Ah, the classic salad—a harmonious blend of textures, flavours, and sometimes questionable life choices like adding kale instead of watercress. But fear not! If the thought of munching on rabbit food has you reconsidering your culinary ambitions, let me introduce you to a salad that will make you feel like a gourmet chef without the need for a Michelin star: Watercress, Feta & Watermelon Salad.
As the summer sun still blazes in August, there's nothing quite like enjoying a light, refreshing salad that captures the essence of the season's vibrant flavours. One of my favorite go-to recipes is a Watercress, Feta & Watermelon Salad. This salad not only delights the eyes with its beautiful colors but also tantalizes the taste buds with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and peppery flavors. Let's dive into why this salad is a must-try.
But, why Watercress, Feta, and Watermelon?
1. Watercress: A Nutritional Powerhouse: Watercress is often hailed as one of the most nutrient-dense leafy greens out there. This peppery salad green is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as being a good source of calcium and iron. Its crispy texture adds a delightful crunch to the salad, while its slightly spicy flavor balances the sweetness of watermelon perfectly.
2. Feta Cheese: Creamy & Tangy Delight: Feta cheese lends a creamy, tangy contrast to this salad, enriching it with protein and calcium. The salty flavor of feta complements the freshness of the other ingredients, making each bite a joyous celebration. Plus, it’s versatile—whether you want something crumbly or more decadent, feta can do it all.
3. Watermelon: Nature's Sweet Treat: Nothing feels more refreshing on a hot August day than a juicy slice of watermelon. This hydrating fruit is a true summer staple, full of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. Not to mention, its sweet juiciness balances out the pepperiness of the watercress and the saltiness of the feta, creating a wonderful harmony of tastes.
And there you have it! A Watercress, Feta & Watermelon Salad that’s as playful and refreshing as a splash of water on a hot day - and much more socially acceptable than running through a sprinkler in your living room! The next time you need to impress at a potluck or just want to eat something that screams "sunshine and happiness," this salad is your go-to.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp sunflower seeds
475g rindless watermelon, cut into 1cm cubes
150g crumbled feta cheese
75g watercress sprigs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp chopped oregano
2 tbsp sunflower seeds
475g rindless watermelon, cut into 1cm cubes
150g crumbled feta cheese
75g watercress sprigs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp chopped oregano
Instructions:
1. Heat a small frying pan over high heat. Add the sunflower seeds and shaking the pan continuously, dry-fry for 2 minutes, or until they are toasted and lightly golden.
2. Place the watermelon, feta and watercress leaves in a large serving dish and toss gently to combine.
3. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice and chopped oregano in a small jug and season to taste with a little salt and ground black pepper (don't use too much salt as the feta is already quite salty).
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss together well. Scatter with the toasted sunflower seeds and serve.
So, go ahead, indulge in this salad and give kale side-eye, because you’ve officially leveled up your salad game. Bon appétit, salad aficionados - may your taste buds thank you!