Have I told you before that I do NOT like watermelon? Strange, right? It's not that I don't try to like it...I give a go every summer...to the same (no) avail. Unimpressive. That's my word for it. Boring. Sweet and watery. Probably the same qualities that endear it to countless others. When I hit the Farmer's Market, I always try the different varieties...in hopes I'll find the one that will reel me in...make me a believer. The ones with the delicate, pink flesh...the ones with the blazing, crimson flesh...even the ones with flesh as golden as the summer sun it was grown under. Nada. I don't hate it...it's more indifference than anything, I suppose. Sure, I've posted different things using watermelon as an ingredient before...and I'll do it again...because my husband and my daughter can easily split a watermelon between themselves and often do. Just the other day hubs held his belly and sort of groaned out the phrase "I feel like I just drank two gallons of water." Well, helllll-ooooo! Watermelon's like what- 97% water or something. Anyhoo...since I brought home a watermelon for the watermelon eaters, I decided to try something different with a bit of it...a simple salad from Bittman. It's served over an iceberg wedge...so this salad in mostly water. Sounds wet, huh? It's different, but it's light and perfect for a sweltering mid-summer day...with a glass of something fruity and alcoholic...to eat whilst waiting for something grilled and substantial...
Feta and Watermelon Salad
from Mark Bittman's Kitchen Express
Combine watermelon balls (or cubes...or ovals, like I used) in a bowl with crumbled Feta HOMEMADE! , sliced radishes, chopped fresh chives I used basil, actually, and a few drops of olive oil; toss well. Spoon over a crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce, making sure to use all the extra juices left in the bottom of the bowl.
Fin.
It didn't make me a convert...but it wasn't too bad.
I'm also submitting it to Reeni for her Side Dish Showdown for July.
And I'm sending it over to Melodie for Vegetarian Foodie Fridays.
By the way, I'm pretty sure that's what "they" are referring to when "they" say ...seeing the world through rose-colored glasses...
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Interesting! I'm also not really a watermelon fan... but I keep hearing about it being used this way. Maybe I'll have to give it a go!
ReplyDeleteCool picture through the rose colored glass!
ReplyDeleteI like watermelon, but I rarely buy it just because I feel like it's hard to get one that's ripe. I've always wanted to try the watermelon/feta combination. I can see how those two flavors and texture would work well together. It sure is pretty!!
lovely presentation!!
ReplyDeleteThat looks so cool and refreshing!
ReplyDeleteI make a similar salad in summer -- with watermelon, red onion and feta on a bed of greens. I love it!
Heather, you and I are so alike, but this is one spot where we differ. I ADORE watermelon and in the summer I eat it EVERY day! lol I have all the ingredients for this salad in my fridge right now and I am gonna make it for dinner tonight along with some left overs as both kids are out at a fair. Yep, cool beans!
ReplyDeleteI like watermelon! I don't like the mess and I don't like it's short life once cut...but i like the flavor. and I like to see how far I can spit the seeds. (except for when i screw up and they end up sliding down my chin.) This looks like a lovely salad! and I'd be happy to look through rose colored glasses of that sort any night LOL
ReplyDeleteomg Just posted my Watermelon and Feta salad. Same name, much different recipe. You'll have to take a look. Love this version with the iceburg lettuce.
ReplyDeleteI am a watermelon lover! We have 'candyland' watermelon here that tastes like cotton candy.
ReplyDeleteI just made a similar salad with cantaloupe and feta. I bet this is lovely with watermelon - so summery and refreshing. Thanks for sending it to Showdown!
Watermelon needs salt. Real crunchy salt. And then it is worth eating! I think that your homemade feta made this a winner anyhow!
ReplyDeleteI really like watermelon--as long as it is a sweet one. We have the little Thai ones here that are nice and sweet and perfect for me rather than the ginormous ones. I think watermelon and feta is a perfect combination--I like a little fresh basil and black pepper in it too. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I'm not the biggest watermelon fan either. It's just not sweet ENOUGH to be mind blowing and TOO sweet to be savory. It's complicated. And not in a good way.
ReplyDeleteThis salad, though, I think I could like. I mean...feta? Awesome no matter how you use it!
I've seen this feta watermelon combo before. But as much as I like a sweet and savory pairing, I've hesitated to try it. What's up with that? Gonna have to get my hands on a watermelon and give it a whirl!
ReplyDeleteYummy and colourful :)
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about posting an appoximation of thhis recipe - not Italian so don't. But I have to admit - I adore watermelon. And on a hot day - it quenches my thirst in the sweetest way. Your presentation is so pretty - one could hardly guess it's not your favorite fruit.
ReplyDeleteI love watermelon. Especially really sweet watermelon with really salty Bulgarian feta.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite quote is:
"Watermelon -- it's a good fruit. You eat, you drink, you wash your face."
Enrico Caruso
Adore the watermelon...and they are really good at this time of the year.
ReplyDeleteI've always been curious about this combo but I haven't been able to bring myself to try it. You make your own feta?...that's impressive
ReplyDeleteUmmm, does that look great! I have watermelon, I could make cheese, I think I will!
ReplyDeleteI'm gonna like you with the watermelon. It does look tasty(er) in that salad.
ReplyDelete~ingrid
I love that you left the lettuce intact. I think that really makes the photo and salad so appealing. Nice work! Thanks girlichef (and Bittman).
ReplyDeleteThe key is to drink several glasses of something fruity and alcoholic before you try something, everything tastes better after a few glasses of wine! LOL.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many foods and fruits I either don't like or thought I didn't like until I started experimenting with different recipes; blueberries, mangoes. I still haven't found a recipe that could get me to like the taste of banana and EGGS. Yuck! It's a mental exercise to ignore the fact the eggs are present in cupcakes and cookies.
I'm glad you never lose the desire to give something you know you don't like another go in different ways. That says a lot about you. =)
F.Y.I. You probably won't like one of my upcoming posts which will feature watermelon salad, watermelon sorbet and watermelon lemonade. LOL. =/
LOL, Ree!! You know, I've been known to drool over things I don't even like... HA! Seriously, I'm always willing to give it the old college try ;)
ReplyDeleteI have eaten feta with strawberry salads but not with watermelon, I am trying to picture the flavors in my mouth but am having trouble. I think both are almost out of season now but maybe I will be able to find a decent watermelon and try this.
ReplyDeleteWatermelon and feta are such strong tastes.
ReplyDelete