Are you willing to go on a taste adventure?  To try something new?…(I mean really…not just saying you will.)  If the answer is yes than I have something for you that is a little off the beaten path.  We like to try new things around here and this one fit the bill.  Summer fruit, melons and berries served with smoked salmon, sprinkled with a  fresh mint/lemon zest/ cracked pepper mix and a yogurt-nutmeg dressing.  You could even add some pecans for crunch.  Serve with toasted bagels and you have a Sunday brunch that is made to impress.

I saw a version of this recipe in Better Homes and Gardens a few years back and kept thinking the day would come when I would try it.  As usual I changed a few things, but I have to give them credit for the idea in the first place.

Flavor is mostly about anticipation and I wanted this to be good.  My first bite was all about my mouth getting used to flavors I knew separately now showing up at the same time.  I found it light, refreshing and very tasty.  My husband enjoyed it as well.

This is a dish that you couldn’t afford to have very often because of the cost of smoked salmon, but it is well worth making for a special occasion.  Serves 4-6

You’ll need:

Mint topping

1/3 cup fresh mint, chopped

lemon peel from one lemon

1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Combine together in a small bowl and set aside

Yogurt-Nutmeg dressing

1 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

1/4 cup fruity olive oil

2 Tbs fresh lemon juice (use the lemon you just zested)

1 Tbs honey

1 clove minced garlic

1/2 tsp fresh grated nutmeg

1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

Combine all the above ingredients in a small bowl and set aside to allow flavors to blend.

Salad ingredients

Peel and cut into bite size pieces 1/2 cantaloupe and 1/2 honeydew (or similar melons)

2 cups fresh blueberries ( or your favorite summer berry)

8 oz of smoked salmon (skinless, boneless), broken into bite size pieces

1 cup pecans (optional)

To assemble I recommend a trifle bowl.  Layer first cantaloupe, then berries, salmon, honeydew, and pecans.  Sprinkle the top with mint mixture and serve with yogurt dressing.  Serve with you choice of morning rolls or pastry.

This is a great meal for your favorite “foodie” who loves trying new dishes.  Enjoy!