Best Melon Salad With Bourbon Maple Vinaigrette Recipes

MAPLE BOURBON VINAIGRETTE RECIPE

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, bourbon whiskey, Dijon mustard, garlic or shallots (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Whisk or blend until combined: Whisk together the dressing ingredients until well combined, about 30-60 seconds. Alternatively you can add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth.
• To serve: Drizzle dressing over salads, on roasted autumn vegetables, or even over pizza.

GRILLED WATERMELON SALAD WITH SWEET AND SPICY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette: Combine the oil, honey, lime juice, zest, shallots, hot sauce, garlic and salt and pepper in a bowl to make a sweet and spicy vinaigrette. Set aside.
• For the salad: Line a baking sheet with wax paper and set aside. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the pecans and brown sugar, stirring to coat. Cook over medium heat until the sugar begins to caramelize, about 3 minutes. Spread out pecans on prepared baking sheet to cool.
• Heat an outdoor gas grill to high or prepare a charcoal grill for high, direct-heat grilling. Trim the ends off the watermelon. Stand the watermelon on one cut end and cut in half, then cut each half in half again. Cut the quarters into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Brush the vinaigrette on both sides of the watermelon slices. Add the watermelon slices to the grill in a single layer and cook until warmed through and grill marks appear, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Cool the watermelon, then cut into cubes. (You won't use all the watermelon for the salad. Use as much as you like.)
• Layer the arugula leaves, grilled watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, blue cheese, pecans, parsley and scallions in a salad bowl. Add vinaigrette and toss just before serving.

SAVORY MELON SALAD IN HONEYDEW VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the salad, place the melon on sheets of parchment paper and place in the freezer until very cold and slightly crunchy, 25 to 30 minutes. Place the mizuna, lettuce, fennel and prosciutto in a large bowl.
• For the vinaigrette, pass the honeydew chunks through a food mill, or puree them in a food processor and pass the puree through a mesh strainer to make 2 cups. Place the juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Reduce until 1/2 cup of liquid remains, about 25 minutes.
• Place the reduced liquid in a blender set on low. Drizzle in the oil and lime juice; then add the zest and salt. Adjust seasoning with pepper, more salt, lime juice and lime zest.
• Add cup of the vinaigrette to the bowl and toss well. Add the melon pieces and toss lightly. Adjust to taste with more dressing. Serve immediately in separate bowls, drizzling around the edge of each bowl with a teaspoon of hazelnut oil. Garnish with the nuts.