Ever have one of those days where the heat just clings to you? Like a bothersome relative at a family gathering? Yeah, me too. During this time when my apartment feels like a sauna, I'm always on the lookout for something not only refreshing but also, you know, a bit different. I stumbled upon this salad idea after a trip to a farmers market and let me tell you, it was a total game changer!
This Watermelon, Plum & Star Anise Infusion Salad isn't just another fruit salad. It's an experience. The juicy sweetness of watermelon paired with the tangy plums, all elevated by the subtle licorice notes of star anise, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The whole thing, it's surprisingly sophisticated, yet incredibly easy to make. Even my kid loves it, though I'm not sure they know there's 'fancy' star anise in it. Mum's the word!
So, if you're searching for a dish that’s both a feast for the eyes and a treat for the taste buds, look no further. This salad is perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing dessert, or even a side dish at your next BBQ. Trust me; your friends and family will be begging you for the recipe. And, well, you can share it (or not!). Let's dive in, shall we?
Required Equipments
- Large Bowl
- Small Saucepan
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Serving Platter
Watermelon Plum and Star Anise Infusion Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Watermelon Plum and Star Anise Infusion Salad
Quench your thirst and tantalize your taste buds with this Watermelon, Plum & Star Anise Infusion Salad! A refreshing blend of juicy watermelon and plums, infused with the aromatic spice of star anise. Its delicious!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prep the Watermelon: Begin by cutting the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Aim for roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure they're easy to eat and absorb the infused flavors. Remove any seeds you find along the way. Place the cubed watermelon in a large bowl.
- Prepare the Plums: Wash the plums thoroughly. Halve them, remove the pits, and then slice each half into wedges. You want the plum slices to be a similar size to the watermelon cubes, ensuring a balanced texture in each bite. Add the sliced plums to the bowl with the watermelon.
- Infusion Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and star anise. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the star anise to infuse its flavor into the syrup. Keep an eye on it, don't let it burn!
- Cool the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool completely. This is crucial because adding hot syrup to the fruit will cause it to wilt and lose its crispness. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the saucepan in an ice bath. Fish out the star anise pieces once cooled.
- Combine and Marinate: Gently pour the cooled star anise syrup over the watermelon and plums. Toss the fruit gently to ensure it's evenly coated with the syrup. Be careful not to mush the watermelon. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This marinating time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Transfer the watermelon and plum salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish with a sprig of mint for a fresh, aromatic touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!
- Optional: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving. The acidity will brighten the flavors and add a zesty kick. A sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the sweetness of the fruit.
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 2g
Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 20mg
