Watermelon & Feta Salad with Mint - Pair with Cherries and Lemonade

 

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Watermelon & Feta Salad with Mint

"Warm breeze," "fresh air" – this salad is incredibly refreshing and unexpected. The sweetness of watermelon combined with salty feta and cool mint is a delightful sensory experience, embodying the feeling of a perfect summer day and light, enjoyable moments.

This refreshing Watermelon & Feta Salad with Mint is a delightful balance of sweet, salty, and herbaceous flavors, perfect for Lola on a warm day! It's a naturally vegetarian dish and is free of any ingredients Lola dislikes.

Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 15 minutes (optional)

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl

• Small bowl

• Whisk

• Knife

• Cutting board

• Measuring cups

• Liquid measuring cup

• Measuring spoons

• Spoon

• Serving bowl

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 6 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (ensure not vegan cheese, American cheese, or bleu cheese)

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped

• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime, using a lemon juicer)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• Pinch of black pepper, or to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade, from a previous recipe)

• Extra fresh mint sprigs

Instructions:

Preparing the Ingredients:

Step 1.) Using a knife and cutting board, cut the seedless watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2.) If using, thinly slice the red onion using a knife and cutting board. Roughly chop the fresh mint leaves.

Step 3.) Crumble the feta cheese into a small bowl.

Making the Dressing:

Step 4.) In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice (from a lemon juicer), salt, and black pepper with a whisk until well combined.

Assembling and Serving:

Step 5.) Add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh mint, and optional thinly sliced red onion to the large mixing bowl with the watermelon.

Step 6.) Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss with a spoon or spatula to combine everything without crushing the watermelon.

Step 7.) Taste the salad using a spoon and adjust seasonings (more salt, pepper, or lime juice) if needed.

Step 8.) For best flavor, you can place the large mixing bowl in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional if serving immediately.

Step 9.) Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with extra fresh mint sprigs. Serve chilled.

Tips for Success:

• Cold Watermelon: Ensure your watermelon is well chilled before preparing the salad for the most refreshing taste.

• Fresh Mint: Fresh mint is essential for this salad's vibrant flavor; dried mint won't give the same result.

• Don't Overmix: Be gentle when tossing the salad to prevent the watermelon from breaking down too much.

• Serve Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as watermelon can release a lot of liquid over time.