Watermelon Salad with Feta is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties. With its tantalizing combination of juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, this salad is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantities |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 1/2 tbsp |
| Harissa | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh ground pepper | To taste |
| Watermelon | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Red onion | 1/2 small |
| Flat leaf parsley | 1/4 cup |
| Oil-cured black olives | 1/4 cup |
| Feta cheese | 2 oz |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and harissa until well combined. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. This zesty dressing will infuse the salad with vibrant flavors and provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon. -
-
Assemble the Salad:
Start by arranging the watermelon slices on a large serving platter, creating a colorful base for the salad. Ensure that the watermelon slices are evenly distributed to allow for a balanced mix of flavors in each bite. Next, sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the watermelon, adding a hint of sharpness and crunch to the salad. -
Add the Garnishes:
Scatter the fresh flat leaf parsley leaves over the salad, adding a pop of green color and a refreshing herbal aroma. Then, sprinkle the oil-cured black olives evenly across the salad, providing bursts of briny flavor that complement the sweetness of the watermelon. -
Top with Feta Cheese:
Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, distributing it evenly to ensure that every bite is infused with creamy, tangy goodness. The feta cheese adds a rich and savory element to the salad, balancing out the sweetness of the watermelon and creating a harmonious flavor profile. -
Drizzle with Dressing:
Just before serving, drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, ensuring that it coats the watermelon slices and ingredients evenly. The dressing will enhance the flavors of the salad and tie all the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and mouthwatering dish. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once assembled, serve the Watermelon Salad with Feta immediately to enjoy its vibrant flavors and textures at their peak. This refreshing salad is best enjoyed on a hot summer day or as a light and satisfying appetizer before a main meal. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 226.2
- Fat: 17.9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.3g
- Cholesterol: 13.4mg
- Sodium: 245.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.6g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 11.7g
- Protein: 3.5g
Serving Suggestions:
Watermelon Salad with Feta is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses and can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing snack. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a delicious and satisfying meal, or pair it with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine for a delightful summer lunch. Additionally, you can customize the salad by adding additional ingredients such as mint, cucumber, or arugula to suit your personal taste preferences. However you choose to enjoy it, this Watermelon Salad with Feta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a staple in your summer recipe repertoire. 🍉🥗
