Author Notes
There is nothing I can think of that is better to eat on a hot humid summer day than fresh watermelon. It is like a sip and a bite all in one. That is why I think that for summer picnics and cookouts, watermelon is a must. Here, it is combined with feta cheese, red onion, cucumber, and pistachios and then tossed in a simple vinaigrette. It seems like an odd departure from a simple slice of melon, but the flavors go together beautifully. —Waverly
Ingredients
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6 tablespoons
extra virgin olive oil
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6 tablespoons
aged balsamic vinegar
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kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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2 cups
cubed and seeded watermelon
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1/2 cup
red onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup
peeled, seeded, and diced cucumber
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1/4 cup
raw pistachios, coarsely chopped and lightly toasted
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1 tablespoon
finely chopped fresh basil or flat leaf parsley
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1/4-1/2 cups
crumbled feta cheese
Directions
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MAKE THE VINAIGRETTE: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar and whisk until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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MAKE THE SALAD: In a large serving bowl, combine the watermelon, red onion, cucumber, pistachios, and herbs.
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TOSS AND SERVE: If you will be taking the salad on a picnic or otherwise waiting to eat it, place the vinaigrette and salad in separate "to go" containers and place in cooler. When you are ready to serve, toss the watermelon mixture with desired amount of vinaigrette. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Serve immediately.
Waverly used to be a lawyer and is now a mother 24/7. She has made a commitment to cooking for her family and absolutely loves it even when her family does not. She is teaching them, one meal at a time, to enjoy wholesome homemade food. She abhors processed food but recognizes its insidious nature and accepts the fact that her children will occasionally get some Skittles, Doritos, or the like. Her philosophy and hope is that if she teaches them well at home, they will prefer wholesome healthy foods when they go out into the world without her.
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