Savory Watermelon Salad?
I'm jonesing for some watermelon today and wish to try something new.
I just found this at Simply Recipes: Watermelon Salad with Feta or Cotija.
It could work. Has anybody tried a savory watermelon salad? If not, do you think you'd enjoy such a thing?
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15 Comments:
I made this for the first time last summer. I used the feta cheese. I thought it was fantastic .. serve it icy cold!
NanaJoie at 12:43PM on 07/19/08
Been there. Done that. Over it. The watermelon/feta thing is so 2 years ago and it truly makes me want to wretch.
If you don't use big chunks of feta, the little ones disolve into the juice of the melon and make this murky almost a little slimy sauce which is...well, gross.
I make a lime/mint simple syrup with a touch of cayenne in it and drizzle it over ice cold chunks of seedless watermelon. I have, also on occasion, added tequila to that mix with great success.
Now I really want a grilled hot dog, potato salad and mint melon.
Such is life.
ChelleyD01 at 12:45PM on 07/19/08
I remember my Gran used to make a watermelon and feta salad with mint when we were little - about 25-30 years ago:-). I don't remember it being slimy at all (as a child, I was very aware of textures and slimy would not pass - I wouldn't eat mushrooms and aubergines for that reason, so I would remember). I guess it depends on the type of feta you use and/or how long you let it stand before you eat it.
In any case, I did love it a lot when I was little, but haven't made it myself in about 10 years, perhaps because I don't care much for watermelon any more.
brooke29 at 1:12PM on 07/19/08
@ChelleyD01: Two years ago, eh. I'm obviously way behind "the wave." Anyway, I agree that a slimy feta/watermelon sauce would be yucky.
I wonder if a less crumbly cheese would work better . . . like halloumi.
Actually, I recently caught an episode of "Jamie at Home" on FN where he served fresh strawberry salad with pan-seared halloumi, purple basil and speck. It looked fabulous.
Susquehanna at 1:25PM on 07/19/08
Ha ha. I think most Serious Eaters are afraid of watermelon salad.
Susquehanna at 5:22PM on 07/19/08
nigella lawson made this salad on one of her older shows that was shown on the Style Network (for all I know, it was probably shown on Food Network too). I enjoy this salad in the summer because it's really refreshing. I guess i must be old fashioned as well. sue me for being behind on food trends.
french tart at 7:16PM on 07/19/08
I make a watermelon salad with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, lime juice, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste. It's very yummy in the summertime and so easy!
onespicymama at 9:04PM on 07/19/08
Sounds good to me. You might want to try a dry feta instead of one packed with liquid. Might cut down on the slime factor, or leave the feta out. I like to make fruit salsas and it is very good when made with watermelon. Just make sure to serve cold.
Michigander at 12:00AM on 07/20/08
There is a Mexican dish with chunks of mango, watermelon, cucumber, jicama, and pineapple. You add red chile powder and lime juice as I remember it. Does anyone know the name? I had it once at an informal Mexican wedding reception. Someone said you can get it on the street in Los Angeles. It tasted great on a very hot evening.
Blue Iris at 12:46AM on 07/20/08
I add watermelon to my grandmother's radish salad recipe, and it is delicious. Just thinly sliced radishes, thinly sliced onion, diced fresh tomato, salt, minced garlic, pepper, finely chopped fresh basil, lemon juice, safflower oil
and a little parsley. I think I'm going to make some today!
laurakitty at 1:32PM on 07/20/08
I am afraid to try any type of Watermelon Salad. Not goin to lie. I blame Sam from Top Chef...Anyone see that episode where he made that Blue Cheese and Watermelon thing? It looked gross and the judges said it was awful (I believe Gail said it made her nauseous). But, maybe I should give an exception...I do love Watermelon and have both on hand....
Butrflygirly at 3:18PM on 07/20/08
Not gonna try it. I am a watermelon purist.
izatryt at 3:49PM on 07/20/08
Watermelon and feta. Yum!
I didn't us the recipe above, but I got a 2"x2"x1" piece of cold feta (patted dry) and placed in the middle of a small dish. I covered it with six cold 1"x1"x1" pieces of watermelon, sprinkled a handful of tart wild blackberries around (picked yesterday) and added a grind of black pepper.
No slime. No wretching. Just surprise and enjoyment.
@Butrflygrily: I dislike a lot of blue cheeses, so I'm probably with Gail regarding Sam's dessert. Seriously, you might like watermelon and feta. I was a little scared of the combo, too! A little courage paid off.
Susquehanna at 9:59PM on 07/21/08
@Susquehanna - I told you I didn't remember any slime:-)
brooke29 at 10:31PM on 07/21/08
@brooke29: You were so right. It's gooooooood. And I will try it with mint next time.
Susquehanna at 10:48AM on 07/22/08