Yesterday I shared “how to build a better summer salad” and today I am sharing my first of three recipes to go along with this summer salad theme. In the warmer months I crave hydrating produce- namely watermelon and cucumber. This dish showcases these two seasonal ingredients in an effortless way. You can easily serve this dish at a backyard barbecue or even throw it together for yourself on any given weeknight. A beautiful and delicious way to stay hydrated this summer season!
Watermelon and cucumbers are more similar than you may think! Both are members of the plant family known as Cucurbitaceae and require similar growing and care. This explains their physical similarities, namely their high water content. Both are warm weather crops, which coincides nicely with seasonal cravings for these hydrating foods.
Nutrition:
Watermelon: Watermelon is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that combats cell damage. What isn’t commonly known is that the seeds are also perfectly edible and nutritious providing iron, zinc, fiber and protein
Cucumber: Though the flesh of cucumber is most palatable to most, the skin is where most of the nutrition lies. Because of this fact, it is best to purchase organic varieties when you intend to consume the skin.
Olives: Olives are rich in beneficial monounsaturated fatty acids, which has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and lowering of blood pressure. In terms of nutrients, copper is a standout which helps maintain bone and tissue integrity and balance cholesterol.
Onion: Onions boast biotin and manganese- two beauty vitamins that help maintain skin health and integrity. Research suggests that onion’s sulfur components may work to lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood stream and thus may provide some cardiovascular benefit.
- 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into cubes
- 1 red onion, sliced into 3 inch-long pieces
- 1 cup cucumber, cut into cubes
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and cut into halves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- In a medium bowl, marinate your onion slices, cucumber, and olives with your lemon juice and olive oil for about 10-20 minutes.
- In a larger bowl place your watermelon and mix in your marinated mixture.
- Toss salad and top with crumbled feta.