Watermelon + Feta Salad

Does anything say warm weather quite like watermelon? It's juicy and sweet and refreshing, the perfect dessert on its own on a hot summer day (especially down here in Houston!). This week's recipe goes beyond the sweetness of this red summer melon though, by combining it with the tang of feta cheese and the citrus flavors of a homemade, healthy vinaigrette. It's a mix of tastes that is fresh and satisfying; a salty, sweet, bitter, cool concoction that takes any August dinner up a notch. 

For the lettuce, we like arugula for the aforementioned 'bitter' taste, which seems to complement the other aspects of this salad so well. You could also use spinach, romaine, or massaged kale though, if you prefer. 

The interesting thing about meals like this one, is that combination of flavors we mentioned. The best way to be satisfied by food, is to choose something that has complex, varying tastes, because our bodies are programmed to find these foods satiating. So, in theory, you will take in less calories, because you are addressing all of your body's needs and cravings. 

Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad

for the vinaigrette:

1/4 cup orange juice

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup minced shallots (1 large should do the trick)

1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

1/3 cup olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

for the salad:

8 cups arugula, washed and dried

4 cups cubed watermelon (seedless preferred)

2 cups feta cheese

1 cup fresh mint

Method:

Mix together the lemon and orange juice, adding the shallots, honey, olive oil and salt and pepper. 

In a bowl, combine the arugula (or lettuce of choice) watermelon, feta and mint. Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss well. Serve immediately.

Keep cool with this warm weather recipe, and eat well! Keep those cravings in check!