Introduction
Experience the refreshing and delightful flavors of our Watermelon Cucumber Salad. This vibrant and delicious salad is perfect for summer gatherings or a light, healthy meal. Combining the sweetness of watermelon with the crunch of cucumber, the saltiness of feta, and the nuttiness of pistachios, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Watermelon Cucumber Salad, you will need:
- 75 g (2.6 oz) salted roasted pistachios
- 1 cucumber
- 2 ½ kg (5.5 lbs) watermelon (seedless)
- 150 g (5.3 oz) light feta
- 1 red onion
- 4 sprigs of mint
- 4 sprigs of parsley
- 1 clove garlic
- 5 tbsp light balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
- 8 slices of baguette
Nutrition Information
This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people. The nutritional information per serving is as follows:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 250mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pistachios
First, remove the pistachio kernels from their shells and chop them roughly. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Cucumber
Wash the cucumber thoroughly. If the skin is tough, peel it. Cut the cucumber into cubes of about 1 cm and place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Prepare the Watermelon
Cut the watermelon into slices. Remove the flesh from the peel, ensuring to remove any seeds if necessary. Cut the watermelon flesh into slightly larger cubes than the cucumber. Add the watermelon cubes to the mixing bowl with the cucumber.
4. Prepare the Feta and Onion
Dice the feta into small cubes and add them to the bowl. Peel the red onion and dice it finely. Add the diced onion to the mixing bowl.
5. Prepare the Herbs
Wash the mint and parsley sprigs, then shake them dry. Pick off the leaves and chop them finely. Add the chopped herbs to the bowl with the other ingredients.
6. Prepare the Garlic
Peel the garlic clove and chop it finely. Set aside for the dressing.
7. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the light balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and finely chopped garlic. Whisk in the oil slowly until the dressing is well emulsified.
8. Combine the Salad
Pour the dressing over the watermelon, cucumber, feta, onion, and herbs. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
9. Serve
Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle the roughly chopped pistachios on top for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately with slices of baguette on the side.
Tips for the Best Watermelon Cucumber Salad
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Balance the flavors: Adjust the salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a good balance of sweetness, saltiness, and acidity.
- Serve chilled: This salad is best served chilled, making it perfect for hot summer days.
Storing and Serving
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the watermelon may release some juice, so give the salad a good toss before serving again.
Serve this salad as a refreshing side dish with grilled meats, seafood, or as a light main course. It pairs wonderfully with chilled white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.
Conclusion
Our Watermelon Cucumber Salad is a true hit, combining fresh and vibrant ingredients that make every bite a delight. Whether you are hosting a summer party or looking for a healthy and tasty meal, this salad will not disappoint. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and crunchy in this delicious dish!