Melons Make Summer Sweeter

by Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD
 

​     Melons make for a refreshing and lower-calorie treat during the warmer months. Most melons weigh in at under 50 calories per one-cup serving and contain fiber. Watermelons contain vitamin C and potassium, as well as a high water content, which contributes to hydration.  Cantaloupe is an excellent source of folic acid, potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Honeydew melons are an excellent source of vitamin C. You can eat melon alone, or add it to smoothies, salads or desserts.

Choosing a Good Melon
Watermelons: 
     Look for the “yellow belly” – a flatter yellowish spot, which indicates it sat on the vine to ripen.

Cantaloupe:
     Smell the cantaloupe. If it doesn’t have a smell, it likely doesn’t have a taste either. You want a musky sweet smell to indicate a ripe cantaloupe.
     You also need to touch it. The skin should give a little, but not feel mushy. You also want to look it over to make sure there are no bruises, spots or punctures.

Honeydew Melon:
     This melon should have a golden color; brownish freckling is fine and indicates a very sweet melon. The melon should feel firm, but not hard.
     Smell the melon. It should have a sweet smell. If you shake it, you should be able to hear the seeds rattling around inside.
     Tracey Shaffer, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian at the Blue Springs Hy-Vee. She can be reached at tshaffer@hy-vee.com. The information is not intended as medical advice.
     Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
 
Melon and Chicken Pasta Salad
Makes: 6 servings (1 1/3 cups each)
All You Need:
Dressing: 1 clove garlic, minced
¼ tsp. salt
½ cup low-fat buttermilk
¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise
3 tbsp. chopped, fresh tarragon, or 1 tbsp. dried
1 tbsp. distilled white vinegar
Pasta Salad:
8 ounces (about 3 cups) whole-wheat bowtie pasta
2 cups cubed cantaloupe or honeydew melon
2 cups thinly sliced baby spinach
2 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken
¼ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup (about 3 ounces) chopped prosciutto
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

All You Do:
To prepare dressing, mash garlic and salt in a medium bowl with the back of a spoon into a chunky paste. Add the buttermilk, mayonnaise, tarragon, and vinegar; whisk until combined.
To prepare pasta salad, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water, according to package directions. Drain, transfer to a large bowl, and let cool. Add melon, spinach, chicken, cranberries, prosciutto, pepper and the dressing; toss to coat.
To make ahead, cover and refrigerate, undressed, for up to 1 day. Toss with dressing about 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts per Serving:294 calories; 6 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 54 mg cholesterol; 633 mg sodium; 38 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 3 g added sugars; 25 g protein. Source: EatingWell.com