Watermelon, Mint and Feta Salad

Though it has – thankfully – cooled off a little here in the UK, watermelon still firmly has its place in providing refreshment where only stifling heat previously existed. So well does the fruit live up to its name that devouring but a few chunks feels akin to seeing off a good few glasses of ice-cold water. Happily – for this recipe for Watermelon, Mint and Feta Salad, at least – watermelon lends itself as well as any fruit to savoury concoctions, providing a sweet juiciness you can’t help but gobble.

Unadulterated watermelon is truly wonderful, juicy… exquisite; but used as a star ingredient in a summery salad magnifies its worth ten-fold. Ushered alongside the sharp, powerful flavour of feta cheese you receive an improved contrast of taste that emphasises just how refreshing and juicy watermelon can be.

Bound together by the luxury and decadence of fresh mint and good-quality extra virgin olive oil, this salad makes an outstanding side and an even better show piece for the lunch table. Just make sure to position yours in the sun for full effect when inhaled…

Some of you may have more expertise in this matter than I, but watermelon tends to be much the same from wherever you buy it. The same cannot, however, be said for feta cheese. Frugalfeeding may be a blog about saving your pennies – frugality – but throwing money away on what they call ‘salad cheese’ is nonsense.

As mentioned in the above missive, the entire basis of this salad rests upon the stark contrast between the meek and mild melon and the tangy cheese. Spend a few extra “coppers” on the feta and enjoy your flavours cleverly. It’s not all about spending as little as humanly possible.For more on my approach when it comes to not ruining food, see my tips section here…

Watermelon, Mint and Feta Salad

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• ¼ of a watermelon, in rough chunks
• 150g feta cheese, cubed
• a small handful of fresh mint, finely sliced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• a pinch of black pepper

Method:

1. Gently mix together the feta and watermelon in a large mixing bowl. Transfer into a serving bowl or onto a large plate, scatter with the mint, drizzle with the olive oil, season with the pepper and enjoy.

Cost:Even good quality feta cheese is relatively inexpensive if you shop around and can easily be picked up for around £1.50 for 200g. Watermelon isn’t expensive per gram either, and despite a drizzle of smashing olive oil, this saladshould set you back no more than around £2.