This fragrant, colorful starter is the perfect way to begin a rich meal as both melons and strawberries are virtually fat-free. Here several varieties are combined with strongly flavoured wild or woodland strawberries. If wild strawberries are not available, use ordinary strawberries or raspberries instead.
ingredients
serves 4
1 cantaloupe or Charentais melon
1 Galia melon
2 pound watermelon
6 ounce wild strawberries
4 sprigs fresh mint, to garnish
method
1. Using a large sharp knife, cut all three melons in half.
2. Scoop out the seeds from both the cantaloupe or Charentais and Galia melons with a spoon.
3. With a melon scoop, take out as many balls as you can from all three melons. Combine in a large bowl and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Add the wild strawberries and mix together gently. Spoon out into four stemmed glass dishes.
5. Garnish each of the melon salads with a small sprig of mint and serve at once.
more information
Ripe melons should give slightly when pressed at the base, and should give off a sweet scent. Buy carefully if you plan to use the fruit on the day. If one or more varieties of melon aren't available, then substitute another, or buy two or three of the same variety - the salad might not be quite so colourful, but it will taste equally refreshing.
