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Muskmelon Salad with Cucumbers, Shallots, and Garden Herbs

Name: Muskmelon Salad with Cucumbers, Shallots, and Garden Herbs
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 - 10 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 shallots or 1 small red onion, sliced into thin rounds; 3 tbsp. red wine vinegar; Kosher salt; 3 small melons, peeled, seeded, and cut into wedges or cubes; 1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch half-moons on a bias; 1 c. fresh flat-leaf parsley; 1/2 c. fresh mint; 1/4 c. fresh tarragon; Olive oil, for drizzling; Chili flakes, for garnish; 3 oz. aged sheep’s milk cheese such as Manchego or Pecorino, thinly sliced

This side dish is summer in a bowl!

By Amon and Jenna MullerPublished: Jul 28, 2026

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A vibrant salad with melons, cucumbers, onions, herbs, and cheese, garnished with red pepper flakes.

Becky Luigart-Stayner for Country Living

Yields:

8 - 10 serving(s)

Prep Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

20 mins

While cantaloupe and honeydew are the most common types of muskmelon, this salad, from the new Full Belly Farm & Kitchen cookbook, is the perfect place to try other varieties you may find, such as Galia melon and Sharlynn melon. Savory pickled onions and salty cheese pair beautifully with the sweet melon, making for a fresh, delicious mix.

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Ingredients

2 shallots or 1 small red onion, sliced into thin rounds
3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
Kosher salt
3 small melons, peeled, seeded, and cut into wedges or cubes
1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/4-inch half-moons on a bias
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup fresh mint
1/4 cup fresh tarragon
Olive oil, for drizzling
Chili flakes, for garnish
3 oz. aged sheep’s milk cheese such as Manchego or Pecorino, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Step 1Combine shallots, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Toss and let sit for at least 10 minutes and up to 2 hours.
2. Step 2Place melon and cucumber on a platter. Scatter parsley, mint, and tarragon over the top. Remove pickled shallots from liquid and scatter over the top. Drizzle salad generously with oil and pickling liquid. Season with salt. Garnish with chili flakes and top with cheese.

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