Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed (preferably seedless)
- 1 cup Athenos Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup red onion (optional, thinly sliced for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced (optional, for added crunch)
- A handful of black olives (optional, for a briny twist)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Watermelon:
- Start by cutting the watermelon into cubes, removing any seeds if you’re using a watermelon that has them.
- Crumble the Feta:
- Using a fork, crumble the Athenos Feta Cheese into small pieces and set aside. You can also use a block of feta and crumble it yourself for a fresher texture.
- Chop the Mint:
- Roughly chop the fresh mint leaves. The mint will bring a fragrant, refreshing note that complements the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, gently toss together the watermelon, crumbled feta, mint, and (if using) red onion, cucumber, and olives. Be careful not to break up the watermelon too much.
- Dress the Salad:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice (or lemon juice), and honey (if using). Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Season:
- Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. The feta will be salty, so taste first before adding more salt.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with additional mint leaves and a few more crumbles of feta. Serve chilled.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a refreshing side dish at barbecues, picnics, or alongside grilled meats like chicken or lamb.
- For a more substantial salad, you can add a handful of mixed greens, arugula, or spinach to the base.
Notes:
- If you want to add more complexity to the flavor, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few toasted pine nuts can add depth and texture.
- This salad can be prepped ahead, but it’s best served fresh so the watermelon doesn’t get soggy.
This Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is a sweet, savory, and herbaceous dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. With Athenos Feta, it has just the right balance of creaminess and tanginess to complement the juicy, sweet watermelon. Enjoy!