Friday, September 5, 2008

Melon Blueberry Dressed-Up Salad

Melon and Blueberry Salad with Maple Dressing #1

When I was a child, my parents entertained a lot. Our home often buzzed with foreign or local visitors. My mother would cook beautiful multi-course meals to spoil our guests. She was a wonderful cook. I say: "she was" because she no longer cooks. She jokes that she forgot how to. Funny Maman!

Although I miss her homemade pasta, gnocchi and profiteroles, I have to say that I get a thrill from having her crave my food for a change. My style is very different than hers. I may serve elegant dishes but it's always in a casual atmosphere. I don't use fine china or crystal glasses. Instead, I let the food speak for itself on simple white plates. One presentation she use to make that I still love is using small melons or avocado halves as salad bowls. It was always magical to me: a sure sign that the rest of the meal would be delectable. She would put so much effort, care and generosity in her offerings and for that I am forever thankful.

Melon and Blueberry Salad with Maple Dressing w/ spoon

Just like my mother's use of fruits as bowls, creating a creamy sauce to coat melons and berries elevates the humble fruit to elegant status. It may not be reinventing the wheel but it's delightful never-the-less.

This one goes to Holler host this month of No Crouton Required.

Melon and Blueberry Salad with Maple Dressing #2

Blueberry Melon Salad with Yogurt Maple Dressing (serves 6)
I love to make fruit salads as part of the meal but feel free to use this delicious summer salad as a dessert as well.

Ingredients:
2 cups of Blueberries
3 cups of melon balls, or large dices ( Cantaloupe or Charentais melon)

Melon and Blueberry Salad with Maple Dressing #2

Yogurt Dressing:
1/2 cup lowfat plain yogurt (goat, soy, or regular okay)
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon roasted almond oil
1 tablespoon finely chopped mint
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Place the fruit in a strainer and let the juices drain out. In a medium/large bowl mix all the ingredients for the dressing in a bowl and mix well. Transfer the drained fruit into the bowl with the dressing and mix gently. Refrigerate until ready to serve or serve immediately.

Melon and Blueberry Salad with Maple Dressing #1

Other fruity recipes:
Velvety Apricot Soup with Blueberries
Quick and Simple Jam

15 comments:

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Love the story about your mom :0)

Gorgeous fruit salad!

Bonbon Oiseau said...

this looks wonderful and simple! you seemed to have learned much from your maman! i have the perfect maple syrup for this recipe---will try it tonight i think!

Alexa said...

veggiegirl,
:-)

Bonbon,
I hope you like it. Enjoy!

Susan from Food Blogga said...

This is just me kind of dessert, Alexa: simple, fresh, and sprinkled with nostalgia.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful images. The blueberries really sing.

I'm a sucker for maple syrup.

You're making me seasonally envious!

Mary Ann said...

It is funny how much of the same brain length we are on. Today I made a canteloupe- fresh peach salad with honey lime dressing. This looks even better. I love fresh melon and berries!

Deeba PAB said...

Very pretty & full of nostalgia Alexa. I LOVE this salad. I remember my Dad carving out melon baskets for dinners & fruit baskets for birthday parties too. his is perfect in every way...& the flavours are exotic as can be. truly delighful post & pictures!

Manger La Ville said...

This looks delightful. I love melon balls, don't you just love balling them with the melon baller. I get such a thrill out of it. The yogurt dressing sounds creamy and yummy..

Stephanie said...

Oh my, your last three posts look so absolutely delicious. I love the french toast casserole, it sounds like a lovely breakfast. I feel like I have to try that next week (as a matter of fact, it feels like I have to try it now). And all those blueberries!

rachel said...

I love your anecdotes and totally agree about the white plates. My mother was completely puzzled when this was my choice of tableware upon getting married. She is a woman of fine (somewhat baroque) tastes- with a vast collection of gorgeous antique place settings- we sometimes wonder if I was switched at birth.
Recipe looks wonderful and juicy.

Anonymous said...

Definitely like the food speaking for itself approach and your's sure does. Lovely photos Alexa.

--Marc

Anonymous said...

As much as our way to cook may look a "reinvention" it's impossible to not be influenced by our own "mom's style"...

I'm sure your salad was wonderful and it shows your care and passion about food and people.

Touching...

Alexa said...

susan,
Simple is one way to squeeze some more sunshine out of what is left of Summer.

Lucy,
I see it as sharing the season with you :-)

Mary Ann,
Honey lime dressing on fruit sounds lovely too.

Deeba,
Your dad's baskets must add a very special touch to the meal. I have never tried to carve baskets. I would love to try my hand at it though.

Manger la Ville,
I know what you mean. I always feel a little sorry when I am done.

Steffi,
It makes a great breakfast. I hope you do get to try it. :-)

Rachel,
Maybe it is partially generational... It sounds like I would feel right at home at your table.


Thanks for your comment Marc!!! I always appreciate it.

Leonor,
I cherish those influences... Thank you for your nice comment.

maybelles mom said...

wonderful post. you know this would work for the no croutons required theme this month. You might consider entering.

CECIL said...

Such a beautiful fruit dessert! Must be very refreshing!

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