Melon Salad

When summer comes, the supermarkets change. It's a hat tip to 2026 and the global supply chains, that we have an ever-present choice of fresh produce from January through December, but the seasonality does mean there are times when the taste, quality and multitude of options elevate to an even higher level.

Spring, summer and autumn all bring a new offering of fruit and veg (possibly why in winter, with their absence, the raclette section seems to grow exponentially). So when the weather gets warmer, it's always a joy to see the melons on display. And what better time to embrace a fresh and light taste than when the sun is shining and the long days give us an excuse for a slightly lighter, yet still filling dinner — perhaps on a terrace, or even at a picnic in the park, or by the lake.

This multitude of differing flavours keeps the taste exciting with each bite, as sweet and savoury, chewy and crunchy, salty and citrus combine in chunks of goodness. It's an open book in terms of what you wish to do, but for me it goes a little something like this.

Ingredients

• Melon
• Cured Ham
• Cucumber
• Mozzarella
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Basil

Preparation

• Thinly slice the cucumber, then place in a zipper bag with a mix of soy sauce, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Give it a good shake to ensure the cucumber is all covered, then put in the fridge to marinate while the other parts are prepped.
• Slice the top and bottom off the melon, then skin the sides, before cutting the fruit into wedges, then largish cubes.
• Dice a large mozzarella block into big chunks and mix in with the melon.
• Chop the cherry tomatoes in half and squeeze the seeds from each, leaving only the skins to add to the salad.
• Add in some large salad leaves (I like a red leaf lettuce). Remove the stalks from the basil and loosely chop the leaves before adding to the mix.
• Remove the cucumber from the fridge and zipper bag, drain dry, then add to the salad.
• Drizzle olive oil, season, then mix again.
• Serve with cured ham on the side, or cut the slices of ham into strips and mix into the salad.