Try this refreshing summer salad that you can assemble in just 10 minutes. It is a delicious combo of sweet juicy watermelon with salty creamy feta, fresh mint and a sprinkling of lemon zest, which really brings out the flavours. It’s delicious on its own but also makes a great side for a BBQ, or a perfect picnic salad.
 
 
 
 
Prep: 10 minutes
Serves 2
Suitable for vegetarians
 
 

Ingredients

45ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 tsp Tabasco sauce

1 lemon – zest & 1tbsp juice

200g watermelon, cubed

2 handfuls of rocket (or other salad leaves if preferred)

100g feta cheese

Small sprig of fresh mint, leaves coarsely chopped (approx. 10g)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. In a bowl, first make the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, Tabasco, lemon juice and half the zest. Season lightly to taste with salt and pepper. (Go easy with the salt at this stage as feta can be quite salty).
2. Add the watermelon chunks and toss gently.
3. Line a serving bowl with the salad leaves, then add the watermelon and dressing.
4. Just before serving, cube or crumble the feta on top. Sprinkle over the chopped mint and remaining lemon zest. Drizzle a little olive oil and finish with a good grind of black pepper. Serve immediately with fresh crusty bread.

 

Feta Cheese

Feta is a Greek cheese made from sheep’s milk (or a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk). If you’re not keen on goat’s cheese, Odysea make a creamy 100% sheep’s milk feta (sold in Waitrose). Feta cheese is stored in brine and has a distinctive salty, tangy taste. If you prefer, run it under cold water before using to remove the extra saltiness. It is a very versatile cheese, which can be baked or barbecued on a kebab skewer, crumbled over salads, or stirred into pasta. Delicious!
 

More summer salad recipes:

Courgette and Prawn Summer Salad

Superfood Salad

Asparagus, Pea & Feta Salad