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Ingredients
- 8 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 large lime)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Optional: 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- Optional: 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon. Begin by cutting your seedless watermelon into uniform 1-inch cubes. If your watermelon has seeds, be sure to remove them. Place the watermelon cubes in a large mixing bowl. For easier and safer cutting, consider using a specialized watermelon slicer and corer.
Step 2: Add Feta and Mint. Crumble or cube the feta cheese over the watermelon. Add the freshly chopped mint leaves. This combination is the heart of the Turkish flavor profile, offering a delightful contrast to the sweet fruit.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, red wine vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The quality of your olive oil truly shines here, so invest in a good one!
Step 4: Combine and Toss. Pour the dressing over the watermelon, feta, and mint mixture. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. If using, now is the time to add the optional Kalamata olives and thinly sliced red onion for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Chill and Serve. For best results, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve cold in a beautiful salad serving bowl for an impressive presentation.
Watermelon Salad — The Turkish Restaurant Version Sweeping Social Media
Ingredients
- 8 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 large lime)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Optional: 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- Optional: 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Instructions
- Begin by cutting your seedless watermelon into uniform 1-inch cubes. If your watermelon has seeds, be sure to remove them. Place the watermelon cubes in a large mixing bowl. For easier and safer cutting, consider using a specialized watermelon slicer and corer.
- Crumble or cube the feta cheese over the watermelon. Add the freshly chopped mint leaves. This combination is the heart of the Turkish flavor profile, offering a delightful contrast to the sweet fruit.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, red wine vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The quality of your olive oil truly shines here, so invest in a good one!
- Pour the dressing over the watermelon, feta, and mint mixture. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. If using, now is the time to add the optional Kalamata olives and thinly sliced red onion for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- For best results, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve cold in a beautiful salad serving bowl for an impressive presentation.
FAQ Section
Can I make Turkish Watermelon Salad ahead of time?
What kind of feta cheese is best for this salad?
Can I add other fruits or vegetables to this salad?
Conclusion
This Turkish Watermelon Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s easy to see why this vibrant dish has captured hearts globally, becoming a social media darling and a staple in Turkish restaurants. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, looking for a light lunch, or simply want to try something new and exciting, this salad promises a burst of refreshing flavors. So go ahead, grab a watermelon, some feta, and fresh mint, and experience the deliciousness for yourself. For more incredible recipes that blend tradition with modern flair, explore the vast collections on Food Network Recipes and AllRecipes.
