Watermelon Wondermint Salad
It’s hard to find balance in life, and we’re often chasing the just-right, Goldilocks moments. This salad is our summer Goldilocks find. Slightly sweet. Tangy lime and fiery chili is cooled with creamy feta crumbles and fresh mint. Top it off with the dreamiest olive oil drizzle for the ultimate summer side. It’s really the whole package.
Creating Refuge favorite, chef Rachel Barnes, taught the team each step from slicing up the perfect watermelon to professional level presentation. We love learning from one another, and can’t wait to pass our new knowledge on to you! We found it perfectly approachable for those new to the kitchen and a fun, quick dish for those more familiar with a chopping knife. Do your friends a favor and make it for your next gathering or enjoy yourself for a refreshing summer lunch.
Total time: 10 minutes
Easily serves 4-6 as a side
Ingredients:
Small to medium sized watermelon
5 sprigs of mint
3-4 small limes
¾ cup feta
Olive oil for drizzling
Sea salt and red chili flakes to taste
Let’s play with the fun summer flavors!
Start by washing all of your produce. Since a knife is passing through the rind or peel of the fruit, we want to make sure the outside is clean.
Slice your watermelon – a serrated knife or bread knife works best. Rachel recommends starting with the top and bottom to provide a stable surface for the rest of the cuts. Cut around the perimeter of the watermelon until only red fruit remains. Continue to slice into bite-sized cubes.
For a fancier presentation, plate each salad and assemble separately. For potluck style, place cubed watermelon into a large bowl.
Chop mint, reserving a couple small sprigs for presentation and slice lime for juicing.
This is where you get to play in the kitchen! Start with a little of each ingredient and add to your taste.
Add crumbled feta, lime juice, and chopped mint. Add salt and red chili pepper flakes - we were delighted by a little more heat, but start slow as you can always add more. Drizzle with olive oil. If plating, add a little sprig of mint or lime slices to serve. If serving in a bowl, toss before adding.
Pro tip: Fresh herbs can turn brown over time. Plan on making this dish last if serving with a meal or wait to add mint just before serving.
Enjoy!
