Refreshing Watermelon Feta Medley with Olives
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with this Refreshing Watermelon Feta Medley with Olives. This delightful salad combines sweet, juicy watermelon chunks with tangy feta cheese and briny black olives, elevated by the aromatic addition of fresh mint and parsley. The red onion soaked in lime juice mellows the flavor, giving a perfect balance to this colorful dish. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish, this salad not only pleases the palate but also celebrates the freshness of seasonal ingredients. Share it with your loved ones and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite.
N/A
Servings
38
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
red onion
1 small (peeled and sliced into thin half-moons)
limes
2-4 (juiced)
watermelon
48 ounces (flesh removed, rind and seeds discarded, cut into 1.5-inch chunks)
feta cheese
9 ounces (cut into similar-sized pieces as the watermelon)
flat leaf parsley
1 bunch (chopped (optional))
mint
1 bunch (chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
3-4 tablespoons (to taste)
pitted black olives
4 ounces (whole or sliced)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Peel the red onion, cut it in half, and slice it into very thin half-moon shapes. Place these slices in a small bowl and squeeze the juice of two limes over them. Allow the mixture to steep for about 15-20 minutes to mellow the onion flavor and soften the texture.
2
While the onions are steeping, prepare the watermelon. Remove the rind and any seeds if necessary. Cut the watermelon into approximately 1.5-inch triangular chunks or use a melon baller for a fun presentation.
3
Next, cut the feta cheese into similarly sized pieces and set aside.
4
In a large, wide shallow bowl, combine the watermelon chunks and feta. Add the chopped fresh mint and, if desired, sprigs of parsley for added color and flavor.
5
Once the onions are ready, pour them along with the lime juice over the watermelon and feta mix. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and add the pitted black olives.
6
Using clean hands, gently toss the salad to combine the ingredients without breaking the feta or watermelon pieces.
7
Finish with a few grinds of black pepper. Taste the salad and adjust the acidity by adding more lime juice if necessary.
Nutrition Information
2.2g
Fat
3.6g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Watermelon Feta Medley with Olives?
It is a vibrant summer salad that combines sweet watermelon chunks with tangy feta cheese, briny black olives, and fresh herbs like mint and parsley.
What are the main ingredients in this watermelon salad?
The main ingredients are red onion, limes, watermelon, feta cheese, flat leaf parsley, mint, extra virgin olive oil, pitted black olives, and black pepper.
How do you prepare the red onion for this recipe?
The red onion should be peeled, cut in half, and sliced into very thin half-moon shapes before being soaked in lime juice.
Why should the onions be soaked in lime juice?
Soaking the onions in lime juice for 15-20 minutes helps mellow their flavor and soften their texture.
How long should the onions steep in the lime juice?
The onions should steep for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
What is the recommended size for the watermelon chunks?
The watermelon should be cut into approximately 1.5-inch triangular chunks.
Can I use a melon baller for this recipe?
Yes, using a melon baller is suggested as a fun alternative for the watermelon presentation.
How should the feta cheese be cut?
The feta cheese should be cut into pieces that are similar in size to the watermelon chunks.
What kind of olives are best for this medley?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of pitted black olives, which can be kept whole or sliced.
Which fresh herbs are used in the salad?
The recipe uses one bunch of chopped fresh mint and one bunch of optional flat leaf parsley.
Is the flat leaf parsley mandatory?
No, the flat leaf parsley is optional but recommended for added color and flavor.
What type of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How should the salad be tossed?
The salad should be tossed gently using clean hands to combine ingredients without breaking the feta or watermelon.
Can I adjust the acidity of the salad?
Yes, you can taste the salad and add more lime juice if necessary to reach your preferred acidity level.
Is this Refreshing Watermelon Feta Medley vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 38 calories per serving of this salad.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This salad contains 2.2g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 3.6g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
This recipe provides 1g of protein per serving.
What kind of pepper should be used?
Freshly ground black pepper is used to finish the salad.
Is this salad suitable for barbecues?
Yes, it is described as an ideal side dish for picnics and barbecues.
How many limes are needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 to 4 limes, depending on your taste for acidity.
What is the total amount of watermelon required?
You will need 48 ounces of watermelon flesh.
How much feta cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 9 ounces of feta cheese.
Are the black olives supposed to be pitted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using pitted black olives.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, light meal and side dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this salad.
Can I use white onions instead of red?
The recipe specifically calls for a small red onion to provide a specific flavor balance.
What is the difficulty level of this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as easy, making it accessible for any cook.
In what order should the lime juice and onions be added?
The onions and lime juice should be added to the watermelon and feta after they have steeped for 15-20 minutes.