Watermelon-Arugula Salad with Feta & Mint

Published 6:00 am Monday, September 13, 2021

By Recipe by Dave Snyder

Watermelon salad

Chef Dave Snyder of Halyards Restaurant Group on St. Simons Island, Georgia, relies on local farmers and producers to guide his menus and recipes.

This stunning salad balances sweet from watermelon with the peppery notes of arugula, salty, briny flavor of feta and umami via tomatoes. They are all  tossed together with a balanced rice-vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil dressing. 

Watermelon-Arugula Salad with Feta & Mint

Yields: 6 to 8 servings

  • 1½ cups extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup rice vinegar
  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • salt, to taste
  • 2 bunches baby arugula (about 4 cups packed or to taste)
  • 4 cups diced seedless watermelon
  • 1 cup julienne-cut roasted red bell peppers
  • 1 cup julienne-cut tomatoes
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
  • ½ cup toasted pecans

In blender, puree oil, vinegar and black pepper and salt to taste until blended. In large serving bowl, gently toss remaining ingredients until well combined. Add desired amount of vinaigrette and toss to coat; serve immediately.



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