Monday, June 25, 2012

Watermelon and Feta Salad

When I first had this salad a few years ago, I was so intrigued.  "Combining watermelon and feta and olives and onions and mint!!  Wow!  That's different," I said to myself. Or maybe I said it out loud.  Either way, I found it unique.

It was my stepdaughter who brought the fixings for this salad for a visit one weekend.  She had just got a new cookbook by Nigella Lawson and was anxious to share this salad recipe..  "Unbelievably good," she declared. She was right. And Mr. Rosemary agreed, too.

Nigella's approach to food is very sensual.  She clearly loves to prepare food and enjoy it herself and with others. Her recipes are delightful to read and she is just as delightful to watch on television, especially as she sneaks into the refrigerator at night in her bathrobe to sample a bit of today's fare.

But I didn't copy the recipe when Renae brought it, so when I decided to make it, I had to search it and found that there really are lots of version of this salad.  Paula Deen adds red wine vinegar and doesn't include olives and Ina Garten adds arugula, orange juice and honey.  (I'm sure I'd like that, but my arugula isn't quite ready yet.)

In the end, I went back to Nigella's.  But I couldn't resist making my own little tweak and added blueberries, since I am once again blessed with a bounty.

I really love this combination of flavors, and it's so pretty.  Wouldn't it be a great Fourth of July picnic addition?


Watermelon and Feta Salad with Olives and Onion
based on Nigella Lawson's
Serves 4
1 small red onion
2 limes
4 cups cubed watermelon
1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles
bunch fresh flat leaf parsley leaves
bunch of fresh mint, chopped
1 cup small black olives
1 cup blueberries
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Slice the red onion thinly and chop.  (Or as Nigella describes, "cut into very fine half-moons.") Place in a small bowl and toss with the juice of two limes.  (This helps to cut the pungency of the onions.)  Meanwhile, cut the watermelon into chunks and place in a large bowl.  Add the onion, including the lime juice. Add the feta, whole leaves of parsley, the chopped mint, the olives and the blueberries.  Drizzle with the olive oil and toss gently to cover.

23 comments:

  1. I love every single bit of this salad! So fresh, summery and DELICIOUS!

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  2. Hello dear! Well goodness, this salad looks fabulous. I've recently been introduced to the wonders of watermelon and salty cheese. It is so very good! Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Someday, Monet, you'll have to share with me the wonders of flour -- I've got cheese down pat!

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  3. Yes, it would make a great 4th of July salad! Or 5th of July, or 6th of July, or 7th of July...

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    1. You're right, Jen -- I think I first had this in September!

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  4. Rosemary I love this combination of flavors too! There is something so satisfying about the refreshing watermelon with the salty cheese and the mint always adds a lively note to a salad;-)

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    1. I was thinking bleu cheese would work, too, Patty.

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  5. Love, love, watermelon, and feta salad...haven't made it in one year. I love your addition of the yummy blueberries, otherwise mine was made almost exactly like yours!

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    1. I hadn't realized that this salad was already becoming a classic!

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  6. Rosemary, I'd be thrilled to open a picnic box and find this delectable salad within. Love the watermelon/feta combination - it's sweet/salty, smooth/crumbly, cold/sour, in short, WOW!

    (p.s. thanks for your lovely meatball compliment :) )

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    1. I love foods that combine a lot of textures and tastes, too.

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  7. This is a salad I plan to make every summer, but still have not! Maybe I was just waiting for your delicious version with blueberries added...so beautiful!

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    1. I've got lots of blueberries, so using them in different ways is almost a necessity (turned into a treat.)

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  8. This looks so fresh and summery...I just bought a Nigella cookbook because everyone raves about them. What a great-looking salad. I wonder how it would taste if I added some grapes that mysteriously appeared in my CSA box.

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  9. What a combination! I am also intrigued! This looks so summery. When the weather gets hotter where I live, I will definitely try this out!

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    1. Four days ago, it was in the 60s -- today we're looking at 95. Seems like you can have all food all seasons!

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  10. Hi Rosemary -- I read your note on Dianne's post and just want to make aquaintance because I'm Rosemary too! Your blog is lovely, beautiful photos and stories. I make watermelon salads all summer, often with cucumber and feta. Love the addition of blueberries -- where do you live that you have the lucky abundance?

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    1. Nice to meet you, too! I just read your post about cooking frozen fish -- and you are lucky to have all that great Alaskan fish! Great site you have. Would you believe I have a sister named Rita?

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  11. This salad is so ideal in this hot weather. YUM!

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  12. Oh yea, this is one great salad alright! I've made something similar without the blueberries! I'm sure that they are a perfect addition! Love your blog Rosemary!

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