Watermelon Feta Salad
Recipe Overview
Overview
Watermelon Feta Salad is a delightful summer dish that brings together the sweetness of ripe watermelon and the saltiness of feta cheese. The preparation is simple yet effective, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings. The key to this salad is the freshness of the ingredients; using high-quality, ripe watermelon and fresh lime juice makes all the difference.
The process begins with cutting the watermelon into uniform cubes, which not only makes for an appealing presentation but also ensures even flavor distribution. The addition of cucumbers and red onions adds a refreshing crunch and a bit of zing. The feta cheese is essential, providing a creamy contrast to the juicy watermelon.
The dressing, made with olive oil, honey, and lime juice, is surprisingly complementary to the watermelon, enhancing its natural sweetness. A touch of salt ties everything together, creating a sweet and salty flavor profile that is both unexpected and delicious. This salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Perfect for summer picnics or potlucks, this Watermelon Feta Salad is not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser. It’s a vibrant dish that showcases the best of summer produce, making it a must-try for any warm-weather gathering.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Cut the watermelon in half using a big chef's knife.
Cut the rind off the watermelon vertically from top to bottom.
Tip: Pick a watermelon that looks heavy for its size.
Tip: Look for yellow field spots on the watermelon to ensure ripeness.
Tip: Choose seedless watermelon for the salad to avoid picking seeds while eating.
Cut the watermelon in half again and slice into half-inch to inch thick slices.
Turn the slices and cut them into cubes.
Taste the watermelon to check its sweetness.
Combine a fourth of a cup of olive oil, honey, lime juice, and salt in a bowl.
Tip: Taste the watermelon while cutting to determine how much honey to add.
Tip: Use fresh lime or lemon juice instead of bottled for better flavor.
Shake the dressing to emulsify it.
Add the dressing to the cubed watermelon.
Add sliced cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese to the salad.
Drizzle extra dressing on top of the salad.
Tip: Soak red onions in water and ice cubes to reduce their strength.
Chop and add fresh mint leaves on top of the salad.
Tip: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
Gently toss the salad to incorporate all ingredients.
Scoop the salad into a serving bowl.
Tip: Let the onions rest in the vinaigrette to soften their pungency.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Vegan Feta
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Choosing a heavy watermelon indicates ripeness and sweetness.
- •Fresh lime juice enhances the flavor of the salad compared to bottled alternatives.
- •Soaking red onions in water can reduce their pungency.
- •Adding salt to watermelon enhances its sweet flavor.
