Feta, Basil and Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Reduction.
This is my new favorite summer salad. It is simple to make and makes a great presentation for entertaining. The unlikely combination of feta and watermelon are fantastic. You can also substitute mint for the sweet basil and turn it into more of a “dessert” salad.
8 slices watermelon 1/4 in thick, cut to match feta slices
8 slices feta cheese cut as thin as possible, but still able to hold together
12 large sweet basil leaves
Balsamic Reduction:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
4 cloves
1/3 cup port wine
3 tsp honey
Add all ingredients to small pan and simmer on low until reduced. About 15 min, allow to cool.
Drizzle reduction on bottom of chilled salad plate. Alternately layer basil, watermelon and feta. Drizzle more reduction if desired. You can also play around with the order and quantities of ingredients stacked. I personally like 2 watermelon slices for every feta slice. Serves 4.
PaniniKathy | August 27th, 2008 at 10:32 am #
Love the presentation on this one - almost like a watermelon sandwich! Sounds incredibly flavorful.
Nate | August 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm #
That’s pretty nifty. I think some cracked black pepper would go nicely with that.
brilynn | August 27th, 2008 at 1:39 pm #
I could see how that would easily become a favourite, it looks awesome!
G | August 27th, 2008 at 3:38 pm #
Wow that salad look gorgeous! Never thought of using watermelon. My grandfather is a very important person in the watermelon business and I can tell you that he would be proud to see folks using watermelons so creatively! THUMBS UP!!
Joanna in the kitchen | August 29th, 2008 at 2:45 am #
One of my favourite salads. Your version is beautifully served. It looks great. And this combination of colours. Great, great and great!
jen | November 9th, 2008 at 8:35 am #
I don’t care how many websites try to sell me on this idea that watermellon and feta would taste good together, I almost gag at the very thought. Sorry.