WATERMELON FETA SALAD WITH MINT + ARUGULA

What more could you ask for on a hot summer day than watermelon!? One of my all time favorite childhood memories is sitting out by my pool with my brother in the hot summer heat with a wedge of sweet and juicy watermelon in my hands. Now as a Registered Dietitian, I live for finding ways to incorporate my favorite foods into healthy, yet satisfying recipes.  Here’s one for the books! A simple summer watermelon feta salad with mint and arugula. I typically add grilled chicken or tofu for an extra punch of protein. This recipe is straightforward and somehow these ingredients work together so well. Spruce up your summer menu by making this salad the main entrée or add it as a side to any summer favorite. I promise you’ll be happy you did! ~ Stephanie Smith, RD

Salad Ingredients:

·        3 cups watermelon, cubed

·        6 cups arugula, rinsed well

·        1 cup fresh mint, julienne

·        12 oz feta cheese, cubed or crumbled

Dressing:

·        ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice or lemon juice

·        ¼ cup olive oil

·        1 Tbsp finely diced shallot

·        1 tsp honey

·        salt and pepper to taste

 Whisk dressing and chill. Mix all salad ingredients and thoroughly mix in chilled dressing. Enjoy with a refreshing glass of seltzer on a beautiful Vermont summer day.