[ recipe ] :: stupid easy watermelon and feta salad

It's a little past watermelon's peak-season, but here in Georgia you can find it on sale until mid to late September. This recipe was inspired by a dish my mom made on Labor Day weekend (I think she got it from Southern Living magazine), but I simplified it a lot. If you haven't noticed yet, I like recipes that have just a few flavorful ingredients and are easy to make.

So easy, in fact, that you say, "gah! I am so stupid for not thinking of that first." Hence, this recipe is stupid easy.

I love the combination of sweet, juicy watermelon, pungent feta, tangy balsamic vinegar, and crisp, peppery arugula. We have served this at a dinner party before and our guests were a little shocked by having watermelon in such a savory salad, but after a few bites they changed their minds! Everyone will be gobbling this dish up.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh watermelon, cubed into 1-2" pieces
4 oz feta cheese
4 cups lettuce - romaine, mesclun greens, arugula, or a mix (my favorite is arugula!)
1/4 cup balsamic glace (I used Colavita)
A healthy drizzle of olive oil
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, layer lettuce, watermelon, and feta cheese. Drizzle on olive oil and balsamic glace, and dust with ground black pepper. Toss just before serving.

I lightened-up this recipe by changing the dressing to a pre-bottled balsamic glace and olive oil. Don't skimp on the oil, though! Watermelon contains a ton of lycopene and vitamins, both of which need a healthy fat in order to be absorbed during digestion.

This salad is delicious with grilled seafood, steak, or burgers, and makes a great light (but filling!) meal. Fair warning - this salad does not keep well, so eat it all at once! It shouldn't be too difficult.

Enjoy!

- Maggie White