Tired of the same old salads? Craving something refreshing, vibrant, and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This recipe recreates the beloved Mendocino Farms Watermelon Salad, a summer staple known for its juicy watermelon, creamy feta, and zesty mint. It's a simple yet incredibly delicious dish perfect for a light lunch, a side at a barbecue, or a healthy dinner option. This easy recipe is a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
This recipe is easily scalable depending on how many servings you need. The measurements below are for approximately 4 servings.
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about half a small watermelon)
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get Started: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the watermelon, crumble the feta, thinly slice the red onion, and finely chop the mint. This homemade cooking process is faster when everything is prepped and ready to go.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to avoid breaking up the watermelon.
Add the Mint: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh mint. This helps to keep the mint vibrant in color and flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- Add some crunch: Toasted pepitas or chopped pistachios would add a delightful crunch.
- Make it a complete meal: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial salad.
- Customize your cheese: Goat cheese or crumbled halloumi are also delicious substitutions for feta.
- Adjust the herbs: If you don't have fresh mint, you can substitute with basil or even a little bit of cilantro, though mint is traditional for this recipe.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
This delicious and refreshing Mendocino Farms Watermelon Salad is a fantastic example of simple, healthy meals that are quick to prepare. It's a perfect dish for those warm summer evenings and a welcome addition to any summer gathering. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this one certainly delivers on flavor and ease. Enjoy!