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Melon and Avocado Crudo

4.8

(7)

Overhead shot of melon salad with herbs and sliced onion on a pink plate against a bright yelloworange background.
Photograph by Shawn Michael Jones, Food Styling by Spencer Richards, Prop Styling by JoJo Li

This simple fruit “crudo” is an exercise in letting high-quality produce shine. The ripe honeydew melon and creamy avocado get complexity from a splash of bright vinegar, fresh ginger, and (surprise) a couple of anchovy fillets that subtly up the umami factor. Pair it with the rest of DeVonn’s dream Pride brunch menu: Breakfast Smash Burgers, Coconut and Turmeric Fried Rice, and Guava and Goat Cheese Phyllo Pie.

What you’ll need

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4–6 servings

Ingredients

5

Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1

garlic clove, finely grated

1

1" piece ginger, scrubbed, finely grated

2

oil-packed anchovy fillets

½

tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

¼

cup finely chopped cilantro, plus leaves for serving

1

Tbsp. sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar

1

lime

Kosher salt

½

small honeydew melon, rind and seeds removed, cut into 3x1" pieces

2

large avocados, cut into 2" pieces (about 6 pieces each)

½

small white onion, thinly sliced, plus more for serving

Handful fresh mint leaves (for serving; optional)

Freshly ground black pepper

Flaky sea salt

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a small skillet over medium-low. Add 1 garlic clove, finely grated, one 1" piece ginger, scrubbed, finely grated, 2 oil-packed anchovy fillets, and ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until anchovies are dissolved but garlic hasn’t taken on any color, about 30 seconds. Scrape mixture into a small bowl. Let cool slightly, then add ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro, 1 Tbsp. sherry vinegar or white wine vinegar, and remaining 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil. Cut 1 lime in half; squeeze in juice from 1 half and whisk to combine. Season dressing with kosher salt.

    Step 2

    Toss ½ small honeydew melon, rind and seeds removed, sliced into 3x1" pieces, and half of dressing in a large bowl to coat. Add 2 avocados, cut into 2" pieces, ½ small white onion, thinly sliced, and remaining dressing; toss gently to coat.

    Step 3

    Transfer salad to a platter or shallow bowl and squeeze juice from remaining lime half over. Top with cilantro leaves, mint, and more onion; season with freshly ground black pepper and flaky sea salt.