Refreshing Watermelon Salad: The Perfect BBQ Side Dish
When it comes to summer BBQs, there's one dish that always
steals the show and satisfies everyone's cravings for something sweet, juicy,
and refreshing: watermelon salad. This vibrant and mouthwatering salad is a
delightful combination of crisp watermelon, tangy feta cheese, refreshing mint,
and a zesty citrus dressing. Get ready to impress your friends and family with
this simple yet irresistible recipe that celebrates the best flavors of summer.
Ingredients:
- 1
small seedless watermelon
- 1
cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2
cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4
cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Juice
of 2 limes
- Zest
of 1 lime
- 2
tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt
and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare
the watermelon:
- Start
by cutting the watermelon in half and then into smaller, manageable
wedges.
- Remove
the rind from each wedge and cut the flesh into bite-sized cubes.
- Place
the watermelon cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- Add
the flavors:
- Sprinkle
the crumbled feta cheese over the watermelon.
- Toss
in the chopped mint leaves and thinly sliced red onion.
- Make
the citrus dressing:
- In
a small bowl, combine the lime juice, lime zest, extra-virgin olive oil,
salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Whisk
the ingredients together until well blended.
- Dress
the salad:
- Drizzle
the citrus dressing over the watermelon mixture.
- Gently
toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill
and serve:
- Cover
the salad bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes
to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before
serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Garnish
with a few fresh mint leaves for an extra pop of color.
- Enjoy:
- Serve
the watermelon salad chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside your
favorite BBQ meats, grilled veggies, or as a standalone summer snack.
- The
combination of sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic mint
will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
Tips:
- Choose
a ripe watermelon: Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size,
has a uniform shape, and has a deep, hollow sound when tapped.
- Experiment
with variations: Consider adding other ingredients such as cucumber
slices, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of chili flakes to add a touch of
heat.
- Adjust
the flavors: If you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add a drizzle of honey
or a sprinkle of balsamic glaze to balance the flavors.
Watermelon salad is the quintessential summer BBQ side dish
that embodies the season's vibrant flavors. With the perfect balance of
sweetness, tanginess, and freshness, it's no wonder this dish has become a
crowd favorite. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or attending a
potluck, this refreshing salad is sure to make a lasting impression. So, grab
that juicy watermelon, get creative with the toppings, and let the flavors of
summer shine through in every bite.