Discover the story of a chance encounter in a charming Middle Eastern restaurant in Paris. The unforgettable watermelon feta salad with mint we had will forever remain in my memory. In addition, learn how to recreate this refreshing and versatile dish at home. Moreover, explore some delicious accompaniments to complete your Mediterranean feast!
It was a warm, sun-kissed afternoon in Paris. My spouse and I wandered through the city’s charming streets, exploring its rich tapestry of cultures and cuisines. A quaint Middle Eastern restaurant nestled in a bustling corner of the city drew us in. Exotic spices filled the air and promised a culinary adventure at the place. We had no idea that the journey of flavors we were about to embark on would forever etch itself in our memories.
As we settled into our seats, we couldn’t help but notice the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere. In the background, traditional music played soft melodies while intricate tapestries adorned the walls. Meanwhile, the restaurant was serving a myriad of mouth-watering dishes, each one more enticing than the last. However, it was a particular dish that caught our eye. An elderly Middle Eastern gentleman who seemed to possess a wealth of culinary wisdom prepared it.
With practiced hands, the old man combined simple yet exquisite ingredients. For example, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, Tabasco, and freshly ground black pepper. These elements formed the base of a salad that would soon become the highlight of our afternoon. The old man’s skilled hands moved gracefully, scooping watermelon into perfect balls with a melon baller. Additionally, he arranged them alongside crumbled feta cheese, pitted kalamata olives, sweet onion, and coarsely chopped mint leaves.
As one of the servers presented the dish to us, another server offered a dramatic food presentation that heightened our anticipation. In addition, the vibrant colors and contrasting textures of the watermelon feta salad with mint were a sight to behold. Moreover, they artfully captured the essence of summer on a plate. The first bite was a symphony of flavors. The sweetness of the chilled watermelon married with the tangy feta cheese, the briny olives, and the refreshing mint. Each ingredient danced on our taste buds, creating a harmony that was nothing short of perfection.
After we paid the bill, I humbly requested the recipe from the server and to my delight, he agreed! I couldn’t be happier. The salad dressing is made from premium extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, fine kosher salt, and coarsely ground black pepper. The salad itself consists of crumbled feta cheese, seedless watermelon balls or chunks, coarsely chopped pitted kalamata olives (optional), roughly chopped fresh mint leaves, and diced sweet onion.
The watermelon feta salad with mint is a refreshing and versatile dish that you can serve alongside various other dishes to create a delightful meal. Here are some suggestions for what you can serve with this salad:
Grilled meats: The salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish, providing a burst of freshness that complements the smoky flavors of the grilled proteins.
Pita bread and dips: Warm pita bread, hummus, tzatziki sauce, or baba ganoush make for excellent accompaniments, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair to the meal.
Couscous or quinoa: Serve the salad alongside a light, fluffy couscous or quinoa dish. This will soak up the flavors of the salad and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
Stuffed grape leaves (dolma): Dolma, or stuffed grape leaves, bring a delightful mix of flavors and textures that complement the watermelon feta salad well.
Taboulleh: This traditional Middle Eastern bulgur wheat and parsley salad offers a fresh and zesty complement to the watermelon feta salad.
Skewered vegetables: Marinated and grilled vegetable skewers, such as bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onions, make for a colorful and tasty addition to the meal.
Falafel: You can serve crispy, spiced falafel balls alongside the salad for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Grilled halloumi: The combination of grilled halloumi cheese with the watermelon feta salad adds a unique and delicious twist to the dish.
Fattoush salad: Another refreshing salad option, fattoush is a flavorful Lebanese salad that contains mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and toasted pita bread.
Cold pasta salad: A simple cold pasta salad with Mediterranean flavors, such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, can be a satisfying and complementary side dish.
Here is how I create the watermelon feta salad with mint at home.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup premium extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fine kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1/2 pound crumbled feta cheese
- 1 (8-pound) watermelon (seedless), shaped into balls using a dedicated melon baller. Alternatively, cut it into 1 1/2-inch chunk
- 1 1/4 cups coarsely chopped pitted kalamata olives (optional)
- 1 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1 small sweet onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
How to create the watermelon feta salad with mint?
- First, start by selecting a large bowl that will comfortably hold all the ingredients for the salad. Then, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, Tabasco, salt, and pepper until they are well combined. This creates a tangy dressing that you will use to coat the watermelon, feta, olives, and onion.
- Next, prepare the watermelon by cutting it into bite-sized pieces. The feta cheese should also be cut into small chunks, while the olives can be left whole or sliced, depending on your preference. The onion should be thinly sliced, so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Add the watermelon, feta, olives, and onion to the bowl with the dressing, and gently toss the ingredients until they are well coated. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as the watermelon can be delicate and break apart.
- Finally, sprinkle some fresh mint leaves over the top of the salad to add a touch of flavor and color. The mint can be chopped or left whole, depending on your preference. This salad is best served immediately. However, chilling it in the fridge for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together, is also optional.
Thank you for following along with my experience of trying the watermelon feta salad with mint. I had a blast making it and I hope you’ll enjoy making it too. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or variations to make it your own. My hope is that the recipe and the story behind it will add a special touch to your kitchen and create new memories for you and your loved ones!
By the way, this salad can perfectly accompany grilled meat.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):
