Are you a fan of watermelon and feta? I have to confess: I’ve never had a watermelon feta salad. I have no idea what people are talking about when they describe it’s deliciousness. It’s not that I have anything against watermelon and feta (although, it’s true, I’m not a huge fan of feta), it’s just that I’ve never felt the need to try it. Let’s face it, if I’m out and I have to choose between french fries or a salad (even a salad with fruit in it), I’m choosing the french fries.
Speaking of choosing, how do you choose your watermelon? It always seems a mystery to me. My mom’s method is to pick up each melon and smack it lightly. I have no idea what kind of sound she’s looking for, but generally she seems to choose wisely. She’s not entirely foolproof though, so I’m pretty sure it’s a fluke when she ends up with a super-sweet melon. Nonetheless, I tend to do exactly the same things as my mom: give it a thump to see if it sounds “hollow,” see if it’s deceptively heavy, and give it a thump or two to hear how it sounds.
The other day, tiny melons were on sale at the store so I finally decided to try a cheese and watermelon salad. I didn’t want to use feta, so I went with my favourite cheese: burrata. The mild creaminess perfectly compliments the sweetness of watermelon. The blueberries added a touch of tart (they’re not exactly in season right now) and the mint and honey pulled the whole thing together.
This salad is as simple as it gets — it doesn’t even have a dressing, just a simple drizzle of honey. The lack of bells and whistles means that the produce really shines, so try your best to choose your watermelon carefully. Watermelon is like one of those perfectly wrapped presents. Their outsides are a gorgeous stripped green and you’re pretty sure you’re going to love what’s inside, but really, until you unwrap (cut into) it, you never know if it’s exactly what you wished for. I like my melons to be sweet and juicy with crisp, firm flesh. Nothing makes me sadder than a soggy melon or one that’s too pulpy. I also like really red watermelons. I’m sure their color has nothing to do with flavor, but the redder the melon, the tastier it seems.
Watermelon Burrata Salad Recipe
serves 2
- 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1 ball burrata
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste
- fresh mint leaves
Divide the watermelon cubes equally between two plates. Gently tear the burrata into pieces and divide equally. Dot with blueberries and mint leaves. Drizzle with honey to taste and enjoy.
This is beautiful – like a watermelon caprese! I’m tempted to try this with basil or as watermelon bruschetta…so many possibilities :)
Just discovered your blog through MomofukuFor2! (I was looking up recipes to make bacon dash). And, OH HAI, FELLOW VANCOUVERITE HERE! Just a question, where do you get your burrata in Vancouver? I was at Hawksworth 2 weekends ago and tried burrata for the very first time and I LOVED IT! Is Granville Island a good place to scour for good cheeses?
burrata is SO GOOD! yups, granville island has a ton of cheese! and they sell it at whole foods too :)