Watermelon and Feta Salad

[DaisyM]

I just got two packages of Pastures of Eden feta at Trader Joe's. It is absolutely delicious and now I'd like to figure out other things to make with it besides greek salad and Israeli cous cous salad.

I've never tried a watermelon salad and would love to give it a shot. Does anyone have a great recipe that includes feta? Any hints on making the salad (how far in advance, etc) would be most appreciated.

Thank you!

[valerie]

I really wanted to like this salad, but as I stated in another thread, I made it for my 4th of July party and I didn't like it, and most of my guests didn't either. Maybe I did something wrong, but I doubt it. Not because I'm such a fabulous cook, but because Nigella's recipe is so easy. The watermelon itself was so juicy and delicious, it was almost a shame to mix it with anything else.

I don't know, I just didn't get it.

[operagirl]

Hi Valerie --

I haven't tried Nigella's recipe, I've only had watermelon with feta and chives, no other ingredients. Maybe this simpler version would agree with you more?

[scubadoo97]

Valerie there are big differences between available feta cheeses. Some of the grocery store ones are very dry, bitter with very sour off tastes. I'm a fan of French and Bulgarian Feta or "white cheese" to those that cry these are not true feta cheeses. Commercial "feta" can also be made from sheep, goat and even cows milk. Again some of these may not be thought of as true feta by definition.

[operagirl]

Yes! My favorite is Bulgarian sheep's milk feta. It's so creamy and wonderful.

[operagirl]

Just figured I'd bump this thread as a reminder -- watermelon is in season and this combination ROCKS! I simply cut up watermelon into bite-sized pieces, then topped it with Bulgarian sheep's milk feta and chives snipped from the garden. Awesome.

http://operagirlcooks.com

[ChristinaMason]

Thanks! I am eager for some good watermelon and feta now!

[foxy fairy]

Here's a link to some enthusiastic discussion around the Nigella watermelon feta salad mentioned by ziggylu above, from when we cooked from Forever Summer for Cookbook of the Month a couple of years ago. A whole giddy bunch of us were raving about that salad! Her recipe includes mint, parsley, red onions marinated in lime juice, and a little olive oil. I like the simplicity of the dressing -- just a BURST of flavors! I like it served very very cold. ICY.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/4169...

[vcavett]

I love really thinly sliced red onions on my watermelon / feta salad - and sometimes chopped black olives.

[raygunclan]

my daughters and i were just watching "next food network star" and one of the contestants made this salad. the panel wasn't a fan and he then told them that he got it out of a paula deen cookbook. i thought that bobby flay was going to send him home for that alone! (c:

[maria lorraine]

I regularly use the Pastures of Eden in Watermelon Salad. I melon-ball the watermelon,
crumble the feta, add in a couple of good handfuls of arugula and spritz with a balsamic reduction. Heaven.

[moh]

Maria Lorraine, when you say balsamic reduction, do you just mean you reduce some balsamic until it thickens? Or can you use aged balsamic that is already pretty thick? And no EVOO?

[janeh]

I just combine watermelon, cucumber, feta and a little fresh mint - no dressing at all. Perfect and refreshing on a hot summer day.

[maria lorraine]

Hi, Moh. Here's what I do:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/5077...

[moh]

Thank you Maria Lorraine! I have this feeling I am going to love the reduced balsamic on the feta. That combined with refreshing watermelon is a recipe perfect for the hot weather we are finally having.

[maria lorraine]

I forgot to add: a light dusting of freshly cracked pepper.

And, to gild the lily, a *small* touch of mint chiffonade.

[CreativeFoodie42]

I think the key is to use a combination of good balsamic and EVOO because the feta and the watermelon really highlight those two ingredients.

[scubadoo97]

agreed

[ziggylu]

I really like Nigella's recipe for watermelon feta salad: http://www.nigella.com/recipe/recipe_...

[mcel215]

I second Nigella's recipe.

[oakjoan]

I was just about to post when I saw ziggylu's mention of the great Nigella recipe for watermelon and feta salad. And thanks for posting the link to the recipe. I'm sure this recipe is to be found several times in the past couple of years, but this is so much more convenient!

[Cinnamon]

OK, I hate doing this but: I tried that recipe and really didn't like it - it ended up just 'meh' to me. Sure, it could have had to do with the potency of the ingredients or whatever, and I know I'm outvoted here.

[ola]

I third the nomination. I've made Nigella's salad countless times and it is always wonderful.

[lynnlato]

I love watermelon and feta salad! A local Greek/Mediterranean resto near me makes this. They toss the chunks of watermelon w/ Feta, arugula, pine nuts, shaved fennel & shallots, and champagne vinaigrette. I think a simple balsamic vinaigrette would be just as tasty.

I wouldn't make it too far in advance - at least not dressed. I think you would be fine to toss the greens, cheese, fennel, nuts together, chunk the watermelon in a separate container and then toss all together in the dressing a half hour before serving.

Its a great summer salad. Enjoy.

[hotoynoodle]

it's not something that holds well, because the melon weeps so much.

i like it pretty simple, just the melon, feta, black olive and mint with a little olive oil.

feta is also nice whipped with roasted garlic; as a garnish on orzo salad; or on flatbread pizza with sauteed mushrooms and black olives.

[DaisyM]

Do you put the feta and roasted garlic in a food processor to whip it? It sounds like such a great idea!

[hotoynoodle]

yup. killer easy. you'll likely need a little olive oil to "loosen" it.

it's great on toasted bread or on pasta.

[scubadoo97]

Don't need too much of a recipe. For a nice presentation stack alternating planks of watermelon and feta. Season with some very good EVOO/balsalmic or balsalmic reduction or sherry vinegar and basil. Lemon basil is my favorite for this. You can also cube them and toss with herbs and dressing.