Wonders of Watermelon
I hope everyone had a lovely holiday last week… Weekend 1, a Fabulous Fourth of a Wednesday, and an awesome Weekend 2 to bookend one of the best weeks of summer. Speaking of W’s…weekends and Wednesdays…let’s add another W for summer, and it’s one of my favorites: Watermelon!
What a gift from Mother Nature! Can you think of a sweeter, prettier, more natural, more refreshing, healthier treat? A watermelon is the easiest way to please a summer crowd—and one of the least expensive to boot! I like it in a plain wedge. I like it served in pretty little balls or cut into chunks. You can even make it into a summer drink. There are endless ways to enjoy this wonder, but one of my most favorite ways is in a salad. The feta, mint, olive oil, and balsamic in this particular recipe from Gumbo Love work together to bring out the flavor of the melon in a whole new magical way. And it’s so pretty on a summer table! Enjoy!
Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad
Serves 6 to 10
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 red onion, halved and sliced lengthwise
1 cucumber, halved, seeded, scored with a zester, and sliced into half moons
1 small seedless watermelon, chopped
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the white wine vinegar, sugar, 1 teaspoon of the salt, black pepper, and the red pepper flakes until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the red onion and let the mixture stand for 1 to 2 hours. Drain the red onion, discarding the liquid.
3. Make one large salad in a salad bowl or make individual salads by gently combining the red onion, cucumber, watermelon, and feta.
4. Season with the remaining teaspoon of salt and lightly drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Garnish with the chopped mint.
Photo by Angie Mosier
