The Perfect Summer Salad

This is one easy side salad you’ll want to serve at all your summer barbecues. (Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Audrey Davis, Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer)

Here’s a salad recipe to make at the height of summer, when watermelon and cucumbers are at their juiciest and most flavorful. Feta adds the perfect creamy, salty, and tangy edge, and mint makes this salad taste even brighter.

Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad

Active Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

Serves 6

• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 5 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 1 English cucumber, chopped
• 6 ounces feta cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint

Whisk vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl; gradually whisk in oil until completely incorporated.

Combine watermelon, cucumber, feta, and onion in a large bowl. Gently stir in 1/2 cup of the vinaigrette. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Just before serving, gently stir in mint; drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette.

Recipe nutrition per serving: 219 Calories, Total Fat: 16 g, Saturated Fat: 6 g, Cholesterol: 25 mg, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Fiber: 1 g, Total Sugars: 12 g, Added Sugars: 2 g, Protein: 5 g, Sodium: 362 mg, Potassium: 267 mg, Phosphorus: 127 mg, Iron: 1 mg, Folate: 24 mcg, Calcium: 164 mg, Vitamin A: 958 IU, Vitamin C: 28 mg, Vitamin D: 5 IU.

By Pam Lolley