices (4-5 ounces)
• 16 thin slices cantaloupe , rind removed (about 1/2 small cantaloupe)
• 1 ½ cups hulled strawberries , sliced
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds , toasted (see Tip)

Directions:

1. Whisk honey, vinegar, mint, pepper and salt in a small bowl. (You can make this dressing up 1 day ahead if necessary).
2. Divide spinach among 4 salad plates. Arrange alternating slices of avocado and cantaloupe in a fan on top of the spinach. Top each salad with strawberries, drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
3. Tip: To toast sesame seeds, heat a small dry skillet over low heat. Add sesame seeds and stir constantly until golden and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.

Reviews

[The Wallaces]

This is a delicious summer treat! I found the dressing to be a little too sweet for my taste, otherwise loved it. I also tried this with some Wensleydale cheese with blueberries and it was a good addition. Thanks for posting!