Turn Summer Melons into a Quick and Easy Salad

When southwest Missouri’s fruits and veggies ripen to their super-tasty peak, I am always on the hunt for ways to prepare them that will preserve all their bright summer flavors without cooking them to death or drowning them out with additional, overpowering ingredients. Salads and other raw applications are always a good option, and August’s ripening melons are the perfect main ingredient for a sweet-and-spicy side. You can find local cantaloupe, watermelon and mint at Farmers Market of the Ozarks. A little Tajin (a not-very-spicy seasoning blend of chilis and lime) will add some zip to the tender melon and crunchy cucumber for a salad that tastes like summer in a bowl.

Spicy Summer Melon Salad

Ingredients
1 cup cantaloupe, sliced
1 cup watermelon, sliced
1 cup cucumbers, sliced
¼ cup fresh mint, minced
1 lime to squeeze
Tajin seasoning to taste

To Prepare
Mix fruit and cucumber in a large bowl. Toss with mint, a sprinkle of lime and Tajin to taste. Serve alongside grilled burgers.