There’s something about summer that just begs for fresh, vibrant dishes, and this Turkey Melon Salad is exactly that. Picture this: juicy chunks of melon mingling with tender turkey, all dressed in a zesty vinaigrette that might just make you forget about the heat. I still remember the first time my friend introduced me to this salad at a backyard barbecue—pure bliss on a plate.
Steps
- Begin by cutting cooked turkey breast into cubes, using about two cups for the salad.
- Prepare the honeydew and cantaloupe by seeding, peeling, and dicing each into ¼-inch cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed turkey, honeydew, and cantaloupe.
- In a separate smaller bowl, blend together the French dressing, mayonnaise, finely chopped green onion, and celery seed until smooth.
- Drizzle the dressing mixture over the turkey and melon combination, and gently fold the ingredients until they are well coated.
- Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed cooked turkey breast, cooled
- ½ medium honeydew melon, seeded, peeled, and cut into ¼-inch cubes
- ½ medium cantaloupe melon, seeded, peeled, and cut into ¼-inch cubes
- ¼ cup (60 g) creamy French dressing
- ¼ cup (58 g) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon chopped green onion
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
FAQ
- Can I use chicken instead of turkey in Patty’s Turkey Melon Salad?
- Yes, you can substitute turkey with rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken for a similar taste and texture.
- What can I use if I don’t have French dressing?
- If you don’t have creamy French dressing, you can use Catalina French dressing as an alternative.
- How can I make this salad vegetarian?
- Simply omit the turkey to create a meatless version of the salad. You can also add more fruits or candied pecans for additional flavor.
- What are some tips for choosing ripe melons for the salad?
- For cantaloupe, look for a heavy fruit with a golden-yellowish color and a sunken stem. For honeydew, choose one that feels heavy, has a few yellow freckles, and emits a strong fruit aroma from the blossom end.
- Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise in this salad?
- You can substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to maintain the creaminess while reducing calories.
Tips
- When selecting melons, opt for those that feel heavy for their size and have a strong fruity aroma at the blossom end to ensure ripeness.
- To add a twist to the salad, consider substituting the turkey with rotisserie chicken or omitting it for a vegetarian option.
- Enhance the salad’s texture and flavor by incorporating fruits like watermelon, apples, or grapes, and consider adding candied pecans for a sweet crunch.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier creamy consistency.
Equipment
- Melon baller or fruit scooper (for easily scooping out melon)
- High-quality chef’s knife (for cutting through melons and turkey)
- Large mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)
- Small mixing bowl (for mixing the dressing)
