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Home » Fresh Watermelon Salad

Fresh Watermelon Salad

July 11, 2012 42 Comments


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Watermelon is simply just one of the best things to enjoy in the summer!    

There is nothing quite like biting into sweet, cold, juicy watermelons!    As a child I remember my father taking us to nearby produce stands where there were huge tin water troughs filled with ice and watermelon.  Wow, just like a cold beer in a ice-filled beer tub!   I pity anyone who lacks a memory of eating a slice of ice cold watermelon . . . simple with nothing added!  Yea, now that’s summer eaten’!

However, for a recent gathering with friends, I prepared a heavenly watermelon with goat cheese salad, a sweet and savory combination that is so delicious you may not stop eating it!  I know that this combo sounds really weird, but all of the different textures and flavors combine perfectly and the balsamico vinegar lends a nice kick to smack those taste buds of yours!

A day or two ahead, marinate your goat or feta cheese (I use goat cheese because I find it more mild and so it soaks up all the herbs and olive oil more genuinely; plus my husband hates feta cheese . . . remember he’s still “Mr. Meat and Potatoes”). . . I mean after all . . . feta?  Nothing but cheddar or mozzarella cheese for my guy!  Yet reluctantly and surpisingly he enjoyed his one bite of this salad and then proceeded to cut that tried-and-true slice of watermelon to enjoy while I noshed on this salad.

This is superb and I highly recommend this incredible watermelon salad!

And as with all recipes, to achieve mouth-watering results, please remember to use quality ingredients:    extra virgin olive oil instead of regular olive oil (unless specified), freshly ground black pepper instead of already ground pepper, freshly ground sea salt instead of regular salt, etc.

It really makes a difference in the end-resulting flavors and final dish.  You’ll be so glad that you did!

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at our local produce stand:   a ‘refrigerated’ trailer full of cold, sweet watermelons!
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the goat cheese happily marinating in all of the herbs, spices, and olive oil
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Watermelon Salad with Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Vinaigrette

Watermelon Salad with Herb Marinated Goat Cheese Vinaigrette

Ingredients

  • Fresh watermelon cut into 1 - 2" cubes
  • 1 small roll of goat cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh herbs, finely chopped (basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 3 tsp. red chili pepper flakes
  • 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil, broken into pieces by hand
  • Balsamico vinegar -- to drizzle on salad

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinaded goat/feta cheese at least 2 hours earlier than serving the salad.
  2. In a clean glass jar, pour the oil into it.
  3. Add the chopped feta/goat cheese.
  4. Add all chopped fresh herbs.
  5. Add red pepper flakes and minced garlic.
  6. Gently, very gently swish the cheese cubes around in the marinade.
  7. Place in the frig to chill for 2 hours.
  8. Just before serving, cut watermelon into cubes.
  9. Sprinkle the marinaded cheese cubes over the watermelon cubes.
  10. Drizzle with balsamico vinegar or pass it around to guests.
© Roz

 

 
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Fresh Watermelon Salad

 
 
 
 
Stay Cool ! 
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Previous Post: « Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Cheesy Breadcrumbs, Garlic and Basil
Next Post: Wild Mushroom Agnolotti in Basil Pesto Butter »

Reader Interactions

 

I read each and every comment and respond to questions asap, so ask away!  As I always say, “If you’ve made a recipe, please take a photo and I’ll be happy to share your experience and photo of the recipe with all of us in this blog community!”

The kindness of giving a thumbs up 5-star rating is greatly appreciated!

~ Roz

Comments

  1. Adrienne says

    July 11, 2012 at 2:21 PM

    They’ve got baby watermelons on sale here. I’m making this tomorrow as soon as I get some goat cheese at Costco. I’m out of feta, too.

    Have you ever made homemade “pepperoni”??

    I’m going to try this recipe next week.

    http://www.tammysrecipes.com/tammys_spicy_pepperoni

    Hubby has out-of-town students coming for intensive lesson sessions this weekend and I thought it might be a bit rude to have this in the oven for 8 hours while they’re here. heh

    Reply
  2. Kitchen Belleicious says

    July 11, 2012 at 2:47 PM

    feta and watermelon are perfect together. the salad looks gorgeous and amazing

    Reply
  3. Angie's Recipes says

    July 11, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    Oh yes, watermelon and feta..they are definitely perfect together!

    Reply
  4. Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti says

    July 11, 2012 at 3:36 PM

    Oh Roz, this is one of my favorite summer time salads! Its sweet and savory combination is so good.

    Watermelon is very refreshing –I can’t get enough of it this time of the year!

    Reply
  5. anniebakes says

    July 11, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    Do you think this would be good with mozzarella as well? IF so, I am for sure making this!! anne

    Reply
  6. Cakeyboi says

    July 11, 2012 at 4:27 PM

    This looks delicious – makes me feel very summery just looking at it! Pity the weather here in Scotland isn’t the same

    Reply
  7. Bella Michelle says

    July 11, 2012 at 4:41 PM

    Oh my stars, it look so good and perfect for these hot days!

    Reply
  8. Ellen B Cookery says

    July 11, 2012 at 5:44 PM

    I love your photos. This recipe is a keeper. YUM!

    Reply
  9. Ciao Chow Linda says

    July 11, 2012 at 6:19 PM

    I’ve never tried mixing watermelon with feta, but so many people rave about it, and your photos look so enticing. I’ve got the feta, now I’m off to get some watermelon.

    Reply
  10. Roz says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    Oh Adrienne, you’ve got to try this salad; I hope and think that you’ll enjoy! It’s so surprising!

    Reply
  11. Roz says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Jessica, you’re right . . . who would have thought?

    Reply
  12. Roz says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Angie, I’m a slow learner and needed to find out first hand how delicious this pair is!

    Reply
  13. Roz says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:46 PM

    Pat, I don’t know why I never have heard of this combo before, but I am so glad that I’ve finally discovered it!

    Reply
  14. Roz says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:47 PM

    Annie, I think that mozzarella would do fine, especially for those palettes (such as my husband) who prefer more mild flavored cheeses! Please let me know what you think!

    Reply
  15. Roz says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    Hey there Cakeboi! So glad that you joined in the chat here! Scotland is my kind of place right now; we’re boiling and I need some cool temps! Enjoy Scotland, a place that hubbie and I dream of visiting someday!

    Reply
  16. Roz says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:49 PM

    Bella, you’re spot on . . . it IS perfect for these hot days and NO heat-oriented cooking is involved at ALL! WOW!

    Reply
  17. Roz says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:50 PM

    thank you Ellen; I am honored by your super compliment! I agree, it’s a keeper!

    Reply
  18. Roz says

    July 11, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    LInda, oh my gosh, you’ve SO got to try this; I was hesitant to try also . . . . until I added the balsamico and I just went to heaven!

    Reply
  19. Anne @ Domesblissity says

    July 12, 2012 at 2:14 AM

    Why is it everytime I read one of your blog posts Roz, I’m left drooling? Honestly! LOL This looks so good and right up my alley.

    Anne xx

    Reply
  20. Lizzy says

    July 12, 2012 at 6:27 AM

    Roz, this looks fabulous!!! We’re having such a hot, dry summer… a cool and delicious salad would hit the spot! Beautiful, too.

    Reply
  21. Joanne says

    July 12, 2012 at 6:54 AM

    I love how you changed this salad up with goat cheese instead of the usual feta. Delicious and utterly addictive! It truly is one of summer’s best!

    Reply
  22. Roz says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:25 AM

    Anne, I leave your blog the exact same way! Very hungry!

    Reply
  23. Roz says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:26 AM

    Lizzy, you’d love this with your incredible taste! I hope that you get some rain soon in the Midwest!!!!

    Reply
  24. Roz says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:26 AM

    Joanne, thanks so much, you’re one incredible foodie who continues to inspire me!

    Reply
  25. Adora's Box says

    July 12, 2012 at 8:54 AM

    I can’t appreciate the beauty, taste and texture of watermelons. Every bite makes me gush. This is indeed a great salad, Roz.

    Reply
  26. Roz says

    July 12, 2012 at 9:31 AM

    Adora, gush away with this salad! It’s gush-worthy indeed!

    Reply
  27. The Orange Bee says

    July 12, 2012 at 9:43 AM

    I am making this tonight! I just bought a watermelon yesterday – hope it’s a sweet one. SOunds delicious and refreshing.

    Reply
  28. [email protected] says

    July 12, 2012 at 10:12 AM

    WoW! Roz…this looks so good. The most refreshing summer salad! You have such a cool farmers market, too! Great pictures! And I’m going to try this over the weekend! : )

    Reply
  29. bellini says

    July 12, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    This is such a refreshing salad for these “dog days of summer”. I like the fact that the feta is marinated prior too.

    Reply
  30. Patti says

    July 12, 2012 at 10:45 AM

    I can just imagine this flavor combo! What would we do without balsamic!

    Reply
  31. Rosa's Yummy Yums says

    July 13, 2012 at 4:14 AM

    So summery! That salad must taste wonderful. I love that tasty dressing/marinade!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  32. LindyLouMac in Italy says

    July 13, 2012 at 2:50 PM

    We have not had much watermelon yet this year, I like the idea of eating it with the cheese.

    Reply
  33. Maureen @ Orgasmic Chef says

    July 13, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    It’s definitely not watermelon season in Australia but I could cheerfully pay extra food miles to try this salad this weekend. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Linda says

    July 14, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    Hi – I linked this recipe to a post about Caprese Salad on The Orange Bee. I haven’t posted yet but will on Monday if not before. Hope you don’t mind…My salad is a bit different from yours and the other two I linked up. All delicious for sure!

    Reply
  35. Roz says

    July 14, 2012 at 2:28 PM

    Val, I enjoyed I too ( mrarinate)!

    Reply
  36. Roz says

    July 14, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    Hey Limdy, you
    do get some, ya gotta try it!

    Reply
  37. Roz says

    July 14, 2012 at 2:58 PM

    Maureen , you must really, really enjoy
    watermelon yo do that!!!

    Reply
  38. Roz says

    July 14, 2012 at 8:35 PM

    Thanks Linda, I’ll stop by and check it out on MOnday! Be well, Roz

    Reply
  39. LunaCafe says

    July 14, 2012 at 10:10 PM

    Looks so refreshing, can’t wait to try it! …Susan

    Reply
  40. lorik says

    July 15, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    Looks delicious! Great photos too – love the colour.

    Reply
  41. foodporn.net says

    July 16, 2012 at 4:31 AM

    Hi Roz 🙂
    Based on your delicious watermelon salad photos, we’d like to invite you to submit your food photos on a Food Photography site so our readers can enjoy your creations.
    It is absolutely free and fun to make others hungry!

    Reply
  42. Karly says

    August 4, 2013 at 7:55 PM

    Nothing beats a good summer watermelon, this salad looks wonderful! Thanks for linking up with What’s Cookin’ Wednesday!

    Reply

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Welcome!

Welcome!

Ciao, I'm Roz!
From my family's kitchens and restaurants in the U.S. and Italy, I share classic, delicious recipes . . . and always served with 'amore'! I'll help you master the art of cooking with easy to follow instructions and cooking tips. Get ready for the compliments! Buon Appetito!

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