Refreshing Summer Delight: The Ultimate Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and refreshing meals, and nothing screams summer quite like a Watermelon Feta Salad. This delightful dish combines the sweetness of watermelon with the salty tang of feta cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or looking for a quick and healthy snack, this salad is a must-try.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Watermelon Feta Salad, you will need:

• Watermelon: About 6 cups of seedless watermelon, cubed. Choose a ripe watermelon with a creamy yellow spot for the best flavour.
• Feta Cheese: 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Sheep’s milk feta is preferred for its creaminess and tanginess.
• Cucumber: 1 English cucumber, sliced. Adds a refreshing crunch.
• Red Onion: 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced. Soak in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavour.
• Fresh Herbs: 1/2 cup each of fresh mint and basil, roughly chopped. These herbs add a beautiful aroma and flavour.

Dressing

The dressing is simple but brings the salad together beautifully:

• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
• Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
• Honey: 1-2 tablespoons of honey.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Recommended Utensils and Tools

To prepare this Feta Cheese and Watermelon Salad, you will need:

• Cutting Board: For chopping the watermelon, cucumber, and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise and safe cutting.
• Large Mixing Bowl: To combine all the salad ingredients.
• Whisk: For mixing the dressing ingredients.
• Serving Platter: To present your beautiful salad.

Preparation Steps

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Cut the Watermelon: Begin by cutting the watermelon into cubes. Ensure they are bite-sized for easy eating.
2. Slice the Cucumber and Onion: Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. Soak the red onion in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness.
3. Chop the Herbs: Roughly chop the fresh mint and basil to release their flavours.

Making the Dressing

1. Whisk the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Combining the Salad

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, red onion, and herbs. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
2. Add the Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving.

Tips for the Best Watermelon Feta Salad

• Chill the Watermelon: Use cold watermelon cubes for the best flavour and texture.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality feta cheese make a big difference.
• Customize: Add-ins like Kalamata olives, avocado, or toasted nuts can enhance the salad.

Variations and Add-Ins

For those who like to experiment, consider adding:

• Kalamata Olives: For a briny flavour.
• Avocado: Adds a creamy texture.
• Toasted Nuts: Such as almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: For added colour and flavour.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional benefits of this salad is key:

• Calories: Approximately 195 per serving.
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamins: High in Vitamin A and C, thanks to the watermelon.

Pairings

This Salad with Feta and Watermelon pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled Meats: Chicken, pork, or shrimp.
• Mediterranean Dishes: Souvlaki, hummus, or falafel.
• Seafood: Grilled fish or shrimp.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Note that the watermelon may release some liquid, so drain any excess before serving.

Conclusion

This Feta Cheese and Watermelon Salad is versatile, refreshing, and perfect for summer. Its combination of flavours and textures makes it a standout dish at any meal. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful taste of summer!

Read our other Salad recipes also:

• La Scala Chopped Salad: A Fresh Culinary Delight
• High Protein Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Meal Prep Recipe

Additional Recipes and Ideas

For more refreshing summer recipes, consider:

• Cucumber Tomato Salad: Another light and refreshing option.
• Greek Pasta Salad: A hearty dish that complements the watermelon feta salad.
• Strawberry Spinach Salad: Sweet and savoury flavours that are perfect for summer.

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