Description
A festive and refreshing Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Christmas Wreath Salad that combines juicy watermelon, fresh mint, and tangy Greek feta cheese with a zesty lime and honey dressing. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this visually stunning salad is easy to assemble and bursts with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Watermelon Wreath:
- 1 kg watermelon (prepared weight, rind trimmed, chilled)
- 6 sprigs fresh mint leaves (leaves picked)
- 100 g Greek feta cheese (roughly crumbled)
For the Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoon honey
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the Watermelon: Thoroughly wash the rind of the watermelon to remove any dirt or bacteria before cutting to ensure cleanliness.
- Cut the Watermelon: Slice the watermelon into 1 cm (0.5 inch) thick slices, then cut those into approximately 4.5 cm (1.5 inch) squares, and finally cut the squares diagonally into triangles; discard the rind.
- Cut Stars: Use a small star cookie cutter to cut 12 stars from the neater watermelon offcuts; set aside for decoration on top of the wreath.
- Assemble the Wreath: Arrange the triangular watermelon pieces around the perimeter of a large platter, inserting mint leaves throughout for color and freshness.
- Add Toppings: Place the watermelon stars on top and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the wreath.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, and optionally freshly ground black pepper; mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the watermelon wreath salad and serve immediately to preserve crispness and freshness.
Notes
- Use chilled watermelon for a crisp texture and avoid leaving it at room temperature to prevent sogginess.
- Australian tablespoons equal 20 ml (4 teaspoons); use 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon if using other measuring standards.
- The salad is best assembled just before serving to maintain watermelon crispness; components can be prepared ahead and chilled.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, though watermelon will release water and mint may darken.
- Use a sharp knife or cookie cutter carefully when cutting watermelon shapes to avoid crushing the flesh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 13 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
