Thanks for the suggestion, though. I’ll keep in in mind, if I some day feel like smoky and salty.

Anyway, melon & raw/smoked ham is quite a classic combination, sorta like pineapple & cooked ham & melted cheese, or maybe pears & blue cheese, or even strawberries with black pepper. There are quite a few of these fruity+savoury combos that look weird at first, but not after you’ve tasted them.

Alas, I can’t help with a vegetarian or vegan alternative… What you’re looking for is something that’s smoky and salty and with a texture that is completely different from the melon. If I had to experiment, I’d try char-grilling some blanched samphire or a similar sea veg to get the same smoky and salty sensation.

That being said, I did try a baked chicken, covered with *honey* instead of salt. It did seem funky, but tasted alright (when honey is in moderation).

Btw, a chicken baked with salt (in the oven) is the tastiest way to eat chicken, in my opinion. You can probably cover it with sauce instead of salt (or both), if you want, though.