Watermelon, Ricotta Salata & Mint Salad

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I have never been a big fan of watermelon, and was asked to bring some to a summer bbq. What could I make with watermelon that would be different?

I remember trying this delicious salad last summer with yellow tomatoes, watermelon, basil and feta, and thought what a great combo. I loved the saltiness and sweet together.

I made a different version of that salad with ricotta salata (a dry, mild cheese, that resembles feta) and mint from my garden. I made a light dressing with honey, lime, red wine vinegar and lime zest and it was terrific.
Everyone raved.

I will be bringing this salad to every summer picnic from now on.



Watermelon Salad w/ Ricotta Salata & Mint:

2 small seedless watermelons, sliced, rind removed and cut into chunks or slices
handful of fresh mint leaves, cut into chiffonade
1/2 cup of ricotta salata cheese, sliced thin



Dressing:
3 tbsp of red wine vinegar
juice of 2 limes
2 tbsp of lavender honey
zest of the 2 limes



Arrange your watermelon pieces in a large bowl.



Add your dressing and mix lightly.

Add mint leaves and ricotta salata cheese.



Comments

kat said…
I discovered this kind of watermelon salad last year too, its so tasty & refreshing
Love those ingredients together! Yum!
Dana said…
What a perfect combo! I've made a salad with heirloom tomatoes, watermelon, feta, and mint before for my clients and they raved.
Anonymous said…
What a great idea, and pretty colors. I'd love this with feta!
Gloria P. said…
I love watermelon, thanks for sharing the recipe. I am building a cookbook with summer recipes and this will definitely be added. Thanks.
LaDue & Crew said…
What a neat combo- love it!
Sara said…
I havne't tried one of these sweet/savory watermelon dishes yet, I definitely want to. This looks so pretty!
Karen said…
Looks good... I made something similar a few weeks ago. Makes a nice summer salad.
Kerstin said…
How refreshing and what great flavors! I can see why it was a huge hit!
Yum.. I love mixing watermelon with savory ingredients in a salad. I did a nice one a year ago that had red onion and...well Ican't remember, but it was really good.

I love this. I have found a patch of swampland at my barn that has mint growing so abundantly that you can smell it from the road. I find this a boon and I am looking for plenty of new ways to use it.
Maria said…
I have an obsession with watermelon. I could eat a whole one! It is my favorite summer dinner. I will have to try it this way. Looks so good!! My mouth is watering now! Good thing we have one in the fridge!
~~louise~~ said…
Like a breath of fresh air your watermelon combination leaves me speechless. It exhilarating! Can a salad be gorgeous I wonder:)

I haven't had ricotta salata is ages. Ah, the Brooklyn Days...

Hope you had a GREAT time out east. The weekend weather made for the rained soaked week. I'm in PA!!!
~~louise~~ said…
I just checked my notes. July is National Watermelon Month. I'll be saving this link!
Culinary Cory said…
I have to admit I'm not a fan of watermelon either. However, I have a gigantic whole watermelon sitting on my counter that was leftover from a brunch I hosted last week. I have had no idea what to do with it. I really like your idea of adding the ricotta and red wine vinegar.
Ciao Chow Linda said…
This is a taste combo I haven't ever tried. I like all of those ingredients, so I have to give it a go. I love the mint addition especially. It looks so refreshing.
This combo was on my to make list for the summer, (we love watermelon!)but I was going to use feta, hmmm, I may have to try ricotta salada instead. Great idea!
Love this salty sweet combination!
noble pig said…
I love watermelon this way and what also works well is raspberry vinegar as well. It gives a good layer of flavor.
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