Chase's Cucumber, Watermelon and Feta Salad

16 years ago

I made this over the weekend. It was a huge hit! Our friends loved it.

I have to admit I wasn't too sure about this recipe. I'm not a big fan of mint other than for mojitos or mint ice tea and I'm just now beginning to acquire a taste for feta. However my garden inspired me by providing cukes, a small watermelon and some mint so I thought...why not.

It was the perfect salad at the end of a glorious day on the lake. Thank you Chase!

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Comments (21)

lakemayor
16 years ago
Where can I find this recipe. I never get anywhere when I try to search for something out on this site. Don't know what I'm doing wrong.
User
16 years ago
Glad you enjoyed it moose, we do too. I'm making it for a dinner party tomorrow.

Lakemayor, don't worry about asking the search function can be a pain!

Cucumber, Watermelon and Feta Salad

1â2 English cucumber
1 seedless watermelon wedge,
4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 cm) wide
1 tbsp (15 mL) red wine vinegar
1 small garlic clove, minced
3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil
1â4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper
1â4 cup (50 mL) shredded mint leaves
1â3 cup (75 mL) crumbled feta cheese

1. There is no need to seed or peel cucumber. Slice cucumber lengthwise, then again lengthwise. Finally cut crosswise into chunks, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in size. Cut watermelon into the same size chunks as cucumber. Place both in a large bowl and toss.

2. Whisk vinegar with garlic, oil, salt and pepper. Drizzle over watermelon mixture and stir. Add mint and feta and gently toss. Tumble onto a platter and serve at room temperature.

Serves 6

NOTE: I don't always add the mint but it does add a wonderful freshness.
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triciae
16 years ago
chase, I made a similar salad in July when my DS & his family came to visit for a week. The only difference was that I added a bit of diced red onion to mine. I used mint from our garden. My 4 year old DGS was not eating his salad. DDIL suggested he eat is watermelon. DGS immediately started to cry. Says I, "Honey, it's OK...what's wrong with your watermelon. Grammy thought you liked watermelon?" Sobbing DGS replied, "I do like watermelon Grammy; but mine has WEEDS in it!" (sigh)

Tricia
lakemayor
16 years ago
Thanks Chase. What kind of mint do you use? Spearmint or peppermint? I don't grow mint so I will have to buy some today. I want to take this salad to a party on Saturday.

Lakemayor
User
16 years ago
This does sound good. I've seen a similar recipe that also contains Kalamata olives.

I need to buy a watermelon.

Ann
annie1992
16 years ago
It sounds good to me to, but I'd leave out the mint.

It's funny, I like a bit of mint in chewing gum or peppermint patties, but not in any other food. No juleps or mojitos or sauces or on my food.

I might like the addition of onion, I have to think about that...

Annie
gbsim1
16 years ago
I'd like to give it a try, but since watermelons come in all diameters and sizes, about how many cups of diced watermelon would you say you're getting out of a "wedge" to make the recipe?

Grace
magothyrivergirl
16 years ago
This is delicious! I also read to sprinkle fresh ground pepper before serving-the pepper enhanced the tastes~ yum!
For a pretty presentation for a party - either line a platter with large butter lettuce leaves and use a slotted spoon when putting the salad on the plate.
Or - serve in the cleaned out watermelon half that you also line with the lettuce, zig zag cut the w. melon edge ~it is very impressive and oh so easy! Take a teeney slice off the bottom of the watermelon to make the melon sit straight.
This has been my favorite salad this year. Thank you Chase!
User
16 years ago
tricia, what a cute story!

Grace, I use 1/4 of a regular size watermelon. No idea how many cups but I'm making it tomorrow and will measure it.

Lakemayor, I'm not sure. The herb package just says mint! I'm just as happy to leave the mint out.
jessyf
16 years ago
FWIW today is National Watermelon Day!
lakemayor
16 years ago
Wow, I made this salad Chase and it's wonderful. I didn't use mint but I can't believe it would make it any better. Thanks for the recipe. I will be one of my favorites now.
moosemac
Original Author
16 years ago
I have to admit I really didn't measure well when I made this. I eyeballed equal amounts of watermelon and cucumber. I also added a splash of balsamic vinegar to the dressing in addition to the red wine vinegar. I used mint that has escaped from an old herb garden but I'll be darned if I can tell you what kind. The flavor was more spearmint than peppermint. Hmm...I might have to try a little red onion in it next time.
woodie
16 years ago
This sounds terrific to me - how far in advance can you make it - same day? - morning or afternoon for dinner?

I love the instruction "tumble onto a platter and serve".
moosemac
Original Author
16 years ago
I diced up the watermelon and cukes in the morning then put everything together just before serving supper. I think the mint would wilt if you put it in too early.

The watermelon cuke mixture got a littl watery so I drained it a little before I added the feta, mint and dressing.
woodie
16 years ago
Thanks, Moosemac, that's what I was thinking.
compumom
16 years ago
It sounds wonderful! I bought some mint today to try with strawberries. When we dined at a favorite restaurant the other night the dessert plate had garnish of strawberries macerated with a bit of sugar and a TOUCH of mint. Yum!
sally2_gw
16 years ago
I've copied and pasted the recipe, and can't wait to try it.

Sally
User
16 years ago
Woodie, I agree with Moose. I've cubed the cukes and watermelon but I never add the feta and dressing until just before serving.
cooperbailey
16 years ago
WOW! made this last night, and my family went crazy for it! My DH ate all of his before he touched his steak, which is something I had never seen him do before!
I had the leftovers for lunch good thing I bought a whole watermelon and grow mint!
jessyf
16 years ago
The BEST way to make this salad

Throw the ingredients in a bowl and ask your guest to gently mix, telling her what it is

Watch her face turn from 'ewwwww......' to 'OMG give me more' LOLOLOLOL
woodie
16 years ago
Very funny, Jessy! It was a huge hit at my house last week and any leftover goes great with bread to dunk in the next morning :)

Chase's Cucumber, Watermelon and Feta Salad

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Chase's Cucumber, Watermelon and Feta Salad

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