Watermelon Salad

Watermelon salad is a fresh and delicious dish, ideal for hot days. Here is a variant with an Italian touch.

Ingredients

• 500 g of watermelon (seedless)
• 150 g of feta
• 1 small red onion
• Pitted black olives (to taste)
• Fresh mint (to taste)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by cutting the watermelon into cubes, removing the rind and seeds if necessary.
2. Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a less intense flavor, you can soak the slices in water and vinegar for 10 minutes, then drain them.
3. Cut the feta into cubes similar in size to the watermelon.
4. If using black olives, slice them into rounds.
5. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta, red onion, and black olives.
6. Tear the mint leaves with your hands and add them to the salad. Tearing them will help release the essential oils contained in the leaves, adding more aroma to the dish.
7. Dress everything with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and, if desired, a few drops of balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity.
8. Season with salt and pepper to your personal taste.
9. Mix gently to avoid breaking the watermelon and feta cubes.
10. If desired, you can garnish with fresh basil for an additional touch of color and freshness.

Serve this salad cold as an appetizer or as a light main course. It is also perfect for a picnic or a packed lunch.

Fun Fact

This salad is an example of how Italian cuisine often takes advantage of contrasting flavors; in this case, the sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the salty taste of the feta. If you don’t have feta, you can also use goat cheese or another soft and slightly salty cheese.