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I am a bit behind schedule, but here is our dessert portion of this month's Cooking with Astrology "Cancer" picnic meal. This Tropical Cantaloupe Salad is like summer in a jar. I wanted a light and healthy dessert that is also a bit unconventional. You know me, I have to be different. I came across a recipe for a starter with cantaloupe, cucumber, and cucumber, but it looked more like a dessert to me.....
Well maybe not the cucumber, but it looked like a delicious fruit salad so I went for it. 😉 There was a bit of a glitch along the way, which I will explain later.
How to make Tropical Cantaloupe Salad:
Start by scooping out the cantaloupe with a melon baller or small cookie scoop.....
Peel and seed 1/4 of a large cucumber and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes.....
Pit, dice, and peel 1 mango.....
Place fruit in a large bowl and set aside. In a small bowl, mix together the oil, lemon juice, honey, and ginger.....
Pour over fruit and toss to combine.....
Cover and chill for 30 minutes to allow dressing to soak into the fruit. Sprinkle with coconut flakes and serve.....
Sooooo, do you see those little white "globs" on the fruit? That would be the chilled coconut oil. I was trying to keep this fruit salad really healthy, but I was not expecting that to happen. Well that is why I have included both types of oil in the recipe. If you don't mind the white globs, then go for the coconut oil. Otherwise, use sunflower or some other light oil.
So what do you think of our first picnic? I am really excited to see how the next 11 turn out!
Cancer meal recipes:
Turkey on Ciabatta with Sun-dried Tomato Aioli, arugula, and provolone
The entire picnic fit perfectly in my Market Basket, which made it really easy to transport.....
Don't forget the straws, napkins, and forks!
A BIG Happy Birthday to all of my Cancer friends! 🙂
Enjoy!!
Tropical Cantaloupe Salad
Ingredients
- ½ whole cantaloupe cut into balls or bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cucumber peeled, seeded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 mango peeled, pitted, and cut into cubes
Dressing
- 2 Tablespoons sunflower or coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup coconut flakes
Instructions
- Place cantaloupe, cucumber, and mangoes in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Mix together oil, honey, lemon juice, honey, and ginger and pour over fruit.
- Toss together to thoroughly combine, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Serve with coconut flakes garnish.
Seana Turner says
I think most people appreciate a light dessert when it is hot out. You still like that sweet taste, but don't get weighed down (figuratively and literally!) by the heavy stuff. I think it is beautiful:) And the sandwich, just saying', awesome!
tanya says
Well thank, I'm a Cancer and I'll take the happy birthday wishes! I love this salad Lisa. I like unusual!!
marcie says
This salad looks so refreshing, and I'd love a big bowl right now! This would totally satisfy me and keep me from "needing" dessert. I see this in my very near future. 🙂
Cindy Eikenberg says
Lisa, I love all summer fruit and this cantaloupe salad looks light and perfect for a hot summer day! Thanks for sharing and pinning!
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} says
Absolutely stunning, Lisa! I just want to dive in. It can't get any better than a fruit salad like this, and cucumber is technically a fruit anyway. 🙂 Besides, I do love how refreshing cucumbers are, they're so versatile too.
The coconut oil I have solidifies at room temperature so I'd imagine that it would set as it did with yours when you placed the salad in the fridge. Doesn't distract me, I think it definitely adds that little something, something.
Lisa Johnson says
Thank you so much Lisa. I am so glad you are scared off my the coconut oil. 😉 I can't believe I didn't realize it would do that. A little extra coconut flavor is never a bad thing!
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
As a Cancer, I would love some of this! 🙂 I bet it would be very refreshing in this Arizona heat!
Sheryl@Lady Behind The Curtain says
Wow Lisa, your salad looks so cool and refreshing. Perfect for bridal shower or baby shower.
Cathy@LemonTreeDwelling says
This looks delicious, Lisa! I love that it's something different....perfect for a summer picnic!
Deb @Cooking on the Front Burner says
Lisa, I love how refreshing this looks! I crave fruits salads this time of year!