Sweet & Savory Watermelon Summer Salad With Walnut Oil Vinaigrette
I don’t know how to follow a recipe to save my life, which is why no one asks me to bake; ever. However, I will admit, I am pretty good at flavor pairing which is perfect for a home chef like me. Let’s try a little of this, a splash of that, a whole lotta this and BAM… Dinner!
In addition to flavors, I am a big believer in all things pretty and most definitely food is included. If you look at my Pinterest board, “Recipes,” all you will find is BEAUTIFUL food. Those recipes are just a reference for me, a mere suggestion, never-the-less, inspiration for whatever season, flavor and even color palette I might want for my next meal.
While I may never be able to replicate last Tuesday’s late night dinner, I do have a few go-to’s that always work and seriously, no matter how many dashes or splashes, it never disappoints. This one specifically, I believe is due to my secret ingredient; walnut oil. I actually order walnut oil on a subscription through Amazon because I love it so much! It just adds that nutty flavor, making it one of those fun…”I can’t put my finger on what that flavor is, but it’s delicious,” games I play with fellow home cooks. My second secret ingredient is sorrel and if you haven’t tasted it, you need to! It is a wonderful lemony tasting herb that is easy to grow here in SoCal and add an incredible garnish or layer to so many dishes. I have two varieties growing, both of which I purchase from Plant Depot in San Juan Capistrano. If you buy sorrel, be sure to buy the green varieties as the red veined ones taste bitter and not lemony.
Meet Watermelon Salad; The Serious Wow Salad That Everyone LOVES.
Ingredients:
1 Small cold seedless watermelon (cubed or speared)
1 Large Cucumber (chopped in cubes or slices with or without the skin)
1/2 Red Onion (cut in thin slivers)
2 Green Onions (chopped
1 or more cup of Cherry Tomatoes (cut in half)
Sorrel (Basil works too)
1 1/2 cup of Ciliegine Mozzarella or any kind of Mozzarella (cut however you would like)
1/4 cup of White Wine Vinegar (balsamic or Champagne vinegar works too)
1/4 Walnut Oil (Olive or Grapeseed work too)
Salt & Pepper To Taste
Recipe:
Step 1: Add all veggies and fruit into a bowl
Step 2: Combine your oil, vinegar, salt, pepper and mix well in a separate container to make a dressing
Step 3: Add Sorrel, and mozzarella to your veggie/fruit bowl
Step 4: Gently toss all the ingredients with the dressing
Step 5: Add Salt and Pepper if needed
Serve Immediately
Note: This salad is best if assembled right before you serve it but I have chopped everything up, left the mozzarella and sorrel on top and popped it in the fridge for a few hours before a meal. Just be sure to dress it right before you serve.
Amazing right? It is crisp, both savory & sweet….and super pretty!!!!