Spicy Watermelon Feta Stacks with Zesty Chile Vinaigrette
Experience a delightful fusion of flavors in this Spicy Watermelon Feta Stacks with Zesty Chile Vinaigrette. This vibrant salad brings the sweetness of ripe watermelon together with creamy, salty feta, all enhanced by a kick of heat from fresh serrano chiles. Dressed in a tangy vinaigrette made with lime juice, champagne vinegar, and aromatic thyme, every bite feels refreshing and invigorating. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light dessert, this dish is a true celebration of seasonal produce that will impress your guests and awaken your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 cup (none)
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
champagne vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh thyme
2 teaspoons (chopped)
shallot
1 small (minced)
serrano chili
1 (stemmed and sliced into small half-rounds)
salt
to taste (none)
watermelon
1 small, seedless (rind removed and sliced into 3-inch squares)
feta cheese
1/3 lb (wedge sliced 1/8 inch thick (approximately 12 slices))
arugula
1 bunch (none)
sliced serrano and lime
to garnish (none)
Instructions
1
In a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, champagne vinegar, chopped thyme, minced shallot, and sliced serrano chile. Shake well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
2
Season the vinaigrette with salt to taste, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Meanwhile, prepare the watermelon by removing the rind and slicing the flesh into 3-inch squares, creating a playful presentation.
4
To assemble your salad, place a piece of watermelon on a serving plate, followed by a slice of feta cheese. Continue layering the watermelon and feta alternately until you have the desired height, creating beautiful stacks.
5
Drizzle the chilled serrano chile vinaigrette over the assembled stacks and garnish with fresh arugula and additional sliced serrano chiles for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Watermelon Feta Stacks with Zesty Chile Vinaigrette?
It is a vibrant fusion salad that combines sweet watermelon with creamy, salty feta cheese and a tangy serrano chile dressing.
What are the primary flavor components of this recipe?
The dish features a balance of sweetness from watermelon, saltiness from feta, heat from serrano chiles, and tanginess from lime and champagne vinegar.
How do you prepare the vinaigrette?
Combine olive oil, lime juice, champagne vinegar, chopped thyme, minced shallot, and sliced serrano chile in a jar and shake well.
How long should the dressing chill before serving?
The vinaigrette should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How should the watermelon be cut?
The watermelon should have the rind removed and the flesh sliced into 3-inch squares for a playful presentation.
What type of feta cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a 1/3 lb wedge of feta cheese sliced approximately 1/8 inch thick.
How do you assemble the stacks?
Place a square of watermelon on a plate, top with a slice of feta, and continue layering alternately until the desired height is reached.
What garnishes are used for this dish?
The stacks are garnished with fresh arugula, additional sliced serrano chiles, and lime.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a perfect refreshing dish for summer gatherings or as a light dessert.
What kind of vinegar is used in the vinaigrette?
The recipe specifically calls for champagne vinegar.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of olive oil for the vinaigrette.
Which chile provides the heat in this recipe?
Fresh serrano chiles are used to provide the spicy kick.
Can this be served as a dessert?
Yes, the description notes it can be served as a light dessert due to the sweetness of the watermelon.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What herbs are included in the dressing?
The dressing includes 2 teaspoons of fresh chopped thyme.
Is the watermelon seeded or seedless?
The recipe recommends using 1 small seedless watermelon.
How do you season the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette is seasoned with salt to taste after mixing the other ingredients.
What type of citrus is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What aromatics are added to the dressing?
One small minced shallot is used as an aromatic base in the vinaigrette.
How many slices of feta are typically needed?
The recipe suggests approximately 12 slices of feta cheese.
What is the texture of the feta in this recipe?
The feta is described as creamy and salty, providing a contrast to the crisp watermelon.
How is the serrano chili prepared for the dressing?
It should be stemmed and sliced into small half-rounds.
Does the recipe require cooking?
No, this is a raw assembly recipe that only requires chopping and mixing.
Is the arugula mixed into the salad?
No, the arugula is used as a garnish on top of the assembled stacks.
How do you mix the vinaigrette ingredients?
The ingredients are placed in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid and shaken well.
Can I substitute the serrano chile?
While the recipe calls for serrano for heat, you could use a milder pepper like jalapeño if preferred.
How big is the watermelon used?
The recipe specifies using one small watermelon.
What is the visual appeal of this dish?
The dish is designed to be a beautiful stack of alternating colors with a pop of green from the arugula.
Is the lime juice fresh or bottled?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What is the role of the shallot in the vinaigrette?
The minced shallot adds a subtle, savory depth to the zesty chile vinaigrette.