Description
Refreshing watermelon and cucumber salad brings Mediterranean flavors to summer dining. Crisp ingredients blend with tangy feta and herbs, offering you a cool, light meal perfect for warm afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Herbs:
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dairy, Oils, and Seasonings:
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Dice watermelon and cucumber into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure balanced flavor and texture in each serving.
- Crumble feta cheese into delicate, scattered pieces to provide a creamy, tangy contrast to the fresh produce.
- Slice red onion paper-thin to distribute a subtle, sharp accent throughout the salad without overwhelming other ingredients.
- Roughly chop fresh mint and basil leaves to release their aromatic oils and enhance the overall herbal profile.
- Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking lime juice, olive oil, and honey until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, gently folding ingredients to prevent breaking the delicate cucumber and watermelon pieces.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate and balance the sweet and tangy flavors.
- Refrigerate the salad for 30-45 minutes, allowing ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together, creating a refreshing summer dish.
Notes
- Customize the salad by swapping feta with creamy goat cheese or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
- Maximize flavor by allowing the salad to marinate in the refrigerator, letting the herbs and dressing meld together.
- Enhance texture by adding toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
- Elevate presentation by garnishing with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 167 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 14 mg