Summer Vibes: My Chill Watermelon Feta Salad with Fresh Herbs from John's Garden

Ingredients for this simple Watermelon/Feta Salad.

As the summer heat approaches, there's nothing quite like a refreshing salad to help you beat the heat. One of my favorites is a delightful combination of juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts, all elevated by the freshness of basil and mint. This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to make, especially when the fresh vagrant herbs ingredients come straight from my friend John's veggie garden in Mattituck, Long Island.

With the arrival of summer heat, a refreshing salad is perfect to help you stay cool. One of my top picks features a delightful mix of juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and crunchy pine nuts,

enhanced by the fresh flavors of basil and mint. This salad is not only tasty but also incredibly simple to prepare, especially when the fresh herbs come directly from my friend John's vegetable garden in Mattituck, Long Island (USA).

Now, let’s dive into this vibrant summer dish that will invigorate your taste buds and add a splash of color to your meals!

Why Watermelon?

Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit. It has a high-water content, making it incredibly hydrating on hot days. With only about 30 calories per 100 grams, it's a guilt-free treat. Aside from its refreshing sweetness, watermelon is packed with vitamins A and C, which support skin health and boost your immune system.

In this salad, the natural sweetness of watermelon works wonders with the salty feta. This delightful contrast creates a perfect balance that is sure to impress anyone at your table. For example, if you cut 4 - 5 cups of watermelon, you’ll have enough for about 4 generous servings.

The Feta Factor

Let's discuss feta cheese. Having spent many years in Greece, I enjoy cooking and incorporating Feta cheese into many of my recipes. In Greece, there are numerous varieties of Feta cheese available, but during my visit to friends in Long Island, USA, I was lucky to discover a deliciously creamy, and crumbly Feta cheese at a local store that paired wonderfully with the sweet watermelon and the fresh herbs.

Choosing high-quality feta can greatly enhance your dish. If you have a local Greek store or an artisanal cheese shop nearby, explore their selection of Feta cheese. The rich creaminess and deep flavor of premium Feta will undoubtedly elevate this salad beyond the ordinary. Furthermore . . . . In addition to its flavor, feta is a great source of protein and rich in calcium, supporting your bone health.

Crunchy Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are often an underappreciated ingredient, but they provide a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that fits perfectly in this dish. When toasted lightly (always optional), they release oils that add richness to the salad without overwhelming its lightness. Plus, they are a source of healthy fats, which can help keep you fuller for longer.

To toast your pine nuts, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as they can go from golden brown to burnt in seconds!

Fresh Herbs from John's Garden

A standout feature of this salad is the fresh basil and mint which I gathered, this time, from John’s (my friend's) bountiful garden. These herbs add vibrant color and infuse the dish with uplifting aromas that are pure summertime. Basil has a peppery taste, while mint offers a refreshing note that enhances every bite.

When incorporating fresh herbs, keep in mind that a small amount can be quite effective. In this salad, I use approximately 1/4 cup of chopped herbs to create a noticeable effect, but the quantity is ultimately up to personal preference.

The Recipe

Now that we have all the essential ingredients ready, here’s how to make this vibrant watermelon and feta salad!

Ingredients

• 3 - 4 cups of watermelon, cubed

• 1 cup of feta cheese, cut into cubes

  or crumbled

• 1/4 cup of pine nuts (toasted - optional)

• Fresh basil, chopped, to taste

• Fresh mint, chopped, to taste

• Juice of 1 lemon or lime

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flair

  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Cut the watermelon into cubes and either cube or crumble the Feta cheese, depending on your preference. Set them aside.

2. Optional! Toast the Pine Nuts: Place pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat.

Stir frequently until they are golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from

heat and let cool.

3. Mix It Up: In a large bowl or serving dish, combine the watermelon cubes, feta

cheese, toasted pine nuts, basil, and mint.

4. Dress the Salad: Squeeze lemon or lime juice over the mixture and season with a

pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine and serve.

Optional - Just before serving, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for an

additional burst of flavor.

Additionally, I frequently substitute pine nuts with pistachio kernels or sea salted

pistachio kernels, particularly when I have pistachios from the Greek island of

Aegina.

Enjoying Your Salad!

A refreshing watermelon and feta salad, set beside a chilled bottle of a local rosé wine.

This salad captures the spirit of summer and is perfect for summer get-togethers or a light lunch. Serve it alongside grilled chicken for a full meal or savor it on its own as a vegetarian dish with some crusty bread . . . and . . . maybe a glass of wine.

Here's to enjoying the simple pleasures of summer with good food and great company! Cheers!