Watermelon Salad ~ Sweet and savory combine with fresh watermelon, red onion, cucumber, feta and mint tossed in a vinaigrette.
For a couple of years now, I have told myself I was going to make one of these watermelon salads I had been seeing all over the place. I’ve even seen Michael Symon put watermelon and feta together on one of his shows. And, well, if Michael Symon says it’s good, I’m in.In effort to not make so much food, I purchased a mini seedless watermelon. It was more than plenty to feed my little party. It was quite sweet as well, which made the salad fantastically better.I used a local creamery for my cheese. For years I have been buying locally made cheeses. I love Rockhill Creamery’s Desert Red Feta. It’s made from cow’s milk versus the traditional goat’s milk, and according to their website, it is rubbed with salt mined in Southern Utah. Whatever the process, I love its’ tangy saltiness.
Ingredients
- 1 mini watermelon (about 6 cups); cubed
- 1/2 red onion; thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber; quartered and sliced
- 4 oz . crumbled feta
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped mint
- 2 tbsp . red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp . extra virgin olive oil
- Salt/pepper; to taste
Instructions
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Chop the watermelon and place it in a colander.
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Cut the cucumber and add it to the colander.
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Cover and allow to drain for at least 30 minutes.
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The more time the better, as watermelon and cucumber leech a lot of water and that will cause the salad flavor to be washed out.
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When the watermelon and cucumber are sufficiently drained, pour them into a bowl.
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Add the onion, mint, and feta. Toss well.
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In another bowl, combine the red wine, olive oil, salt and pepper.
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Whisk briskly to emulsify.
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Pour over the watermelon and veggies. Toss well.
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Cover and chill until ready to serve or serve immediately.
20 Comments
Ellen | in my Red Kitchen
July 29, 2014 at 12:30 pmThis looks good! I never like watermelon but since I live in California I do! So I think I have to make this one soon, looks perfect to me 🙂
Michelle
July 29, 2014 at 4:57 pmEllen, I hope you enjoy it. One of my taste testers for this recipe doesn’t like watermelon but enjoyed it in the salad. It is funny how moving to a different location can change what you enjoy eating.
Nancy
July 29, 2014 at 7:57 pmTwo of my favorite things – watermelon and cucumber!!!
Michelle
July 30, 2014 at 1:16 amHope you enjoy it Nancy.
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July 29, 2014 at 8:15 pmThere is ALWAYS room for watermelon!
Michelle
July 30, 2014 at 1:17 amI couldn’t agree more.
Sandi
July 29, 2014 at 8:20 pmI love this salad. Not to mention the fabulous idea of presenting it in a watermelon rind bowl. Perfect for entertaining!
Michelle
July 30, 2014 at 1:17 amIt’s in the rind just so I didn’t have to wash one more dish! Just kidding…maybe! :-0
Diane (Created by Diane)
July 29, 2014 at 8:22 pmI just love everything about this salad!
M
July 30, 2014 at 1:18 amMe too, Diane, me too!!!
The Food Hunter
July 29, 2014 at 10:21 pmI need to get me some watermelon
Michelle
July 30, 2014 at 1:19 amNow is the time! Enjoy.
susan @ the wimpy vegetarian
July 29, 2014 at 11:59 pmI make watermelon and feta salads every week this time of year. I love the addition of the cucumber, and really love serving it in the shell of the rind. Great idea!
Michelle
July 30, 2014 at 1:20 amSusan, I could eat this every week too!
Des @ Life's Ambrosia
July 30, 2014 at 12:35 amI just love watermelon salad. I first put one together after reading that watermelon and feta go well together in the Flavor Bible. Who would’ve thought?!
Michelle
July 30, 2014 at 1:21 amI know, I saw Michael Symon do it years ago and have been hooked ever since.
ashlee
July 30, 2014 at 5:10 pmThis not only looks delicious, but also perfect for taking to a picnic or event
Michelle
July 30, 2014 at 5:50 pmYes, it’s a favorite at bbq’s this season.
Kelly @ Tasting Page
August 22, 2014 at 9:50 amWhat a perfect summer salad!
Michelle
August 25, 2014 at 2:15 pmKelly, I’m with you. It is the perfect salad for summer.