This watermelon and arugula salad is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way this summer!
I could list the reasons why I love summer all day, but the fresh product I find at farmers markets at Chicago is at the top of the list. Growing up, I was never a fan of watermelon. I felt like they never had enough flavor and I was always craving something stronger when I was eating it. I now realize I wasn’t eating the melon when they were at their peak, and I’m so sad that I was missing out on this delicious fruit for so long!!
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I attended a Feastly dinner with Fabio Vivani the other night.
The menu was incredible. So well executed and thoughtful. He came out and explained each dish from the hand made pasta to the braised short ribs and red wine risotto.
I’m so fortunate to attend so many culinary events around the city. I use it as inspiration to create my own dishes that the every day cook can make at home. I know with everyone’s busy lives and families that it’s almost impossible to get the kids together and go out to a romantic dinner, or even a casual dinner most nights, so I wanted to make each dish accessible to you. Because honestly, a lot of the dishes you have in restaurants around you can be easily made at home!
So pull out your apron and come on this culinary journey with me!
Fabio and his team made the most incredible watermelon salad with honey, calabrian chili yogurt and feta, and it inspired me to make a watermelon salad of my own! I just LOVE arugula, and I wanted to pair the sweetness of the watermelon with the peppery kick of this leafy green. I of course used my favorite brand, Gotham Greens, because they make the best herbs around! This Watermelon and Arugula Salad may be my new summer favorite!
What does arugula taste like?
Arugula has quickly become my favorite leafy green. I put it on my breakfast sandwiches, and always use it as a salad base. It has a unique “peppery” taste, with a little spice at the end. It is best served in summer salads with a vinaigrette dressing.
The leaf itself is thin in texture, and it has a little crisp to it as well. Unfortunately it doesn’t last long, so make sure you use it when it’s fresh! It is strong enough to stand up to most dressings, and that’s what makes it a perfect base for this watermelon and arugula salad!
Why does sweet and salty taste so good together?
I wanted to keep the salad simple because of the bold flavors of the arugula. I think the sweetness of the watermelon and blueberries really compliments the peppery flavor of the arugula. The addition of salty feta just brings everything together.
Because our bodies crave sugar for the carbohydrates to keep our bodies going, and we crave salt for the essential nutrition, sweet and salty really is a perfect match. That’s why this
If you loved this recipe, you’ll like my blood orange arugula salad.
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Watermelon & Arugula Salad with Feta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
6 cups baby arugula, washed and spun dry
1/8th seedless watermelon, rind removed, and cut in 1-inch cubes
12 ounces good feta cheese, 1/2-inch diced
1 cup (4 ounces) whole fresh mint leaves, julienned
1 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup honey
Instructions
Stir balsamic vinegar and honey together in a small saucepan and place over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the vinegar mixture has reduced to 1/3 cup, about 10 minutes. Set the balsamic reduction aside to cool.
Place the arugula, watermelon, feta, and mint in a large bowl. Drizzle with reduced balsamic to coat the greens lightly and toss well.
Season to taste and serve immediately.
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