Cantaloupe Skewers with Mozzarella

• total time: 1 hour

Ingredients

1 (3 1/2- to 4-pound) cantaloupe, halved and seeded

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest plus 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest plus 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 large garlic clove, finely grated

1 teaspoon flaky sea salt, divided

3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons finely chopped roasted pistachios

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

6 (12-inch) wooden skewers

8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

Directions

Place one cantaloupe half, cut side down, on a work surface. Working from the top down, peel cantaloupe using a chef’s knife, rotating melon as needed; discard peels. Cut peeled cantaloupe piece in half; slice lengthwise into 1/8-inch-thick ribbons (or slightly thicker if cantaloupe is very ripe). Set ribbons aside. Reserve remaining unpeeled cantaloupe half for another use.

Whisk together olive oil, oregano, citrus zests and juices, garlic, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Add cantaloupe ribbons, and gently toss. Let marinate at room temperature until cantaloupe ribbons are slightly softened, about 30 minutes, gently tossing once halfway through marinating time.

Stir together cilantro, pistachios, and sesame seeds in a small bowl. Fold cantaloupe ribbons into coils, reserving marinade in bowl. Thread onto skewers, alternating with mozzarella; transfer to a platter. Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons reserved marinade over skewers; sprinkle with cilantro mixture, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

• Calories: 299 kcal
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 24 mg
• Sodium: 605 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
• Dietary Fiber: 3 g
• Total Sugars: 24 g
• Protein: 10 g