- Prep
- 15 min
- Total time
- 15 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 180 kcal
Quick summary
“This salad combines the watery sweetness of well-chilled watermelon with the crunch of cucumber and the characteristic saltiness of feta cheese. Seasoned with fresh chopped mint, extra virgin olive oil, and a subtle touch of red pepper flakes, it is perfect for the hottest days of the year.”
What you need to know
- The watermelon and cucumber must be previously chilled to ensure the refreshing thermal sensation and keep the cubes firm.
- The crumbled feta cheese absorbs the lemon and olive oil vinaigrette, creating small points of salty creaminess in the dish.
- The mixture should be made gently with two large spoons so as not to break the fruit fibers or release excess water.
Ingredients
Main
- g Watermelon
- unit Large cucumber
- g Feta cheese
- cup Hortelã fresca
- tablespoons Tahiti lime juice
- tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- teaspoon Crushed red pepper
- Sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Principal
- In a large bowl, delicately combine the watermelon cubes and cucumber pieces. Ensure the ingredients are well chilled to maximize freshness. The professional technique is to handle the watermelon with care, as it is delicate and can release a lot of water if crushed.
- In a smaller bowl, mix the crumbled feta cheese with the chopped mint, lemon juice, olive oil, and calabrian chili (if using). Stir gently so the feta absorbs the flavors well. This small step greatly elevates the salad's flavor profile.
- Add the feta and mint mixture to the bowl with watermelon and cucumber. With the help of two large spoons, mix everything very gently so as not to crush the watermelon. The most important tip is to mix just before serving to preserve the texture and prevent the salad from getting watery.
- Taste and adjust salt and black pepper according to your preference. Remember that feta is already salty, so add salt sparingly. Serve immediately in a deep plate or bowl so the refreshing juices can be enjoyed. A final touch of fresh mint leaves enhances the look.
Chef's tips
- Remove the visible seeds from the watermelon before cutting into uniform 2-centimeter cubes to facilitate consumption.
- Use Japanese cucumber or remove the seeds from common cucumber with a spoon to avoid liquid accumulation at the bottom of the bowl.
- Add salt only at the time of serving, as salt dehydrates the watermelon quickly and feta cheese already has a high sodium rate.
Variations
- Add thin slices of red onion marinated for 10 minutes in ice water for crunch and mild spiciness.
- Add pitted black olives or kalamata olives cut in half to intensify the salad's Mediterranean profile.
- Finish with toasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds for an extra crunchy contrast.
Substitutions
- Feta cheese can be substituted with fresh goat cheese, aged Minas cheese, or smoked ricotta.
- Fresh mint can be swapped for fresh purple basil leaves or chopped cilantro for a different profile.
- Tahitian lime juice can be replaced with Sicilian lemon juice or white wine vinegar with moderate acidity.
How to store
Keep leftovers in the refrigerator in a container with a lid for a maximum of 24 hours. Drain the released liquid before consuming again.
Can it be frozen?
Do not freeze under any circumstances. Both watermelon and cucumber completely lose their cellular structure and become mushy after thawing.
What to serve with
Serve with grilled white meats such as fish fillet or chicken breast in olive oil, accompanied by crunchy pita bread slices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best part of the watermelon to use in the salad?
Use the center of the fruit, where the pulp is sweeter, denser, and crunchier, avoiding the whitish layer near the peel.
Can I use national queijo minas frescal instead of feta cheese?
Minas frescal cheese releases a lot of whey and has a mild flavor; prefer grated semi-cured Minas cheese or well-salted dry ricotta.
Is crushed red pepper essential in the preparation?
It is not mandatory, but a subtle pinch provides a spicy thermal contrast that breaks the sweetness and enhances the citrus flavor of the lemon.
How to prevent the salad from swimming in water at the bottom of the plate?
Cut the chilled fruits, remove the seeds carefully, assemble the salad at the time of serving, and season the dish only at the end.
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