Sassy Summer Melon Salsa Chosen by Colorado Proud

The first time I had a melon salsa was almost 30 years ago. At first bite, my tastebuds immediately wakened with “WOW!” So many of my senses were instantly heightened. The overall chill of this dish is so refreshing. But the mint takes that refreshing to the next level. The honey underscores the melons’ seasonal sweetness, ties the ingredients together, and plays beautifully and subtly off of the tartness of the lime juice. Finally, the light kick of cayenne pepper is such an unexpected surprise, and undeniably cheers, “Summer is HERE!” I’ve found my melon salsa to be a welcome complement to so many summer meals.

Recently, I was humbled and overjoyed that Colorado Proud, a state-sponsored organization of the Colorado Department of Agriculture, chose to feature my melon salsa recipe on their website, coloradoproud.com, for the month of August. The organization encourages Coloradoans to source locally and prepare seasonally. My recipe includes their “ingredient of the month,” cantaloupe.

If that weren’t enough, Colorado Proud also will be featuring my Grilled Summer Peaches recipe for the month of September. Color me grateful!