Mediterranean Watermelon & Feta Salad with Zesty Ouzo Dressing
Brighten up your summer gatherings with this vibrant Mediterranean Watermelon & Feta Salad. Perfectly sweet seedless watermelon pairs beautifully with the creamy saltiness of reduced-fat feta cheese, while fresh mint and tender red onions add a burst of flavor and color. Dressed with a zesty cocktail of red wine vinegar, olive oil, and ouzo, this salad is refreshing and sophisticated, making it an exceptional addition to any Mediterranean meal on a hot day. Enjoy this salad as a delightful side dish or a light main course that embodies the essence of summer.
4
Servings
62
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Seedless watermelon
1 1/3 kg (rind removed, cut into thin wedges)
Fresh mint leaves
1 cup (washed and torn)
Red onion
1/2 (cut into thin wedges)
Reduced-fat feta cheese
50 g (thinly sliced (Clover Creek brand recommended for Australians))
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Ouzo
1 tablespoon
Salt
to taste
Fresh ground pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the ouzo dressing: In a medium-sized jug, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, and ouzo until well combined. Season the dressing to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper. Set aside.
2
Next, take your seedless watermelon and cut it into thin wedges, removing the rind. Arrange the watermelon pieces on individual serving plates or in a large serving bowl.
3
Sprinkle the fresh mint leaves and red onion wedges over the watermelon, allowing the flavors to mingle.
4
Thinly slice the reduced-fat feta cheese and gently place the slices on top of the salad.
5
Finally, drizzle the prepared ouzo dressing generously over the salad just before serving for the freshest flavor. Enjoy it immediately for the best taste and presentation.
Nutrition Information
3
Fat
1.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mediterranean Watermelon & Feta Salad with Zesty Ouzo Dressing?
It is a refreshing and sophisticated summer salad featuring seedless watermelon, reduced-fat feta, fresh mint, and red onions with a unique dressing made from red wine vinegar, olive oil, and ouzo.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 62 calories.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Mediterranean Watermelon & Feta Salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What are the ingredients for the ouzo dressing?
The dressing is made from 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of ouzo, salt, and fresh ground pepper.
How much watermelon is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 kg of seedless watermelon with the rind removed.
What kind of feta cheese should I use?
The recipe recommends using 50g of thinly sliced reduced-fat feta cheese; Clover Creek brand is specifically suggested for those in Australia.
How should the red onion be prepared?
Half of a red onion should be cut into thin wedges to be sprinkled over the watermelon.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving has 3 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this salad?
There is approximately 1.5 grams of protein per serving.
How should the watermelon be cut?
The watermelon should be cut into thin wedges after the rind has been removed.
When should I add the dressing?
You should drizzle the prepared ouzo dressing generously over the salad just before serving for the freshest flavor.
What type of mint is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of fresh mint leaves, washed and torn.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
While you can prep components, it is best to assemble and dress the salad immediately before serving for the best taste and presentation.
How much ouzo is needed for the dressing?
One tablespoon of ouzo is needed to create the zesty dressing.
What if I don't have ouzo?
Ouzo provides the signature Mediterranean flavor, but if unavailable, you can omit it or use a small amount of anise-flavored extract as a substitute.
Is this dish considered a main course or a side?
It can be enjoyed as a delightful side dish or as a light main course, especially on hot summer days.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including the seasoning.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar for the dressing.
How do I prepare the mint?
The mint leaves should be washed and then torn before being sprinkled over the watermelon.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is preparing the ouzo dressing by whisking vinegar, olive oil, and ouzo in a medium-sized jug.
Should the feta be crumbled or sliced?
The recipe specifies that the feta cheese should be thinly sliced and placed on top of the salad.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, the dressing should be seasoned to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper.
What makes this salad 'Mediterranean'?
The combination of feta, mint, olive oil, red onion, and ouzo are classic Mediterranean flavors.
Is seedless watermelon necessary?
Seedless watermelon is recommended for the best texture and ease of eating in this salad.
How much olive oil is in the dressing?
The dressing requires 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much feta cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses 50 grams of reduced-fat feta cheese.
What is the best way to serve the salad?
Arrange the watermelon on plates or a large bowl, top with mint, onion, and feta, then drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy, fresh, and light, with only 62 calories per serving.
What is the purpose of the ouzo in the dressing?
The ouzo adds a sophisticated, zesty, and slightly anise-flavored kick that elevates the watermelon and feta combination.