There is one salad that, for me, represents the epitome of summer freshness: simple watermelon chunks tossed together with feta cheese and fresh mint. This mixture isn’t just delicious, it’s also the perfect side dish for a hot summer day. Just the thought of it puts me in the mood for sun hats and balcony hangouts.

What pleases me the most about this dish is that its ease of preparation. No one wants to slave over a hot stove when it’s 30 degrees outside, indeed, in temperatures like those, even chopping up some cold veggies can feel exhausting. All of which makes this uncomplicated salad one of my absolute favourite dishes for the summer.
The sweet, juicy melon combined with the salty feta cheese is a real treat. Combine those ingredients with fresh mint, basil or oregano, a couple savoury black olives and some chopped nuts, and you’re on your way to crisp, summery freshness.

Ingredients (4 servings)

600g of watermelon
200g feta cheese
A handful of fresh mint/basil
Black olives
Nuts of choice
Leafy greens of choice (we recommend baby spinach or rocket)

Preparation

Cut up the watermelon into bite-sized pieces and remove as many of the little black seeds as possible. If you have a melon spoon, you can also use this to scoop out little melon balls instead of chopping it. Roughly chop the fresh herbs and the feta cheese, and sprinkle both over the diced melon. Add the olives, nuts and your preferred leafy greens to taste.

Voila, just a few easy steps and you’re all set with a great side dish for barbeques or garden parties.

Do you have a favourite recipe for a hot summer day? Feel free to share them in the comments below.

*Photo: Flickr / Dennis Tang