Cucumber Melon and California Avocado Salad

By Ashley Jean May 31, 2023 25 mins read 75 Views

Enjoy this refreshing Cucumber Melon Salad without cooking for lunch or dinner. This salad is crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory all at once. This recipe was sponsored by the California Avocado Commission. All opinions expressed are mine.

Cucumber Melon & California Avocado Salad

This beautiful green salad is exactly what I want during the summer months, especially when California Avocados come into season. This salad is the perfect combination of cucumbers, California Avocados, honeydews, vegan feta, and fresh mint, all tossed in extra virgin olive and salt and pepper. This recipe is easy to prepare and requires no cooking. It can be prepared in advance and taken on picnics, for beach days or entertaining. It takes 10 minutes from start to finish to put this together.

Salad Ingredients

You can use any melon you like, but I suggest using cucumbers and California Avocados. I chose honeydew because it was green and I also used a melon-baller to make the salad look nice and even. What you'll need:

Ripe, Fresh California Avocado. You want an avocado that is ripe, but not overly soft. This will allow you to easily melonball it.
Persian Cucumber. Persian Cucumber.
Honeydew Melon. You can also use watermelon or cantaloupe.
Olive Oil. Use high-quality olive oil to dress the salad.
Vegan Feta. This ingredient can be used in any store-bought vegan feta. It is optional, however, if you do not have one. However, it adds a rich, savory flavour to the salad.
Fresh Mint. A little something extra.
Add salt to taste. Be sure to thoroughly toss your salad while you adjust the taste.
Freshly cracked black pepper A generous amount. Fresh is always best!

Why Choose California Avocados?

California Avocados, from San Diego to Monterey, are grown with a dedication to freshness and quality by approximately 3,000 growers. These avocados are produced in the Golden State due to its terroir, coastal climate and soil.

California Avocados grown locally are picked at the peak of their ripeness, resulting in a fruit with a consistent taste and texture. California Avocados will be in season between spring and summer. This is the best time to prepare dishes such as this one!

Look for California Avocados on the label to ensure that you are getting California Avocados.

How to make Cucumber Melon salad

Prepare Salad Ingredients

We'll slice our honeydew melons in half and scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Then, we will use a melonballer to make balls from the flesh. The avocados will be prepared in the same way, by slicing them in half, then pitting, and finally scooping out with a melonballer. Slice the cucumber into circles that are approximately 1/2" thick or according to your preference. Mix everything together in a large bowl.

Toss the Dressing

After the ingredients have been prepared, drizzle generously with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss the salad ingredients to coat and adjust according to taste. Top with vegan feta crumbles and fresh mint.

Tips and FAQ

Substitution Suggestions

If you can't find vegan feta in the store, I suggest making my Vegan Ricotta. Drop little blobs onto your salad. You can substitute honeydew with any other melon you like. I recommend watermelon, or even cantaloupe. Use tarragon or parsley in place of mint.

Serving Suggestions

It is best to serve this dish chilled. Either chill the ingredients before preparing it, or let the salad sit in the refrigerator for a while before eating. This salad is delicious and goes well with any main dish. It can be enjoyed family-style or as an accompaniment to a main course.

Cucumber Melon Avocado Salad

Main Course Side Dish, Salad

Prep time ten minute

Servings

Equipment

melon baller

Ingredients

2-3 California Avocado ripe, fresh, seeded
1 8" honeydew melon
2 persian cucumbers
3-4 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
1/2 tsp kosher salt more to taste
fresh black peppper to taste
3-4 tbsp vegan feta cheese
fresh Mint Leaves To taste

Instructions

Prepare your salad ingredients. Then, add the balls of avocado flesh to the mixing bowl.
Use the melonballer to remove balls from the honeydew melons after removing the seeds. Transfer to the same bowl.
Add the cucumber to the bowl by slicing it into pieces of 1/2" thickness.
Dress the salad evenly with olive oil, pepper, and salt. To taste, adjust.
Place the mixture in a bowl and top with vegan feta crumbles. Add fresh mint.

The recipe for Cucumber Melon California Avocado Salad first appeared on Veggiekins Blog.

By: Remy Park
Title: Cucumber Melon and California Avocado Salad
Sourced From: veggiekinsblog.com/2023/05/31/cucumber-melon-and-california-avocado-salad/
Published Date: Wed, 31 May 2023 19:18:12 +0000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I eat eggs while following a plant-based lifestyle?

Yes, eggs are not permitted on a plant based diet. This diet eliminates all animal products including eggs, meat, fish, poultry and fish. However, several vegan substitutes for traditionally egg-centric dishes offer similar flavor and texture without relying on animal products. Tofu scrambles, omelets, and chickpea flour are excellent breakfast dishes that look and feel like eggs. However, they also contain plant-based proteins. You can use aquafaba (the liquid found inside a can chickpeas) to substitute eggs for vegan egg whites when making meringues. Flaxseed meal/chia seeds, or water substituted for one egg can help preserve non-vegan recipe without compromising the taste.

What happens when I stop eating meat?

Your body will go through many changes if you quit eating meat. Your diet could be more fiber-rich and less saturated than if you switched from animal to plant protein. This can increase heart health and improve digestive health. In addition, this will result in a greater energy level and a better digestion. The ability to reduce stress hormones caused by excessive animal protein consumption may make your moods more stable. A popular way to combat the environmental damage caused to factory farming is to change to a plant-based dietary.

Is there a limit to how much meat you can eat on a plantbased diet?

No amount of meat is permissible on a plant-based diet. This lifestyle prohibits the consumption of any animal products, such as meat, poultry, fish and other animals. Many vegan substitutes are available that offer the same taste and texture, but without any animal products. Tofu, seitan and tempeh (fermented beans), are all examples of soy-based meats that can mimic the traditional taste of meat. Vegetarian burgers made out of black beans or quinoa come close to the taste of beef burgers. Coconut bacon strips or eggplant bacon bits, tofu mayo and veggie hot dog made with seasoned-textured soy proteins are other tasty vegan alternatives. These are excellent options for those who want to switch to a plant-based diet. They're flavorful, protein-packed, and don't contain any animal products.

Are there any athletes or celebrities who advocate a plant-based lifestyle?

There are many celebrities and athletes who advocate a plant-based diet. These include NBA player Kyrie Irving, Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, actress Natalie Portman, singer Meghan Trainor and NFL running back Kenneth Farrow. Each have chosen to live a vegetarian/vegan life for their reasons, and they have all achieved amazing results in their sports or creative endeavors. Actress Alicia Silverstone even wrote a book titled Kind Diet, about her experiences with veganism. Professional tennis player Novak Djokovic has credited his career successes to his unconventional habit of eating primarily organic vegan foods during competitions; his stats have drastically improved since he adopted this regimen. All four professional athletes report significant benefits, such as increased energy and faster recovery from injuries. Plant-based diets are a powerful tool to improve athleticism, as demonstrated by the success stories.

What can I eat instead of meat for protein?

Protein is an essential component to a healthy diet. It's available in animal- or plant-based sources. Common plant-based protein sources include legumes, nuts and seeds, grains, oats, quinoa, tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, seitan (wheat gluten), and hemp seeds. The high amount of antioxidants in many fruits or vegetables can have anti-inflammatory effects. Some dairy alternatives, such as almond and oatmilk, can be fortified with protein, which makes them a great plant-based substitute to cow's. Alternatives like nutritional yeast and pumpkin seeds can be used to add a creamy flavor to dishes, while providing more micronutrients as compared with their animal-based counterparts. For extra nutrition, there are many vegan protein powders available that can be added to smoothies and shakes.

Can I eat meat on a plant-based diet?

Although plant-based diets prohibit meat, fish and poultry, they allow certain food items to be prepared that do not contain animal products. Some people who follow a plant-based diet can still eat dairy and eggs, but only in moderation. Many options are available to people who wish to change to a plant based diet. These include vegan, vegetarian and vegan options. Plant-based diets are primarily based on fresh fruits and veggies, legumes like beans and lentils as well as nuts and seeds such as oatmeal, quinoa, and soy products. They also include fortified foods such as non-dairy almond milk or coconut milk.

There are many grocery stores that sell vegan products. Soy-based meats such as tofu, seitan (wheat gluten), tempeh (fermented soybeans), and mock duck made from mushrooms can all mimic the flavor and texture of traditional meat dishes. A growing number of vegetarian burgers are made with black beans or quinoa. They have a similar taste to beef burgers.

Many plant-based options are available for those who don't want to eat meat, but still want something other than a meal replacement. Some vegan substitutes include coconut bacon strips or eggplant bacon bits; tofu mayo; veggie hot dogs made with seasoned textured soy protein; and faux chicken strips from wheat gluten--all delicious. While some fermented fungi can taste similar to meat when properly cooked, others, such as mushrooms, have a much lower environmental impact than livestock production and may even have the same sensory properties. These alternatives can be used to replace meats that you might have once eaten, making it easier to transition to a plant-based diet.

Can a plant-based diet cause harm?

Although many people have seen health benefits from a plant-based diet in the past, it is important to understand that any diet can be dangerous if it is not properly managed or with the help of a professional. When switching to a plant-based diet, it is important to ensure that proper vitamin and mineral intake is taken, including B12, iron and zinc. Unbalanced diets without adequate replacements can lead to deficiencies and other health problems. In addition, living a vegan/plant based lifestyle may mean that you are unable to consume the valuable protein found in eggs and dairy. This could affect your muscle maintenance. To avoid any potential health problems or nutritional pitfalls, people who follow plant-based diets need to adjust their diets in accordance with their needs.

Statistics

Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
A study found that livestock provides just 18 percent of calories consumed globally but takes up 83 percent of farmland. (forksoverknives.com)

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How To

How to move to a plant diet without feeling overwhelmed

Transitioning to a plantbased diet can seem daunting at first. However, proper education and preparation will make it easier. Start slowly and make small changes to your diet. For example, replace animal protein with plant-based protein. Whole foods are healthier and filling than processed alternatives.

It is important to be dedicated when it comes to meal planning and preparation. You should plan your meals in advance so you know what ingredients to purchase and how much time each dish will take. The best kitchen appliances, such as multi-cookers or slow cookers, can make it easier to use. Batch cooking means you can have multiple meals ready in a single go.

Keep trying new flavors and try them out. Trying different cuisines can bring a lot of variety into your vegan diet: think Chinese tofu dishes and Indian curries. Instead of shopping impulse at the grocery store, create a grocery plan that is based on recipes. With the right ingredients and preparation tips, making the switch will become easier over time!