Watermelon, Tomato & Feta Salad

I first tasted the combination of watermelon, tomato and feta three years ago, and it opened my eyes to the world of unusual food combination. It’s a pairing your taste buds remember come fall, that fill your dreams during the cold winter and will make your mouth water when the first summer tomatoes arrive on the vine. But you must be patient. If you can wait for the height of the season, you will be rewarded generously.

In the past few years, watermelon-tomato salads have made the rounds. You will find recipes with mint, some with cucumber, and a few with the added crunch of almonds or pine nuts. I have tried different combinations, but this is my favorite. Each juicy, sweet, salty bite just screams SUMMER. And I don’t think there is anything better than that.

Watermelon, Tomato & Feta Salad
serves 4

4 c cubed seedless watermelon
20 cherry tomatoes, halved
4 c arugula
3 T chopped fresh basil
1 t salt
4 T olive oil
1 T red wine vinegar
1/2 t pepper
1 c crumbled feta cheese

In a large bowl, combine watermelon, tomatoes, arugula and basil. Sprinkle with salt, and toss. Add olive oil, vinegar and pepper, and toss until well combined. Top with feta cheese.

Note: This salad should be assembled just before serving.