Watermelon Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer. Combining the sweet, juicy flavors of watermelon with savory and tangy ingredients, this salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light meal. Here's how you can make this delicious and easy-to-prepare salad.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon
Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Ensure that any seeds are removed. Place the cubes in a large salad bowl.
Step 2: Add the Feta Cheese
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the watermelon cubes. Feta adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon.
Step 3: Incorporate the Mint Leaves
Chop the fresh mint leaves and add them to the bowl. The mint provides a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the watermelon perfectly.
Step 4: Add the Red Onion
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the salad. The red onion adds a mild sharpness and crunch to the dish.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly coated. If desired, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for added texture.
Cooking Note:
- For the best flavor, chill the watermelon cubes before assembling the salad.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to maximize the flavor of the salad.
- Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the salad as a side dish with grilled meats such as chicken, fish, or steak.
- It can also be served as a light lunch on its own or with a slice of crusty bread.
- Pair it with other summer dishes like corn on the cob, grilled vegetables, or a simple pasta salad.
Tips:
- Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- For a more substantial salad, add arugula or mixed greens.
- Customize the salad by adding other fruits such as cucumber, strawberries, or blueberries.
- For a vegan version, use a dairy-free cheese alternative and add extra nuts or seeds for protein.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
Conclusion
Watermelon Salad is a delightful and versatile dish that brings together the best flavors of summer. Its simplicity and vibrant ingredients make it a perfect choice for any meal or gathering. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just looking for a refreshing lunch, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and savory notes of this easy-to-make recipe and bring a burst of summer to your table!
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Watermelon Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Watermelon Salad recipe is a refreshing and vibrant summer dish. Sweet watermelon cubes are paired with tangy feta cheese, fresh mint, and a light lime dressing, making it an ideal side dish or light meal for warm days. Enjoy the delightful flavors and colors of summer with this easy-to-make salad.
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine watermelon cubes, feta cheese, torn mint leaves, and red onion.
- Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the salad.
- Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added crunch, sprinkle with toasted nuts or seeds.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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