This refreshing summer salad uses a sprinkling of feta to bring out the sweetness in the cool watermelon. The balsamic vinegar glaze, which you can buy or make, layers on another salty-sweet component that adds a richness and elegance to the salad.
Healthwise, watermelon is 92 percent water. It also contains a fair amount of vitamins A and C.
Shopping tip: You can purchase balsamic glaze in a bottle by the vinegars in the grocery store, or you can make your own by bringing 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey to a low boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer 20 to 30 minutes or until the mixture is reduced by half. Cool. Cover and store in the refrigerator. This is also excellent as a glaze on grilled salmon or in salad dressings.
Watermelon Salad With Cucumber, Feta and Mint
3 1/2 cups chilled, seedless watermelon cubes (cut into bite-size pieces)
1 medium English cucumber, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Scatter the watermelon evenly on a medium serving platter. Add cucumber and mint evenly over watermelon. Sprinkle with feta cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Nutrition information: Each of four servings contains approximately 82 calories, 3 g protein, 2 g fat, 13 g carbohydrate, 6 mg cholesterol, 82 mg sodium and 2 g fiber.
Food on 09/07/2016