Skip to main content

Watermelon Salad

Here, watermelon gives up its usual place at the table as a fruit and goes to work in a role usually occupied by its cousin, the cucumber. The melon is a lovely foil for the salty feta, tangy onion, and tart vinegar. It makes a refreshing and unusual salad for any summer brunch, luncheon, or dinner.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6

Ingredients

1/2 small watermelon (about 5 pounds)
1 medium Vidalia or other sweet onion
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
6 whole mint sprigs, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cut the flesh from the melon and cut it into bite-size pieces, removing and discarding the seeds as you go; set aside. Peel and slice the onion into thin rings.

    Step 2

    In a bowl, combine the vinegar, a large pinch of salt, and a few liberal grindings of pepper, and whisk until the salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in the oil, a few drops at a time. Stir in the chopped mint, taste, and correct the seasonings.

    Step 3

    Combine the melon, onion, and feta in a bowl, pour the dressing over them, and toss gently until they are coated and evenly mixed. Garnish with the mint sprigs, or divide the salad among individual salad plates and garnish each serving. Serve at once.

Paula Deen's Kitchen Classics
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
No grill needed for this just-charred-enough sweet and spicy chicken.
Fontina and fried shallots make this diner-style omelet perfectly acceptable dinner fare.