Summer is here and we are seriously enjoying the chance to incorporate summer fruits like watermelon into our menu. Try this Watermelon Salad with Jalapeno and Avocado next time you are looking for lighter meal. It’s great because you don’t actually have to cook any of the ingredients but this dish is still packed with exciting flavors. The spiciness of the jalapeno compliments the sweetness of the watermelon and the creaminess of the avocado and feta cheese–a balanced seasonal dish that is sure to be a hit!
And it’s worth mentioning that making this dressing is super simple. You can always use a dressing that you have on hand, but making your own dressing with fresh ingredients that pair perfectly with your dish is something worth doing. This dressing is a lime juice and olive oil based dressing with the added punch of jalapeno and garlic. Pretty much 4 of my all time favorite ingredients together for the win. I am pretty sure you’ll love it too.
We first tried this salad last year after receiving some freshly picked watermelon from my mom’s garden. I had recently learned that feta and mint were just what I need to take watermelon to the next level. So when I saw this recipe that also incorporated avocado and jalapeno, I was kinda freaking out. The original recipe used greens as a garnish, but I wanted to use a decent amount of arugula in order to add the peppery and green layer to this dish. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
- salad
- watermelon, 2 cups cubed
- arugula, about 3 ounces
- lime wedge
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 avocado, cubed
- ½ jalapeno, thinly sliced
- 2 springs mint, finely chopped
- salt & pepper, to taste
- dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- juice of 1 lime
- ½ jalapeno, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, crushed (for flavor and to be removed before serving dressing)
- salt & pepper, to taste
- First mix the dressing. Squeeze the lime into a small bowl and then whisk in the olive oil. Add the jalapeno, garlic, salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Cube the watermelon and add a squeeze of lime juice and salt.
- Plate the salad starting with the arugula and then adding the watermelon cubes, jalapeno slices, avocado and feta cheese. Add dressing and mint garnish.
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