When reading Ina Garten’s new cookbook, Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?: Fabulous Recipes & Easy Tips, I was saddened to read in the headnote of her Watermelon and Arugula salad recipe (page 65) that she did not like the combination of watermelon and feta. Oh, how sad because I love the combination of watermelon and feta, and I love Ina Garten. But I am going to have to respectfully disagree with her on this one. The first time I tried the sweet and savory combination of juicy red watermelon with the salty soft flavor of the feta, I was hooked. I would never have though to pair these ingredients with each other yet they work harmoniously and not as strange as the Barefoot Contessa would have you to believe.
She has this wonderful salad recipe using watermelon, arugula, lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. But my heart is totally devoted to watermelon and feta. And since we’re going with feta, I think adding a few slivers of red onion, a few other types of greens would make this the perfect light lunch for me today, wouldn’t you agree?
So what I have for you is a great refreshing salad using watermelon in a creative way. Don’t be scared or hesitant about pairing feta with this summer time fruit. Be bold and daring – you’ll be so glad you tried this. Perhaps, the combination of these ingredients will win your heart over like it did mine a few years ago. Enjoy!
- 3 cups mixed greens (find a mix with a little arugula for a nice spicy bite)
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons thinly sliced red onions
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- Wash mix greens and spin dry. Divide the greens between two plates. Top each plate with watermelon, feta cheese, and red onions. Drizzle olive oil and squeeze lime juice on top of each salad. Garnish each salad with a sprinkle of basil, salt, and pepper.
First time to your web site. the mixed green salad with watermelon is very refreshing. I used spinach and added a little cilantro. Thanks for the post.
This is so healthy to have such food. Watermelon, carrot and Red Capsicum will add good health.
I’ve totally been craving peaches lately. Sounds so delicious!
Comfortably, the post is really the sweetest on this precious blog.
She has this wonderful salad recipe using watermelon, arugula, lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Thanks for such a great post, I am totally impressed! Keep stuff like this coming.