Watermelon and Red Onion Salad
Decades ago I was at a Christmas lunch with my then boyfriend (whose name was also Robert!). On the table was a salad that I had my doubts about. But after tasting it, I can honestly say that this one should not be missed.Choose a ripe, crisp-fleshed watermelon. I am very particular with this fruit. I actually like to buy one that’s already cut. That way I can make sure that the pink color is ‘just right’. Bright red flesh to me usually means floury and soft.Choose clear pink with tight cells.
Seedless watermelon is obviously something that you can aim for but you know what? If you find a beautiful melon and it has seeds, either work around them or eat them! The seeds have a very good mineral profile.Also feel free to add other ingredients. See the list of suggestions below. Here’s what you put in the basic rendition:
Salad:
- 3 cups watermelon flesh, diced to slightly bigger than 1/2 inch cubes (2cm if you are metric-minded)
- small red onion finely sliced
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to tast
- Optional: Add 2 cups of spinach, rocket or watercress sprigs
Dressing recommendations:
You can dress this one with a simple vinaigrette of your choice. Start with a ‘garden variety’ basic with olive oil and vinegar or citrus juice. Graduate to the more adventurous ones.
Options and variations:
- Add 1/4 mint, washed and then finely chopped
- For a complementary crunch add 1 stalk of celery, finely sliced
- Add a handful of black olives, pitted and sliced
Decades ago I was at a Christmas lunch with my then boyfriend (whose name was also Robert!). On the table was a salad that I had my doubts about. But after tasting it, I can honestly say that this one should not be missed.Choose a ripe, crisp-fleshed watermelon. I am very particular with this fruit. I actually like to buy one that’s already cut. That way I can make sure that the pink color is ‘just right’. Bright red flesh to me usually means floury and soft.Choose clear pink with tight cells.
Seedless watermelon is obviously something that you can aim for but you know what? If you find a beautiful melon and it has seeds, either work around them or eat them! The seeds have a very good mineral profile.Also feel free to add other ingredients. See the list of suggestions below. Here’s what you put in the basic rendition:
Salad:
- 3 cups watermelon flesh, diced to slightly bigger than 1/2 inch cubes (2cm if you are metric-minded)
- small red onion finely sliced
- Black pepper, freshly ground, to tast
- Optional: Add 2 cups of spinach, rocket or watercress sprigs
Dressing recommendations:
You can dress this one with a simple vinaigrette of your choice. Start with a ‘garden variety’ basic with olive oil and vinegar or citrus juice. Graduate to the more adventurous ones.
Options and variations:
- Add 1/4 mint, washed and then finely chopped
- For a complementary crunch add 1 stalk of celery, finely sliced
- Add a handful of black olives, pitted and sliced
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