Must be summer, because I’m craving my favorite warm weather salad. I’ve been making this for years, ever since I got Cooking With Nora by Nora Pouillon.  This little gem of a cookbook is written by my favorite Washington DC chef. And Restaurant Nora brings back so many great memories.

The first time I went there, I was so excited to walk by the sidewalk herb gardens outside the restaurant. And inside, we were seated near Shirley MacLaine. It was one of those, oh-my-god moments…is that who I think it is?

Nora Pouillon, like Alice Waters, has been promoting artfully-prepared locally-sourced fresh ingredients before it was a trendy thing to do. This simple salad brings together one of my all time favorite flavor combinations: melon, mint and lime. You can pair this with any summer meal you make. Would be a great addition to your next cookout, for sure.

Butter Lettuce With Melon + Lime Dressing

Serves 4

1 head butter lettuce, washed, spun dry and torn into bite size pieces

1/2 medium cantaloupe, seeds removed

1/2 medium honeydew, seeds removed

1/2 small seedless watermelon

1 Tbsp fresh mint, minced

Coarse sea salt and pepper

Place lettuce into a large shallow serving bowl. Use a melon baller to make balls from each type of melon. Scatter melon balls on top of lettuce. Sprinkle mint on top. Season with sea salt and pepper. Serve with Lime Dressing.

Lime Dressing

2 Tbsp fresh lime juice

1 tsp lime zest

3-4 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp agave nectar

sea salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small jar and shake to combine.