When the sun blazes down with a vengeance, and the heat feels like it’s wrapping you in a too-tight hug, nothing quite beats the juicy bliss of watermelon. It’s like biting into a slice of summer itself. Pair it with the salty surprise of feta, and you’ve got a salad that’s both a soothing whisper and a vibrant shout—perhaps the ultimate paradox of refreshment.
Steps
- In a small bowl, combine honey, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to make the dressing. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended, then set aside.
- Prepare the watermelon by peeling and cutting it into cubes, and cube the cucumber as well. Place these ingredients in a large serving bowl or platter with sides.
- Add the chopped mint and basil leaves to the bowl with the watermelon and cucumber. Gently mix the ingredients to distribute the herbs evenly throughout the salad.
- Pour the honey-lime dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss the salad gently to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients without mashing the watermelon.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad. Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium watermelon, peeled and cut into cubes
- 1 English cucumber or hot house cucumber, diced (approximately 2 cups)
- 15 fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 15 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (adjust to taste)
- Lime Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of kosher salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 575.6kcal | Carbohydrates: 112.8g | Protein: 16.4g | Fat: 13.6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5.6g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 352.8mg | Potassium: 1560.4mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 91.2g | Vitamin A: 7043.2IU | Vitamin C: 102.8mg | Calcium: 129.6mg | Iron: 3.6mg
FAQ
- Can I make this watermelon salad ahead of time?
- While you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, it’s best to add the dressing and feta just before serving to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.
- How do I choose the best watermelon for this salad?
- Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a yellow spot where it sat on the ground. A hollow sound when tapped also indicates ripeness.
- What can I add to the watermelon salad for extra flavor?
- You can enhance the salad by adding ingredients like thinly sliced shallots or red onions, diced avocado, or even some jalapeño slices for a spicy kick.
- Can I substitute the feta cheese with something else?
- Yes, you can use goat cheese or a vegan feta alternative if you prefer. Each will bring a different texture and flavor to the salad.
- How should I store leftover watermelon salad?
- Due to its high water content, it’s best to consume the salad on the day it’s made. If you have leftovers, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days, but check for freshness before serving.
Tips
- When selecting watermelon for this salad, ensure it’s ripe and sweet by tapping it and listening for a deep, hollow sound, which indicates ripeness.
- Prepare the honey-lime dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days to save time when assembling the salad.
- To enhance the salad’s flavor, consider adding variations like thinly sliced shallots or red onions, creamy avocado cubes, or a touch of heat with sliced jalapeños or Aleppo pepper flakes.
- Due to the high water content of watermelon and cucumber, it’s best to enjoy this salad on the day it’s made. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for no more than a day or two, and check their freshness before serving.
Equipment
- Melon Baller (if you choose to use it to shape the watermelon fancily)
- Whisk (for mixing the dressing)
- Serving Platter with Sides (to assemble and present the salad)
- Glass Storage Containers with Lids (for storing any leftovers)
