Simple Cantaloupe Salad with pickled red onions and balsamic glaze. Fresh and light — you will love this salad!
You guys. This week has finally arrived. It’s a big week!!! And I’m not talking about back to school.
My half marathon is this Saturday!
I’ve been running and training for this race for like the past three to four months. And during that time, I ran a 10k and a 10 mile race. If I can run 10, I certainly can run 13.1 miles, right?
I’ve been a runner for a good part of my adult life and this will be my second half marathon (the first one was more than 10 years ago!). This time around the training has been great. I have the right shoes: my Saucony Mirage 5. I freaking love these running shoes. I will now wear nothing else. I have the right clothes (and God knows I’ve been spending so much money on running gear it’s not even funny), I have the right fuel and nutrition: the chews and the gels etc and I’ve been following my training program as closely as possible.
So, now this last week. It all comes down to sleep and eating right. I already have a hard time as it is getting enough sleep but one area I know I can do is eating right and eating healthy.
My plan this week is to load up on the fruits, vegetables, lean meats and a little carbs. I will probably eat a salad for lunch everyday so today I wanted to share my most recent addiction.
This simple cantaloupe salad with pickled red onions and balsamic glaze.
Eat this cantaloupe salad as is, or throw on some rotisserie chicken and you are in heaven. This salad, of course, was inspired by this gorgeous cantaloupe I picked up at the market.
How do you choose a good cantaloupe? I first make sure it looks okay. I won’t choose a cantaloupe if it has bruises, soft spots, moldy patches or cracks. Then, I just go by weight. If they feel heavy, I usually just go for it. There’s also the smell test: Push your fingers on the round section where the vine was attached. It should be slightly soft and should smell fresh and fragrant with a hint of sweetness.
So, once you’ve picked one, you’ve got to cut it, right?
Well, consider this your lucky day because I’m giving away probably the best PRO 3-Piece Starter Knife Set ever.
Have you guys heard of ZWILLING J. A. Henckels knives? These knives are made in Germany and have a unique curved bolster and innovative blade shape. The knives are made to be the most user-friendly knives available to market. The unique blade shape and ergonomic bolster are the result of 280 years of experience in knife making, and the rigorous study of how knives are used.
If you’re interested in learning more, you need to watch this video. It’s the coolest video ever and explains how these knives are made and what the thinking was behind the design and everything.
I now have the entire set and have been treating these knives like my children. With lots of love, attention and with care. These knives cut so well, it’s crazy! The Chef’s knife, which I use everyday, cut through this cantaloupe like butter and it slices tomatoes, onions and all sorts of vegetables with ease. I’m so happy to be able to give away this fabulous starter set, as featured above. The starter set includes: a 3″ Paring Knife, a 5″ Serrated Utility Knife and, or course, the 8″ Chef’s Knife. Be sure to enter below!
Good luck!!
I love effortless salads like this simple cantaloupe salad. My Simple Caprese Salad is another uncomplicated but delicious and classic summer salad!
Simple Cantaloupe Salad
Ingredients
For the pickled red onions:
- 1/2 of one large red onion; peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Special Equipment: Mason jar with lid
For the salad:
- mixed greens
- sliced cantaloupe
- balsamic glaze or balsamic dressing
Instructions
For the pickled red onions:
- Blanch the sliced red onions in a saucepan of boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and place directly into mason jar/s.
- Heat the vinegar, water, salt and sugar in a small saucepan over high heat, whisking until all of the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a light boil and then pour over the onions. Let sit until the onions have softened more and the liquid has cooled, for about 25-30 minutes. Refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
For the salad:
- Place mixed greens onto a plate and top with sliced cantaloupe. Top with some of the pickled red onions and drizzle on some balsamic glaze, or your favorite balsamic dressing. Enjoy!
The Giveaway!
Open to residents within the United States only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: This is not a paid, sponsored post. The knives were sent to me for recipe development and testing purposes. The giveaway is sponsored by ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS.
LOVE J.A. HENCKELS! I am in desperate need of updating my current knives.
I have never heard of Henckels knives before. They are beautiful! I’m still using the knives I received as a wedding present 42 years ago and they won’t hold a sharp edge any more. I guess I’m ready to trade them in……
Yes, I have heard of them; I would like to win because I don’t have many knives, too expensive for me to buy so I get mine from thrift stores, and they are okay, always need sharpening 🙂
never heard of this company. would give to my daughter for she loves to cook
That’s so exciting that your half-marathon is on Saturday, Alice! What a great accomplishment! And this salad looks like the perfect dish to help you stay on track. I’ve never thought to add cantaloupe to salad before, so I’m loving this! Looks delicious!
That is SO exciting! You’re gonna run great. I used to be a hardcore runner, and nothing feels better than finishing one of those races. So worth all the months of training! When you’re done, treat yourself to some Athleta or Lululemon. Expensive, but a nice reward for all your hard work!
This looks like the best of summer. Just a really sweet, perfect cantaloupe on some greens. Fantastic!
Thank you so much, Mir! I love Athleta!!! Nice but yeah $$$ clothing. . but I did treat myself to a couple leggings from there already! 😛
This salad looks wonderful especially now that it’s so hot. Good luck with your 1/2 marathon! Great giveaway!
Oops didn’t see what I was supposed to comment about before I did. Yes, I have heard of Henckels knives but I don’t have any (yet!).
I love cantaloupe, we got some from the farmer’s market and its so flavorful and perfect, an for a salad, you don’t need 10 things to dress it up with, its so perfect on its own!
Love this simple salad! The knives would be a perfect starter set for a friend I am guiding in cooking. Thanks
UH-MAZING. You go, mama! Can’t wait to hear about you crossing the finish line. Good luck good luck good luck!
Thank you, Sarah!!!
Yes, I am familiar with them. They have great knives and I actually follow them on all social platforms already. hehe
I am not familiar with these knives, but they look so good in cutting up all my fruits and veges. I need new knives because mine are so old! These are amazing knives! I want to try your yummy cantaloupe salad!
Wow! I wish you the best of luck with the upcoming half-marathon…you will totally rock it! Oh, and cantaloupe is absolutely awesome. We haven’t had enough cantaloupe this summer yet…thanks for reminding me. Good knives make such a HUGE different in the kitchen. Thanks for sharing this giveaway! 🙂
Yay!! It’s running week. Good luck dear. I know you will crush it. This salad is just = amazing! Simple and summery.
Good luck with the race. You are going to do great!
I love how sometimes the simplest of salads can be the best.
How have I never thought to put cantaloupe in a salad! I love how fresh and healthy this salad is! And Balsamic drizzle makes everything AMAZING! Pinned!
This is absolutely beautiful my dear. So simple and gorgeous!
Thank you for finally explaining how to pick a cantaloupe! I usually have to ask someone nearby or the produce manager to pick one out for me. I usually get lucky but have had a few bad ones. Now I’ll pick out my own! Good luck on the marathon!
Thank you so much, Joan!!
ALICE!!!! You are going to do so awesome on Saturday. I’m excited for you. And feeling motivated to step up my exercise game! Love this salad and I love Henckels!
i have heard of them and that they are great I would love to win them because my current knives are just really dull and I’ve heard dull knives are more dangerous then sharp knives.
I have a very old set of Henckels knives, but just noticed the other day how much better my daughter’s chef knife was than mine, so I have been considering a new one. I need to check these out!
ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS knives are the best! I’ve had my eye on their chef knife for quite a long while… perfect for dicing veggies
Oh yes I’ve heard of these knives, and I would love to win them for my Mom!
I have not heard of these knives before – but I would love to win them because they look like super high quality knives! I am slowly replacing the items in my kitchen with high quality vs. quantity!
Mmm, this looks so delicious and refreshing Alice! Cantaloupes make such a great addition to salads! I’m wishing you the best of luck in your half marathon!!!! 🙂
Love these! Fingers crossed! We are in need of new knives badly!
Looks ridiculously delicious!
First of all, GOOD luck on your race this weekend! I know you are going to kill it, girlfriend! I mean you have fancy shoes AND you have been training your butt off… You GOT this!
Second, this salad looks super refreshing and seriously delicious! I love how light and healthy it is, yet its loaded with scrumptious flavor! The balsamic drizzle to finish it off is perfect. LOVE! Pinned! Cheers, Alice and get some sleep! 😉
Wish you luck on Sunday Alice! Love this salad and the addition of cantaloupe is perfect!
Good luck with the run! You are going to do great. Love the summery simplicity of this salad, Alice!
Alice, you are going to absolutely rock the marathon! Gooooood luck! :* And as far as this salad is concerned, do I even need to mention how genius it is? Cantaloupes are my favorite kind of melon to eat during the summers! They have a such a distinct flavor and pairing it with pickled onions and a drizzle of the balsamic glaze will add such a refreshing flavor dimension! Can’t wait to try! <3
You can never go wrong with an easy salad like this!! So yummy!
Beautiful salad, my idea of perfect flavors! This knife set is perfect for the home pro or beginners, thanks for the giveaway!
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it out! I’ve been following you on Instagram for some time now and I love your feed. It’s always beautiful and refreshing!
Lately we have been incorporating more and more fruits in out diet… I love this idea of pairing cantaloupe with greens and pickled onions.. So delicious!!
You will rock your marathon! I am sure you are excited that it is finally here. I definitely wish I had this salad for lunch today. I love fresh cantaloupe on hot days!
I could use these for when i am making meals 🙂
Good luck Alice, I am sure you are going to rock the half marathon! 🙂 Love this salad, cantaloupe is my favorite!
Yaay! Good luck with your half-marathon, girl! You’ll do great and we’ll want to hear all the deets afterwards! And this gorgeous salad is killing me! I have several cantaloupes taking up space in my fridge and this is the perfect way to use ’em!
I have never heard of them but I want to win because they look awesome!
Yay, good luck on your run, Alice! You are going to rock it 🙂 Love this simple salad! It looks so fresh and gorgeous!
Good for you, Alice! I’m seriously impressed. I am SO not a runner, so I always envy those that are. It seems like such a great way to stay in shape, but alas… I am just not a runner. Now swimming on the other hand, I could do laps all day 😉
This salad is perfect for a light lunch while training! Cantaloupes are one of my favs, and paired with the tangy vinegar red onions – sounds like a wonderful balance of flavors. Good luck on your half marathon!
Btw, fab giveaway!
No I’ve never heard of these knives before. I’d like to win them because I don’t have a good quality set of knives.
Yes, I have! Those are my mom’s favorite knives.
No, I haven’t heard of them, but would love to get some good high-quality knives. My kitchen needs a new set! Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
I had never heard of these knives, but I would love to win because I need new knives!
I haven’t heard of them but I would love to win them because I need new knives.
Very nice
I haven’t heard of ZWILLING knives, but I’d love to try these out to replace our very old ones. And yum – love fresh summer cantaloupe!
I have indeed heard of Zwilling J.A. Henckels and have lusted after their products in catalogs and online. The knife I use 90% of the time is a J.A. Henckels chef knife, which cost ten bucks some eight years ago and is still going strong. I can only imagine how the premium Zwilling knives must feel in your hand if the bargain knife works so well for me!
P.S. Good luck in the half marathon! You go, girl. 🙂
Thank you so much, Anne! I did it and ran faster than my desired time! 🙂
I’ve never heard of ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS knives. I’d like to win these because I want a good set of knives at home.
I would really like to have these knives. ZWILLING J.A. Henckel knives are top notch and I do not have them. I think it would impress my partner for me to use them.
Best wishes for your half marathon – love this beautiful summer salad – I can’t get enough of all the melons this time of year!
I have heard of ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS knives. I’d love to win them because I could use some high quality knives and I would use them often.
Good Luck! I’m still in the walk, run phase lol! You’re such an inspiration! BTW- love this salad!
i have heard of this knife compsany and i want to win ecause i need new knives to better my knife skills
I’ve never heard of them before, but they look like fantastic knives.
Good luck with your race, Alice! With this gorgeous salad to fuel you, I know you’ll do great! 🙂
Yes, I have heard of them and the first thing I would cut is a watermelon! Yum!
This looks lovely! Cantaloupe is my favorite melon 🙂 & good luck with your race 🙂
I’ve heard of ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS knives, and would love to own some. Good knives are essential tools, and make preparing food faster and easiar. I have a good chef’s knife, but would Love to gift this one to my daughter, as she doesn’t yet have a good knife.
I have a few of these knives myself! I would chop, chop, chop a ton of veggies for a lovely salad! Good luck with your mini—it’s been over a decade since I’ve done one. I think I’ve officially retired 🙂
I have heard of these knives before, but never used them. I want to win because I need some quality knives like these.
I’ve never heard of them before but this set looks so nice! My husband & I have been searching for a new knife set for a while now…this would be a perfect win!
Good luck with your half marathon Alice! I know you will kill it! I am obsessed with Henckels knives — such an awesome giveaway!
I haven’t heard of this brand of knives. I’d love to win because the knives I have now aren’t very good.
I have heard of these knives. Knives are so old and dull. I could really use a great, new set.
I have heard of these knives! And I’d love to win because I haven’t had new knives in years!
I’ve never heard of these before, but I would love a new set of kitchen knives! I just moved and I desperately need to fill out my kitchen.
I definitely feel a major difference in my running abilities when I eat mostly fruits and veggies versus when I eat more carbs..the former is definitely better! You’re going to do great!! Especially with salads like this on the menu!
I have heard of Zwilling J.A. Henckels and usually drool when I see them. I need a nice pair of knives in my kitchen that are not hand me downs. I think all of my knives are my parents cast offs and are getting quiet dull.
I have head of them. I see a lot of chefs on TV using them. I need good knives for food prep and these would be wonderful to have.
I am very familiar with J.A. Henckels knives and would love to own some. My knife set could use a little update!
Looks delicious!
I hate cantaloupe, but I love Henckels!
I have not heard of these knives before. I want to win because I need new knives
So glad I discovered your site today. Very familiar with Henckels knives and would love to add a set to my kitchen. Great salad recipe you have and best of luck on running your marathon.
No I have never heard of them and I would like to win because my knives now are so dull.
I have heard of them but I have never used them
I’ve heard of these knives but only have cheap knives so that is why I need this knife set!
I haven’t heard of them but they are awesome knives!
Of course! They’re great knives, and I especially love the serrated one.
Yes, I’ve heard of them and subscribe to their newsletter because their knives are on my wish list! I don’t have a decent knife in my house. Most were wedding gifts and I got married in 1989!!
I have not heard of these before but I do need a really good knife set.
Henckels knives are well known for their quality. A good knife makes food prep enjoyable. Thanks for the tips on choosing a good cantaloupe there’s nothing worse than opening a cantaloupe to find it to be unripe or worse nearly fermented. This salad is simplicity itself..
I haven’t heard of them before but they look great. I’d love to win a set because I have no decent knives in the kitchen.
I hadn’t heard of them before, and I’d love to win them as I’m still using my knives from uni!
I have never heard of ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS knives. I would like to win because I need some new kitchen knives
I have a Henkels chef’s knife that we got about 15 years ago. Still love it and would love to add some new ones!
This is the first I’ve hard of these knives.
I would like to win them them because ours are so old and dull.
thank you
I have knives from this company. They’re great. I’d like to win them for my mom since I hate most of her knives.