Watermelon Feta Salad

Originally posted 13 July 2021 

No feta in Rakiraki stores, but if there was I would love to make this. The salt in the feta against the sweet watermelon is just too good, and the watermelons in the market are amazing right now. 

INGREDIENTS 

• ~1 kg watermelon, rind removed and cut into chunks 
• 1 Tbsp/15ml juice from 1 lemon, plus 4 (2"/5cm) strips zest, removed with a sharp vegetable peeler
• 3 Tbsp/45ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1/4 cup/10g roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
• Up to 4 ounces (1 quart) arugula leaves (optional; see note)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 ounces/110g feta cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Place watermelon chunks in a large bowl. 
2. Finely chop lemon zest. 
3. Add lemon juice and half of zest to bowl with watermelon. 
4. Add oil, mint, and arugula (if using) and toss until watermelon is evenly dressed. 
5. Season lightly to taste with salt and pepper. (The cheese will add saltiness, so go light on the salt at this stage.)
6. Transfer salad to a wide, shallow bowl or a large plate and spread out evenly. Crumble feta over the top. Sprinkle with remaining lemon zest. Drizzle with more olive oil and a few grinds of black pepper. Serve immediately