This month I decided to make something for the last hurrah of summer. I found a recipe for Watermelon Cucumber Salad with Mint and Basil. This salad not only has watermelon, but it also features cucumbers, oranges, avocados, and apricots. I couldn’t find fresh apricots at the grocery store, so I substituted nectarines, a wonderful summery substitute.

Here is the link to the blog post and the recipe, https://rainbowplantlife.com/watermelon-cucumber-salad-with-mint-and-basil/

The recipe is easy to follow with simple ingredients, and the blog includes helpful tips and suggested substitutions in case you can’t find one of the ingredients. Chopping the ingredients isn’t labor intensive at all. I didn’t have any fresh mint left, so I used dried mint. The recipe is salt and pepper to taste for the dressing. I’m not a big salt user , but I would probably use a little more salt next time and a splash of Champagne vinegar in the dressing just to give it a little extra flavor. Otherwise, the fruits and vegetables speak for themselves, and this salad is delicious.

Since I started making recipes for this column, I have learned so much about combining flavors. It turns out fruits and vegetables I would never have put together can be delicious! Also, I love that I can feature so many different blogs and talented chefs. They get a little free exposure, and we get to try something new and delicious! I hope you’ve been enjoying these recipes as much as my family and me.

The Twelve Months of Fruit (2025)

January – Fruit salad with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and grapes (No recipe link)

February – Pears - https://jessicainthekitchen.com/cinnamon-baked-pears-vegan-video/

March – Plantains - https://eatthegains.com/fried-sweet-plantains/ and Cuban Black Beans and Rice with Roasted Peppers and Plantains

April – Bananas - https://rachlmansfield.com/healthy-chocolate-chip-banana-bread-oatmeal-bars-vegan-gluten-free/

May – Pineapple - https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/foodcooking/recipes/a36068289/homemade-dole-whip/

June – Grapes - https://www.jocooks.com/recipes/grape-clafoutis/

July – Blueberries - https://kitchenconfidante.com/blueberry-feta-and-honey-caramelized-onion-naan-pizza-recipe

August – Kiwifruit - https://drizzlemeskinny.com/delicious-kiwi-recipes/

September – Watermelon - https://rainbowplantlife.com/watermelon-cucumber-salad-with-mint-and-basil/