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Time for some Summertime Basil Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad!!! With enormous crates full to the brim at every grocery store and farmer's market, I do believe watermelon is upon us! I learned a few nifty tricks back in the day to check if watermelon is ripe before buying. No awkward sniffing! (although that is my trusty method to checking cantaloupe).
Method 1: You know that kinda flat section on a watermelon? The part that rested on the ground while it grew? If it's white, put that watermelon back. Immediately. If it's yellowish in color, that's the one! The darker the yellow color, the more time it had to grow in the sun.
Method 2: The heavier the watermelon, the better. Not bigger! Heavier. It had more time to grow and fill with water.
Method 3: You can also knock on it. If so, a good watermelon should be firm and your hand should bounce right back.
Now that you've picked your perfect, ripe watermelon, whatever shall you do with it? How about a little bit of a twist on a classic caprese salad? Watermelon instead of tomato, feta instead of mozzarella??? AKA Summertime Basil Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad. A little bit of savory along with the sweet!!!! I'm also obsessed with cheese so any excuse to use it, especially soft cheeses and I'm there. I served this as a side to grilled bratwurst and potato salad, instant hit. Sooo yuummm, and perfect for the upcoming warm summer BBQ-ing days! July 4th anyone???
PrintSummertime Basil Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
The ultimate summer salad with juicy watermelon, crumbled goat cheese and fresh basil leaves. A twist on the classic caprese!
Ingredients
- 1 medium watermelon
- 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled*
- 10-15 basi leaves, cut in chiffonade
Instructions
- Remove the rind from the watermelon and dice into 1-inch pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Add goat cheese and basil. Gently stir to combine.
- Chill for 10 minutes and serve.
Notes
You can also use feta cheese for a slightly tangier taste!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
Lety C
What a combination! Never would occur to me to put them together, sounds delicious, thaks for sharing!
Natascha's Palace
I have to try this. It looks wonderful.
aberdeenjenae
Thank you, let me know if you do!
Natascha's Palace
I will! Xxx
A_Nerd_Cooks
This looks so refreshing and delicious! I did a strawberry caprese salad recently (which was awesome), but this takes it in an entirely new direction.
aberdeenjenae
Thank you! ooo strawberry caprese salad sounds like a delicious dish.
Dan
This a refreshing spring and summer dish. Great combo and awesome take on the caprese salad. I enjoyed it and it's healthy enough for second and thirds. But that's just my opinion.
Signed,
Cheese Monster
Ellee
Why does the title say "Goat cheese" when the actual recipe calls for feta? Which one should I use?????
Aberdeen
Sorry for the confusion! You can actually use either one. Goat cheese is much creamer and feta has more of a tang. Thank you for pointing this out, I’ll update the recipe!
Vicky pontius
Looks refreshing. Thinking a squirt of lemon or lime juice for the finish.
Aberdeen
Ooo great idea 👍🏻.
Ray Menasco
I put i. A 1/4 teas of plnk salt, a couple squirts of lime juice. And 1/2 cup of coarse chopped white onion.
D A
Local deli adds lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil to dress. Delicious!
Runner Foodie
I also added Lime juice & course Himalayan salt. We ; family of 4) finished entire salad!