Watermelon Feta Salad

Summer is officially here when you start to see the first watermelons in the stores!

Plain watermelon on a paper plate is a perfect summer treat but when you pair it with feta cheese something just amazing happens!

Watermelon Feta Salad with Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette

Talk about the perfect hot weather combination! Watermelon and feta cheese make such a perfect pair. The saltiness of the feta is the perfect complement for the inherent sweetness of watermelon. When paired with the peppery taste of fresh arugula and the tangy goodness of a homemade lime-cilantro vinaigrette, you’ve got an incredible taste sensation that is sure to become a summer favorite.

Salad Ingredients:

1 small round watermelon, cut in half with flesh removed
3 oz. feta cheese, cut into evenly sized pieces
3 cups fresh arugula, cleaned and dried

Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
3 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, washed, dried and chopped into small pieces
3 Tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons sea salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Directions:

If possible, make the lime-cilantro vinaigrette in advance to give the flavors a chance to meld. Combine all ingredients in a small glass bowl and whisk to combine thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Cut small watermelon in half, then remove and reserve flesh in a glass bowl. Pat the inside of each empty watermelon rind with a paper towel to dry. Set aside to use as serving bowls for the finished salad.

Add feta and washed arugula to glass bowl along with the watermelon. Top with vinaigrette and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

To serve, add watermelon feta mixture to reserved watermelon rinds and garnish with sprigs of fresh cilantro.

Note: if you are serving more than 2 people, substitute other serving bowls or use additional small, round watermelons.

This summer go back to the old fashioned juicy watermelon with seeds!  There is such a big difference between this and the seedless watermelons.