Well, this was the hottest summer in the UK we have ever recorded, probably the same applies for the rest of the world, sadly. As a result, we have been living on a lot of light salads, because it was just too hot to eat anything else. You might have noticed on the blog, that I don’t have a problem with that: I love new salad creations! I love an exciting combination of fresh ingredients and I especially like combining fresh vegetables and fruit. Some might find it a bit weird, but trust, me, they are delicious.
Should Fruits & Vegetables Be Mixed Together?
Well, my question is in response: why not? There’s no downside to it. Your digestive system can absolutely handle breaking down fruits and vegetables at the same time. There is no scientific evidence that goes against it. In fact, humans have been always doing it. The best thing about mixing fruit and veg that you get even more vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber in each meal. So do it!
Best Fruit and Vegetable Combinations for Meal Prep
If you are meal prepping, like I do this sometimes (but to be honest there is room for improvement) there are a couple of great combos you can save up for later when you are chopping up fruit and veg.
- Spinach and Strawberries: Always a good pair. Pair hearty greens with firm whole or sliced berries; store dressing separately to prevent wilting.
- Spinach and Melon: Like above, they make a good pair and can be used as snack, top cereals or add kefir to them for a quick and healthy snack,
- Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Pineapple: Combine pre-chopped cruciferous veggies for roasting alongside sweet pineapple chunks used in tropical bowls or savory stir-fries.
- Cucumber and Melon: Perfect for a snack on their own!
- Avocado and Orange: Slice avocado just before serving, but pair it with segmented citrus for a bright, make-ahead salad topping.
How to Make Galia Melon Salad with Feta and Pistachio
As you will see below, it is a very simple recipe: just chop and toss.
You will need:
- Galia melon, but you can substitute it for Honeydew melon or any other similarly sweet melon type
- Crunchy base salad: green crunchy salad, like Romaine or Little Gem
- Couple of handfuls of fresh spinach leaves: they will not add too much sourness, they will just nicely hide and add some extra nutrients
- Feta cheese, if you are a vegan you can add vegan cheese or just skip it
- Toasted pistachio kernels – can be substituted with almonds, pecans or walnuts (but I really like the pistachio in this recipe)
- Red onion, that can be substituted with salad onions
- For the dressing I used Hilltop Tracklements Chilli Honey, I received some from the brand to test it a while ago (featured them in my Green and Ethical Monthly picks a few months ago) and now I’m finding ways to use it – I do like it!
- I also add some extra virgin olive oil to the chilli honey
- As extra, you can also add pomegranate seeds and some other toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin
Galia melon salad with feta and pistachio recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 Galia melon cubed
- 1/2 head Romaine or Green Leaf Salad chopped
- 3 handfuls fresh spinach leaves
- 150 g feta cheese crumbled
- 50 g pistachio kernels toasted
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp chilli honey or just honey and a bit of chilli oil combination
- 1/2 medium red onion sliced (salad onion will also work)
Instructions
- 1. Chop up the salad, slice the red onion and cube up the melon after de-seeding and peeling it. Put them in a big mixing bowl.2. Toast the pistachio kernels.3. Add everything (minus the chilli honey and the feta cheese) to the big bowl and mix.4. Mix well.5. Crumble the feta cheese on the top.5. Drizzle chilli honey on the top before serving.
If you liked this Galia melon salad with feta and pistachio recipe, check out my other salads:
Grilled Pear and Fresh Goats Cheese Salad
Freekeh Salad with Rainbow Beets and Feta Yogurt Dressing
Yummiest Superfood Salad Recipe
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad with Roasted Romano Peppers & Feta