Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
melon salad in colorful bowl

Tunisian Melon salad

Jani H. Leuschel
This melon salad refreshes and satisfies with its sweet minty flavor. Raw garlic and North African spices give it a different, yet delicious taste. It's great as a dessert or side dish.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert, Salad, Starters
Cuisine North African
Servings 5 servings
Calories 146 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 garlic cloves, large
  • 1 lime Use zest and juice
  • 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons honey add more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon ras el hanout
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • pinch of kosher salt
  • 5 cups cubed honeydew or other sweet, tender-fleshed melon
  • ¼ cup fresh mint finely chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons pistachios dry roasted
  • Torn fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Finely mince the garlic and set aside for at least 10 minutes.
  • When the garlic has finished resting, combine lime zest and juice with olive oil, honey, spices and salt inside a small jar with a tight lid. Add garlic and secure the lid on the jar.
  • Put the cubed melon in a medium bowl. Top with chopped mint.
  • Shake the dressing vigorously. Pour a generous amount over the melon and mint and toss to combine. (If your lime is very juicy, you may not need all the dressing.)
  • Sprinkle with pistachios and fresh mint leaves.
  • Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

Ras el hanout is thought of as an Arab spice and hails from North Africa. The blend of spices it contains are not the same in every bottle. Sometimes it has hot chile spices, but not always.Check your label to see if it lists cayenne or red chile as one of the ingredients. If so, you may want to taste it to see how much heat it packs. We prefer our food with a bit of tingle on the tongue, but you may want to leave out the red pepper flakes if your ras el hanout already contains some hot spices. 🌶
 
Garam masala makes a good substitute for ras el hanout if you don't have it in your pantry. Another option is to make a DIY blend with 1 teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon each of ginger and coriander and ¼ teaspoon each of cinnamon and cayenne (or smoked paprika).

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 146kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 34mgPotassium: 463mgFiber: 2gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 1458IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
Keyword anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, garlic, immunity, melon
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!