An easy and elegant oven-free side for the summer
This recipe is refreshing, versatile, and nearly foolproof, which is why it’s one of my go-to’s for summer dining. It’s perfect for entertaining outdoors – or in – on any hot day when cooking is just out of the question! The best part? It’s only five ingredients.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Watermelon, cut into small cubes
- Feta cheese, cut into the same size cubes (or a bit smaller)
- Mint or basil (you can use either, depending on your taste)
- Olive oil (always choose quality over quantity with olive oil, especially one that you’re using for dressings; buy the best quality you can afford)
- Balsamic vinegar (play around with different types, like aged balsamic, fig, and other subtle flavors; I used an aged fig balsamic for this side)
Ok, and you’ll need salt and pepper – but those don’t count towards the five!
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Here’s how to bring it all together…
First, cube your watermelon and feta cheese into similarly sized cubes (feta can be a bit smaller). Next, julienne (cut into thin strips) your basil or mint. You can use either one depending on the taste you’re going for. I used mint in this salad. Both are very different, so try a bite of each before you commit to the entire salad.
Finally, drizzle over the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Remember that a little balsamic goes a long way. Finish with freshly ground salt and pepper and enjoy!
You can serve this dish in so many different ways depending on the occasion.
For a quick weeknight meal, stack everything up like a salad (like the one pictured throughout this post) and serve.
For a side, alternate the watermelon cubes, feta cubes, and basil or mint leaves on a bamboo kebab skewer. Top with salt and pepper and serve on a large white platter (like this one) with dipping bowls (like these) of olive oil and balsamic.
For an appetizer, use toothpicks. Alternate the watermelon cubes and feta cubes, winding the strips of basil or mint around, then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic.
Happy summer entertaining!
This post contains affiliate links, but all products mentioned are tried and true Magnolia Stripes favorites.
