Watermelon and Cucumber with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

I went to a restaurant two weeks ago with my son for a chicken dinner. It was delicious, fried chicken, baked beans, jalapeño cornbread, cole slaw and an appetizer which was chunks of watermelon and cucumber with some frisee sprinkled over it. There was also a small dish with ranch dressing which was intended to be used to dunk pieces of chicken in. I decided to pour a little over the watermelon and cucumber, and thought, man, this is delicious.

For me, the sweetness of the cucumber with the tartness of the ranch was an ideal combination. So I went home and duplicated it using a recipe for buttermilk ranch dressing (compliments to Simply Recipes) which I think is an improvement because of the addition of the tartness of the buttermilk. Do give it a try.

Seriously, it's simple, quick, and absolutely delicious. (And by the way, when you're watching the ballgame the next night?  And drinking an adult beverage, it's easy to finish off the leftovers)  I'm just sayin'...

There's also a body of work that suggests watermelon is very good for you. Look at what Helen Nichols has to say on the subject:  http://www.well-beingsecrets.com/health-benefits-of-watermelon/

And don't forget to consider a copy of my cookbook:  https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/search.php?search=the+merlin+menu

1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into long pieces
1 cup watermelon, cut and cubed

Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 cup fresh buttermilk
1/4 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh chive
1/4 teaspoon dried dill


Mix buttermilk and mayonnaise together until well blended. Add the balance of the ingredients and stir. Taste and adjust spice/taste to your preferences.  Refrigerate for at least an hour and preferably two hours to let flavors blend.

Spoon dressing over watermelon and cucumber on a serving plate.  Enjoy!

So simple, and so delicious.