Refreshing Watermelon Miso Salad

HomeClinics & ProgramsELLICSR KitchenRefreshing Watermelon Miso Salad

Skill Level	Easy

Preparation Time	10 minutes	Total Time	25 minutes
Servings	6	Cost Per Serving	$1.02

4 cups	Watermelon, large dice
2 cups	Cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped
1 tbsp	Miso paste
1 tbsp	Lime Zest
1 tbsp	Lemon Zest
2 tbsp + 2 tbsp	Fresh Mint Leaves, whole
1 tbsp	Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp	Sea Salt

Bash 2 tbsp of mint, lime and lemon zest, and ½ tsp of sea salt in a small bowl with a spoon, or use a mortar and pestle. Mix in the miso paste until well combined. Toss with the watermelon.
Store in a bowl or freezer bag to marinate. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes.
Plate with remaining mint and cucumber, drizzle with olive oil and serve.

PDF link to nutrition facts table for watermelon miso salad

Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing way to stay hydrated, as it is about 91% water by weight. It is especially important to have enough fluids during hot weather, as it is easy to become dehydrated in the heat.
Watermelon can be a good fruit choice for people who have mouth sores, as it is soft and less acidic than other fruits. Cold melon can be particularly soothing on a sore mouth and throat.
Mint contains menthol, which gives mint candies their flavour. It produces a cooling and numbing sensation on the tongue, even if the food is not actually cold. This can help soothe a sore mouth and can also give relief to people experiencing taste changes. Mint also contains monoterpene, a plant nutrient that, in animal studies, has been shown to prevent and slow the growth of several types of cancer.
Peppermint oil has been shown to help soothe indigestion. It may also prevent bowel spasms in people with digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).