Watermelon Salad

If you are craving something light, full of flavor and juicy, then you have to try this watermelon salad. Now, I know what you might be thinking, watermelon in a salad? Well, we put berries into salads, so why not watermelon?

After all, watermelons are classified as berries. If you’re still feeling like this salad would be a strange composition of flavours. Give it a try. You will be pleasantly surprised. Watermelon pairs well with ingredients you wouldn’t expect such as feta cheese, mint leaves and lemon.

This watermelon salad does not use a salad dressing. It relies on the natural flavors of salt and lemon to amplify the flavors of the ingredients. Adding feta cheese accentuates the sweetness of the watermelon. Cucumbers add crunchiness and extra hydration. This salad is perfect for a beach day or an afternoon barbecue.

Ingredients

Watermelon, Feta cheese, Cucumber, Lemon, Honey, Black olives, mint.

The Watermelon is the star of the show. You want to start by choosing a ripe watermelon for this recipe. You can easily tell if a watermelon is ripe by tapping on it, if it produces a hallow sound, one that kinda sounds like a drum. Removing the seeds is an option, but not a hard and fast rule. Contrary to popular belief, watermelon seeds are edible. It also happens to be rich in magnesium.

The best feta cheese is unsalted, although it is rare to find an unsalted version of feta cheese, I found a way to work around this, simply soak your feta cheese in tap/bottled water for a few minutes. And then drain the water. Your feta cheese will be significantly less salt.

Cucumber adds a lovely crunch to your dish and brings out the flavors of the Watermelon. Opt for a firm cucumber that is fresh.

When it comes to salad dressings, it is not compulsory to use a complex salad dressing with bold flavors. Freshly squeezed lemon with a touch of honey is amazing in this salad. Though, if you want more flavor, you can consider these salad dressings: Parmesan Salad Dressing, and Greek Salad Dressing. Choose regular black olives or Kalamata. Green olives will also work well in this salad. Mint is also an amazing herb that pairs so well with Watermelon salad. (Substitute with Basil leaves)

Instructions

If you are working with a large uncut watermelon, wash the outside of the rind thoroughly with warm water. Remove any dirt or residue. Place the watermelon on a cutting board and cut it in half. Thereafter, cut the watermelon in quarters and begin to cut it into cubes. Dispose of the watermelon rind. Wash the cucumber and slice into cubes.

Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a cup, add a teaspoon of honey. Add a tiny pinch of salt. Mix well. Thoroughly wash the mint leaves and remove the stem of the mint leaves. Taste to ascertain the salt level. Reduce the salt level by soaking in water for a few minutes, thereafter drain the excess liquid. When it comes to olives, use it whole or slice it.

🍉Secret tip to drastically increase your Watermelon flavor?

If your watermelon lacks flavor, then rest assured. A tiny pinch of salt, with lemon juice and honey will add a world of flavors. Consider adding your favorite nuts, seeds and berries to change up the flavors. Watermelon is good for you. It comprises of 90% water. It is refreshing on a hot day. Its also a work of art and looks beautiful when served to friends and family.

What to Serve with Watermelon salad?

This Watermelon salad is perfect for summer time, you can enjoy it on its own when watermelons are in season. There are other great ways to have this salad which include some juicy Lamb Chops. Grilled Chicken thighs is also another great option.

How to Store your Watermelon salad?

Your Watermelon salad must be refrigerated immediately, and consumed within 24 hours. It can get very soggy if left for longer. If you really want it to last long (maximum two days), store the watermelon separately, and do not add vinaigrette until you are ready to consume the salad.