This salad can be describe as fresh, summer, juicy and oh so delicious! This salad is one of favourite fruit salad with halloumi and feta cheese and drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette!
Watermelon is one of those fruits that speaks SUMMER, well it does for me! Growing up in a large family on a farm, Dad would bring in from the field the first ripe watermelon and we would all sit down and embrace the moment with each bite of sweetness and we watch the juices run down our faces and then we would all start laughing!! Those times were the BEST!!
Now, when melon is in season, we can’t resist buying our first watermelon and bring back those precious moments we so love!
WHAT MAKES THIS SALAD SO DELICIOUS
First and foremost, watermelon is one of those fruits that is so quenching, sweet and super delicious, that it’s hard to stop eating. I didn’t have to nor wanted to add maple syrup or honey to my vinaigrette for that reason.
The blueberries are added for many reasons, one for the rich colour, the irresistible flavour and the super food I have grown to love since a teenager.
I often add cucumber to my salads for the crunchy texture, delicious flavour and because it’s so nutritious. It’s high in antioxidants, regulates blood sugar, promote hydration and loaded with vitamins and minerals. So by combining watermelon and cucumbers, you are sure to be hydrated.
I love my fresh herbs when I can add them to my summer dishes. They are so tasty and vibrant in texture and freshness. Both mint and basil are a great combination to add to this salad. I added more basil, as mint can be overpowering if too much is added.
Cheese, what can say, everyone, well, most people love cheese. It can really enhance the flavour of a dish, whether it’s melted, grilled or crumbled on to. By adding both feta and halloumi cheeses, it was a perfect marriage. They are similar in flavour but different in texture.
The balsamic vinaigrette has only a few ingredients, but enough to create a tangy yet sweet salad. I hope you give this recipe a go, you will love it as much as I did! Promise 🙂
HOW TO MAKE THIS DELICIOUS SALAD
Watermelon tends to lose some of it’s liquid once it’s cut and I suggested to let the watermelon rest for 20 minutes to allow this water/liquid to release from the watermelon. Then discard the extra liquid that’s sitting at the bottom of the bowl. Add sliced cucumber and set aside. If you don’t have mini cucumbers, then I would cut the English cucumber in fourths, so cut in half then cut it again, into fourths, for bite size pieces.
Whisk together the vinaigrette in measuring cup or small bowl, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lime, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Halloumi cheese is optional. I have made this recipe with and without the halloumi cheese and I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed it either way. If you choose to add it, then slice the cheese and add it to a grill or you can easily pan-fry it as well. I would then add about 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to a small skillet, once warmed, add the cheese and pan-sear it for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove and allow to rest on paper towel before cutting. For grilling: Preheat the grill and spray or coat with oil. Brush the halloumi with olive oil, then add to the grill and leave for 4-5 minutes on each side. Carefully remove and once cooled, cut into bite size pieces. Then add the cut halloumi to the salad along with crumbled feta cheese.
Drizzle half the vinaigrette to the salad, then arrange the salad on a serving plate. Pour the remaining vinaigrette to the salad. Serve it with grilled meat, poultry or fish. Enjoy! 🙂
This salad would impress anyone who you would serve it to! It’s fresh, colourful, crunchy, chewy and oh so yummy! I have always recommended to use good quality extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Both of these can make a huge difference in flavour and texture to this salad.
STORING
Once vinegar comes in contact with watermelon, it tends to break down and it loses it’s freshness. So I recommend you enjoy this salad the same day or the most the day after.
MORE DELICIOUS SALADS
Summer Watermelon and Berry Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Equipment
- large bowl
Ingredients
Salad:
- 3 cups watermelon, cut in cubes
- 3/4 cup blueberries
- 1 cup mini cucumber, sliced
- 4 oz grilled or pan-seared halloumi cheese, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped, extra for garnishing
- 4 tbsp fresh basil, sliced plus extra for garnishing
Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Using a large bowl, add the cut watermelon and set aside for 20 minutes. Then discard the extra liquid that's sitting at the bottom of the bowl. Add blueberries, cucumbers, chopped mint and basil. Set aside.
- Whisk together the vinaigrette in measuring cup or small bowl, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lime, salt and pepper. Drizzle half the vinaigrette over the watermelon, blueberries and cucumbers and gently coat. Transfer to serving dish or platter. Set aside.
- Optional: to add halloumi cheese, preheat the grill and spray or coat with oil. Brush the halloumi with olive oil, then add to the grill and leave for 4-5 minutes on each side. Carefully remove and once cooled, cut into bite size pieces.
- Drizzle the remaining half the vinaigrette to the salad, add the cut halloumi and crumble feta cheese. Garnish with mint and basil leaves. Serve with grilled meat, poultry, or fish. Enjoy!
