Watermelon Salad with Feta Cheese & Mint

I’ve always loved watermelon. My granddaddy was known as the watermelon king in Wheeler County Georgia. I remember eating such delicious sweet perfectly ripe watermelons freshly picked from his farm. There’s nothing like it.

I never understood why people wanted to sprinkle salt on their watermelon until I made this salad and tasted the salty feta with the sweet melon. The contrast of flavors really works well together.

• ½ seedless watermelon
• ½ Vidalia or sweet onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup chopped fresh mint, plus additional mint sprigs for garnish
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, salt, pepper, and slowly whisk in the olive oil, a few drops at a time. Cut the flesh from half the melon into bite size pieces into a large bowl. Add sliced onion, chopped mint, and feta. Pour the dressing over the melon mixture and toss gently until everything is coated and evenly mixed. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Note: Add one-cup fresh blueberries for a red, white, and blue salad- perfect for any patriotic holiday.