Melon salad with bourbon-maple vinaigrette
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of this melon salad featuring a tantalizing bourbon-maple vinaigrette. A harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes awaits.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1 slice thick-cut double-smoked bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 1 cup Kentucky bourbon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- Kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil
- 1 cantaloupe, peeled, seeded and thinly sliced
- Sea salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh micro cilantro or chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Prepare the pecans: Heat up the oven to 180 °C. Place the pecans on a baking sheet and bake until they are toasted, which should take around 10 to 12 minutes; then, put them aside.
- In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns brown and crispy, typically about 6 minutes. Then, add the vinegar and maple syrup to the skillet and let it come to a simmer; continue cooking until the mixture thickens, usually around 2 to 3 minutes. Take it off the heat and mix in the pecans and Old Bay seasoning. Spread this mixture on the baking sheet and allow it to cool. Afterward, you can chop it roughly.
- Prepare the salad: In a medium saucepan, gently simmer the bourbon over medium-low heat until it reduces to approximately 1/3 cup, which should take 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in the maple syrup and vinegar; bring it to a gentle simmer and continue cooking until it reduces by half, generally for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove it from the heat, mix in the shallot, and let it cool. Add the thyme and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually pour in the grapeseed oil, whisking until it is well combined.
- Place the melon on a serving platter and season it with sea salt. Pour the bourbon-maple vinaigrette over the melon, then sprinkle with the pecans. Finish by topping it with the cilantro.
Summary:
- Calories: 1950 kcal
- Fat: 90 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbs: 144 g
- Potassium: 2329 mg
- Magnesium: 177 mg