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Fresh House Balsamic Vinaigrette Chopped Salad with Feta and Watermelon

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A refreshing summer salad combining crisp romaine, juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette for a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 cups seedless watermelon, diced
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, torn
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry all your fresh produce thoroughly.
  2. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized 1-inch pieces.
  3. Dice the watermelon and cucumber into similar-sized cubes.
  4. Halve the cherry tomatoes.
  5. Thinly slice the red onion and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow sharpness, then drain.
  6. In a small bowl or jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified and slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped romaine, diced watermelon, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, torn mint, and chopped basil.
  8. Drizzle about 3/4 of the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients. Add more dressing if desired.
  9. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and gently toss once more or leave it on top for presentation.
  10. Serve immediately for best freshness.

Notes

Keep dressing separate until serving to avoid soggy lettuce. Soak red onion slices in cold water to mellow sharpness. Shake vinaigrette in a jar for better emulsion. Use finely minced or grated garlic to avoid harsh chunks. Adjust honey and salt to taste in dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic vinaigrette, chopped salad, feta, watermelon, summer salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/fresh-house-balsamic-vinaigrette-chopped-salad-with-feta-and-watermelon-recipe-for-easy-summer-meals/