Today, I filmed my first recipe in a long while: a healthy and refreshing Nectarine and Watermelon Salad. After almost a year of being vagabonds—our house under renovation and traveling to care for loved ones—we are finally back home, at least for a little while.
The Journey Home
Our summer has been anything but free-spirited and fun. It’s been a challenging time marked by the closing of chapters and the loss of two dear friends. Amidst the grief and hard work, we’ve found pockets of joyful moments and laughter. Our lives are incredibly blessed with deep friendships and loving families, and during tough times, the specialness of close relationships that cut through the noise of the outside world means everything to us. This year has underscored how essential our home is to us. It’s not just a roof over our heads but a place to nest. I’m looking forward to unpacking, putting our little place back together, and waking up to a steaming cup of Ric’s hot lattes delivered to me in bed. I’m also looking forward to engaging in grounding and healing cooking.
A Return to Healing Cooking
This simple, delicious, and refreshing nectarine and watermelon salad requires no cooking. It features a mix of greens, nectarines, watermelon, dates, walnuts, goat cheese, and a Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing made with white balsamic vinegar, fruity olive oil, preserved lemon (or lemon zest), minced shallot, and a bit of mustard. Chopping, cutting, whisking, and photographing are soothing practices for me. Eating the flavorful end-of-season fruits mixed into a colorful and pretty salad is healing and tasty.
Nutritional benefits of this Nectarine and Watermelon Salad
- Nectarines: Rich in vitamins A and C, nectarines help boost the immune system and improve skin health.
- Watermelon: High in water content and antioxidants, watermelon aids hydration and supports overall health.
- Dates: Packed with fiber and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, dates promote digestive health and provide a natural energy boost.
- Walnuts: A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts support brain health and reduce inflammation.
- Goat Cheese: Lower in calories and fat than many other cheeses, goat cheese offers a good source of protein and calcium.
- Greens: Leafy greens are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are essential for maintaining a healthy diet.
Refreshing Nectarine and Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 1 5-ounce container salad greens
- 1/2 pound container pre-cut watermelon or about 1-1/2 cups freshly cut cubed watermelon
- 1 ripe nectarine pitted and sliced
- 4-5 dates pitted and roughly chopped or sliced
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped or torn fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 small sweet red onion thinly sliced
- 2 ounces goat cheese crumbled
Instructions
- Place the salad greens in a large bowl.
- Layer on the nectarines, watermelon, onions, dates, walnuts, and goat cheese.
- Drizzle dressing over and toss.
Lemon Vinaigrette for Nectarine and Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
- â…“ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1 tablespoon minced preserved lemon or the zest from one lemon
- â…› teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Whisk all of the ingredients together before serving.
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The Healing Power of Home Cooking
Reconnecting with home and the process of cooking can be deeply healing. This refreshing Nectarine and Watermelon Salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a beautiful and beneficial dish for your health. Enjoy the process and the delicious results—your taste buds and body will thank you.
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