Summer is Here
Memorial Day Weekend feels like the official kickoff to summer here in Texas! Whether you’re laying by the pool or on a boat at the lake, you’re probably spending that Monday off from work and outside with friends. In the summer, I like to make meals that don’t involve heating up the oven or stovetop. The last thing we need is extra heat in the house! I prefer to stick to grilled meats atop hearty salads for dinner. I especially like the sweet and salty combo of fruit and veggie salads! The flavor combination is so refreshing while keeping you hydrated which is crucial in the Texas heat!
Savory & Sweet Can't be Beat
When watermelons come in season, I grab one and rush home to make my family’s favorite: Watermelon Salad. There’s just something about peak-season fruits that cannot be beat! This combination of watermelon, mint, feta, cucumber and lime juice is the perfect blend of savory and sweet. Everything is bite sized and easy for toddlers to eat independently! It tastes fabulous with grilled chicken, shrimp, beef kabobs, salmon… You get the picture! This dish is great to bring to potluck BBQ and tastes wonderful alongside potato salad and corn on the cob! You can add some extra crunch by adding a handful of chopped walnuts, cashews or pepitas.
Fresh basil makes a great substitute for the mint leaves if that is more your preference. I often like to add in avocado for some healthy fats or sliced jalapeño peppers for a little kick! If watermelon isn’t your thing, swap in sliced strawberries or nectarines. This salad is fabulous no matter how you slice it!
Ingredients:
- 1 small watermelon cubed, ~5 cups
- 1 large cucumber, diced, ~1 cup
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup torn mint leaves
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 lime, juiced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- Optional: 1 avocado, cubed
- Optional: handful of chopped walnuts, cashews or pepitas
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine oil, lime juice, mint leaves, and salt. Stir vigorously with a whisk for 30 seconds to infuse the oil with mint. Set dressing aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cubed watermelon and diced cucumber. Toss with dressing.
- Top with feta and optional toppings. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy alongside some delicious savory meat fresh off the grill!