Seared Scallop Watermelon Salad W Sparkling Mint Vinaigrette Recipes

SEARED SCALLOPS WITH WATERMELON THREE WAYS, CASTELFRANCO RADICCHIO, DANDELION GREENS AND RED ONIONS

Steps:

• To pickle the watermelon rind, combine the champagne vinegar, water, sugar and 1 tablespoon salt in a large bowl. Carefully remove the rind from the watermelon. Using a mandoline or sharp vegetable peeler, shave the rind into ribbons about 1/8-inch thick. Add the watermelon rind ribbons to the bowl and let stand at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Drain and reserve the pickling liquid.
• Dice the watermelon flesh into 1/2-inch chunks and add to a large bowl. Add the Castelfranco, dandelion greens, red onions, pickled watermelon rinds and watermelon radish to the watermelon chunks and toss to combine. Add 2 tablespoons of the pickling liquid and a nice drizzle of oil into the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt.
• Heat a large nonstick pan with some oil over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers. Pat the scallops nice and dry and sprinkle with salt. Sear on each side until golden brown, about 2 minutes. The scallops will be done when they are no longer translucent, but it's important not to overcook them. Remove them from the pan and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
• To serve, slice the scallops in half lengthwise and nestle alongside the three-watermelon salad.

SEARED SCALLOP WATERMELON SALAD W/ SPARKLING MINT VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Using a 2- 3 inch cookie cutter, cut the watermelon into 8 rounds. Slice the radishes thin and set aside.
• Pat the scallops dry and remove the "foot." Sprinkle with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.
• Heat a large skillet to high. Drizzle a scant amount of oil in the skillet and carefully rub it around with a paper towel. When the skillet is smoking; place the scallops top down. Sear for 1 1/2 minutes until you can see carmelization around the edges.
• Using tongs or a metal spatula, flip the scallops. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and cook 1-2 more minutes.
• Puree the mint, vinegar, grape seed oil, agave, salt and pepper in the blender. To assemble: Place a handful of arugula on a plate. Add one watermelon round on the arugula, followed by a scallop. Arrange the radishes around and drizzle with mint vinaigrette.
• Makes 8 first-course servings, or 2-4 dinner servings.