Watermelon, Strawberry, and Cucumber Salad
With all of the tempting delights that a social gathering can bring, I find a fruit salad not only a welcome addition, but essential. This is a fun way to transform an ordinary fruit salad into something a bit more enticing, while still retaining an intact conscience.
Ingredients:
1 Miniature seedless watermelon
2 Pints strawberries, sliced
1 Cucumber, diced
Cilantro, bunch
Mint, bunch
Avocado, optional
Coconut flakes, optional
Dressing:
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon ginger, freshly minced or squeezed
1 tablespoon Agave.
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
*Double the dressing, if you prefer a more profound flavor
Mix together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and adjust to taste. I lean on slightly tart over sweet, but you might feel differently. Adjust to your preference and set aside. And again, if you prefer a heavier dressing, simply double the ingredients.
Cut your mini watermelon in half on a large cutting board. Using a melon baller, create small watermelon balls to fill a large bowl. An entire mini watermelon will fill my bowl about halfway, which is the amount that I want. Add in the sliced strawberries, diced cucumber and lime dressing. Stir to combine. Cover with wrap and chill in the refrigerator until ready to transport to your venue or party. A word of caution: the watermelon will liquify as it sits out. I like to make this as close to party time as possible, especially if it is going to be sitting outside later.
Shortly before serving, gently stir in the cilantro and the mint. Why now? Again, it's a personal preference. I like for the leaves to preserve their shape and their structure for as long as they can, before they begin to wilt as the salad sits out. Plus, the herbs then add a light enhancement to the dish, instead of competing with the other flavors. If it is easier to add in everything all at once, by all means do so, it will still yield a delicious result. Prior to debut, sprinkle with some toasted coconut and avocado slices as garnish, if you desire.
Enjoy!