Watermelon Magic

As my first large catering gig, I'm doing some side dishes for an upcoming wedding. Of course my new best friend is the bride (who also named this dish): she seems to be my sister from another mother and father. Anywho, I first had this dish when my cousin made it for a family potluck last summer. Some might think it's a bit of an unusual combination of ingredients (which may or may not be true), but new BFF didn't let that scare her off. Smart lady that she is, she saw it for the perfect summer salad that it is.



It's a rather simple salad, but needs the freshest ingredients possible. The feta need to come straight from the brine and the olives can't be out of the jar; it's also worth pitting them yourself if you have the time. I have my own little mint plant, which isn't essential, but just adds to that fresh taste. The dressing is created by the watermelon juice and the lime. Nothing fancy!

Watermelon, Feta & Olive Salad
Saveur (Issue # 113)
Serves 4

3 cups loosely packed arugula
1 cup loosely packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 cup loosely packed torn mint leaves
1 2-lb. piece seedless watermelon,
rind removed, cut into 1" cubes
20 kalamata olives, smashed, pitted, and halved
1 jalapeño, stemmed, seeded, and julienned
1⁄4 small red onion, thinly sliced and
soaked in ice water for 30 minutes
4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (about 1⁄4 cup)
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 limes, halved
Coarse sea salt and freshly
ground black pepper, to taste

1. In a large bowl, toss together the arugula, parsley, and mint. Divide greens between 4 serving bowls or plates.

2. In a medium bowl, toss together watermelon, olives, jalapeño, and onion. Spoon the watermelon mixture, with its juice, evenly over the greens. Sprinkle each salad with some of the feta and drizzle with olive oil. Squeeze 1 lime half over the top of each salad and sprinkle with salt and pepper.