red or green?: Watermelon, Corn & Jalapeno Salad

I love watermelon salads...and I love corn salads. What could be better than combining the two to make a delicious, refreshing, cool and a bit spicy salad? This recipe depends on using the freshest, best quality, organic and/or sustainably grown, local produce. You really will notice a difference in taste. The watermelon juice combines with lime for an oil-free dressing. Jalapeño adds a bit of heat. The feta provides protein and saltiness to balance the sweetness of the melon and corn. The measurements are guidelines, adjust to suit your palate. And feel free to substitute the mint for other herbs...basil is nice as is thyme, Italian parsley or oregano. Cilantro works really well with the jalapeno. Be creative!

watermelon growing in the garden

Local melons are starting to ripen, especially the lovely little individual sized "personal" watermelons. I think they are perfect for small families like mine because they average only two to five pounds. They have a thinner rind, firmer flesh and are sweeter than their bigger brothers. So I buy the regular size when hosting parties and "personal" when it is just us.

We had fresh homemade tamales (homemade, but not by me, on my list of things to learn to make), green chile and refried beans for dinner last night. The corn & watermelon salad was the perfect accompaniment. What would you serve with the salad?

Corn & Watermelon Salad
1 small "personal" size watermelon (or half a regular one)
2 ears corn on the cob, grilled and cut off cob
1-2 jalapeños, minced (start with one. add the second if you want it very spicy)
4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
1 lime
2 tablespoons mint, chiffonade
grey salt

Seed the watermelon and cut into bite sized cubes. (or, if you want to be fancy, use a melon baller.) Add to a large bowl. Add the corn, jalapeño and feta cheese. Gently stir to combine. Zest the lime and add to salad. Juice the lime and pour juice over salad. Add mint and a pinch of salt and stir to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Summer means easy, breezy dishes made from fresh, just-picked produce and this week at Food Network's Summer Soiree we are celebrating Watermelon. Do you have a favorite watermelon recipe? Please share in the comments section of this post. And be sure to check out the delicious sounding recipes from my blogger friends and Food Network.

Weelicious: Watermelon Cinnamon Granita
Homemade Delish: Refreshing Watermelon Salsa
Healthy Eats: Pretty in Pink: 6 Dishes Made Better with Watermelon
Creative Culinary: Margarita Watermelon
The Wimpy Vegetarian: Watermelon and Peach Salsa
Dishin & Dishes: Watermelon Jalapeno Agua Fresca
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Watermelon Salsa
Red or Green: Watermelon, Corn & Jalapeno Salad
The Mom 100: Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie
Taste with the Eyes: Unique Watermelon Salad - Pomegranate Syrup, Feta, Cucumber
FN Dish: 6 Party-Ready Ways to Take Watermelon Off the Rind

best,

diane

napa farmhouse 1885

red or green?

California Girl in Taos

MoseyLove
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