The Scented Kitchen: Fresh Melon Turkey Salad Recipe for Summer
As the seasons change, it's time to start mapping out our garden space. This year, we're starting fresh in a new location since relocating to the countryside. In the city, we used raised beds, but now we're planning to till a section of the ground and mulch it. My husband is the true gardener in the family—he grows it, and I preserve it, either by canning or freezing.
I've been eyeing a freeze dryer, but it's a significant investment and requires ample space. A small dehydrator might be a better starting point. A friend of mine has a custom-built dehydrator that stays on their porch, which has me thinking—maybe I should explore that option. Sounds like a YouTube research session is in my future!
Planning a Summer Garden with Fragrant Inspiration
The inspiration for today's garden daydreaming? The delightful scent of Melon Blossom from my Belle Aroma® No-Mess Fragrance Tarts® and Plugables® Fragrance Vase Wax Warmer. This fragrance is a refreshing blend of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew, mixed with other fruity notes, bringing a touch of summer into my home.
David has been researching vertical trellis gardening for crops like melons. We're also studying what plants will thrive in our Zone 6b garden. One melon I’m excited to grow is the Missouri Gold. With its sweet, deep-orange flesh and manageable 3-5 lb size, it’s also drought-resistant—a major plus given our dry start to spring.
Nutritional Benefits of Melons
Melons are a nutritional powerhouse!
Cantaloupes are packed with Vitamins A & C, great for skin and immune health.
Honeydew is rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.
Watermelon is over 90% water, making it a refreshing way to stay hydrated.
Melon Turkey Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Dish
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked, chopped turkey breast
½ medium honeydew, seeded, peeled, and diced
½ medium cantaloupe, seeded, peeled, and diced
1 green onion, thinly sliced (including green top)
½ cup walnuts or pecans
¼ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon celery seed (optional)
Fresh mint leaves, chopped fine, plus extra for garnish
Instructions:
Serve this refreshing salad on a bed of Bibb lettuce with homemade bread, grilled on the griddle for added texture and flavor.
This salad can also be made with chicken, but we’ve always preferred turkey for its unique flavor combination. Enjoy!
FAQ: Answering Your Questions
Q: Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this salad?
A: Yes! Chicken works just as well, but we love the flavor of turkey in this dish.
Q: What’s the best way to pick a ripe melon?
A: Look for a sweet aroma and a slightly soft blossom end when pressed.
Q: How can I store leftover salad?
A: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Lori Herr for Belle Aroma® Brand