Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Summer in a Bowl: Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad



How in the world is it possibly the first day of August?  Not to be all Debbie Downer on ya, but summer is half over, you realize that.  So, please tell me you are having loads of fun, okay?  That you are sucking in the sunshine and breathing out wisps of joy.  I hope you've walked on beaches and dug your toes in sand and eaten too many marshmallows, and maybe seen a falling star (or two) and made very.important.wishes, because they come true you know.  If you haven't done any of that stuff yet (me neither) don't fret, you still have time.  But summer won't last forever so read this post because it's very important you do, then get out there and soak in some summatime.  Slather on the SPF 45 first though, right?




While you are out there getting your summer on, you don't want a lot of fuss with food, am I right? In walks this gorgeous salad.  Watermelon is probably a regular in your shopping basket; I like those small, seedless guys. Take it, chop it.  Wander down to your herb garden and pick as much mint as you want.  I have heaps and heaps of the stuff (it comes up to my knees!) and it graces my iced green and sweet teas, and garnishes salads and desserts but still it keeps on!  Oh mint, whatever ELSE am I going to do with you?




At first, it might seem like an odd combo, the watermelon and mint and feta, but think about it.  Sweet, salty, juicy, and with the injection of fresh lime juice and a drizzling of good olive oil, this is indeed summer in a bowl.  Don't let me keep you here any longer.  Get out of the house and go play already!



Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad

Basic formula, adjust as you like. 

4 cups fresh, seedless watermelon, chopped
1/2 cup feta, crumbled (I like larger chunks)
1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped,
1/8 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
juice of 1 lime
drizzle of good olive oil.

Combine all ingredients in pretty bowl.  Makes enough for 2 people.  I served it alongside some grilled chicken breasts, marinated in olive oil, lime juice, maple syrup and fresh rosemary.  Delicious!



14 comments:

  1. This salad is perfect- so juicy and refreshing! I can't get enough mint during summer, and every evening you'll find me with an ice cold mojito in my hand.

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  2. Renee, I made a similar salad on the weekend (for dinner before we feasted on your White Chocolate Raspberry Tiramisu). The only difference is that mine had a Pepper Jelly Vinagrette to give it a bit of a kick and Gorgonzola instead of Feta...but I like yours better!

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  3. I don't want to summer to end! This is refreshing.

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  4. Looks like heaven in a bowl. Love the combination of flavors. I feel the same way about mint;)

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  5. I make this all the time - so refreshing! I usually add a bit of red onion soaked in cider vinegar.

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  6. Love the combo of sweet,salty,and juicy! I sometimes add some really ripe tomatoes to this too.

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  7. Beautiful salad! I've been making a mellon, feta and rosemary version of this very salad. I had heard mint was good but didn't plant any this year for the very same reason you brought up- it just takes over! I hope you get to soak plenty more sunny, summer days before fall sets in.

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  8. I've always wanted to try this combination. I'll never get the hubby to try it. He hates feta with a passion. I'll just have to tell the brat to fend for himself tomorrow at lunch.

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  9. Thanks everyone! I hope you enjoy this salad as much as I did :)

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  10. Ah there it is! Love it. Would never have thought to add basil and lime but will definitely try that variation. I eat tons of watermelon feta salad every summer so new ideas are always great. Thanks Renee

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  11. New reader (and fellow Canadian) here! Love this version of watermelon feta salad, but also wanted to comment on how gorgeous that top photo is!

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  12. Oh gosh, I've been staring at this salad for the longest time! It has everything that I love in it.

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  13. Renee you continue to amaze me! :)

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  14. Melissa, the basil and lime are killer in this salad - do it! Callie - Welcome! And thank you so much - I love that photo too :)
    Red Star, it's a good combo, that's for sure. Anon, you are too kind!

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