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.
Oh Yum! Perfect for my wish list! Please post more like this one!
Delish. Love watermelon and feta in salads! Thanks for sharing!
Oh Yum! Perfect for my low carb diet! Please post more like this one!
Looks fresh and great!!!
I look forward to trying this recipe. I never would think to combine watermelon and feta but the pictures looks great.
Watermelon and feta? Interesting combo… I’ll have to try that!
I love anything with watermelons and watermelon salads are at the top of my list these days. If Ina created it, it has to be sensational. This past month I’ve posted a watermelon salsa and watermelon layered salad both so refreshing. With so many health benefits we should all be loading up on watermelons.
Thanks for the post and beautiful photos.
Looks great. Salad is my most favorite.
I have all the ingredients making this to go with our dinner tomorrow.thanks!
certainly looks delish…I’d be a willing participant in a taste test!!
I love your photos in every single one of your posts! I think you make every recipe look tasty!
This one I am particularly excited to try because watermelon, mint, goat cheese and balsamic is one of my very favorite salad combinations. YUMMY!
Although your photos are delicious, I have to agree with Ina on this one. I am not a fan of the watermelon/feta combination. I tried Nigella Lawson’s version a couple of summers ago and don’t plan on repeating it.
It’s 12:30 am and you have me craving watermelon and feta cheese. This sounds just perfect!
I love this salad and never get tired of it. It just makes my mouth happy every time I eat it. 🙂
Just had this for supper tonight, with grilled trout and asparagus. I am SO addicted to watermellon right now (major pregnancy craving lately!) I’ve never thought of pairing feta with watermelon, but the sweet-salty combination is a big hit I think. I will definitely be adding this to my summer salad repetoire. Thanks for the idea!
Yum! What a fresh looking salad! Love this idea.
I bet my mom and sisters would side with you in a heartbeat. They all salt their watermelon before enjoying it, so the addition of feta and watermelon to a salad is right up their alley.
This looks so refreshing, Alice! Admittedly, I’ve never had watermelon and feta together but since I’ve got all the ingredients needed, I’m totally making this tonight for dinner…perhaps with a piece of grilled chicken on the side. Thanks for the inspiration!
Watermelon and feta are made for each other as far as I’m concerned.
Gorgeous salad! I love Ina, too, but I agree with you: watermelon and feta are incredible together.
Beautiful photos! You make salad look so good!
This is one of my favorite salads. Love it! It just screams summer.
Looks great! I just posted a very similar recipe last week- Ina’s watermelon feta salad, in fact!
One of the yummiest salads I’ve ever had was watermelon, red onions and tiny fried feta balls, drizzled with balsamic. I’ve been searching for a similar recipe for years!
Ooohh, I am sure I will love this combination!! Im gonna get some watermelons and try this salad soon!