Watermelon Salad

Who wants to break a sweat while making dinner? Not me - especially in this heat! So this week I am beating the summer heat by cooking dishes that don't require my stove top or oven. Last night I made a watermelon salad, and it was easy, healthy, refreshing, and most importantly delicious. This salad packs a punch without the calories - sweet watermelon, tangy lime juice, spicy serrano chiles, and salty feta cheese. These complex flavors really shine through. It may sound odd but, trust me, this recipe is a keeper!

Here are the ingredients you will need:

• 1 small ripe watermelon, peeled and cubed
• 8 oz feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
• 1/2-1 serrano chile, sliced thinly
• 1 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/2-1 tbsp kosher salt, to taste
• vinaigrette

For the vinaigrette:

• 1 small shallot, finely diced
• 2 limes, juiced
• 2 tbsp olive oil

In a small bowl combine the shallot, lime juice, and olive oil, and mix together with fork. This is a vinaigrette and will not emulsify. In a large bowl combine the watermelon, feta cheese, serrano chile (to taste), and the vinaigrette. Toss to incorporate. Season the salad with salt to taste. The salad can be eaten immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a couple of hours, but if you let the salad rest the watermelon will release some of its juice. So prior to serving taste and re-season with salt and a little lime juice if necessary to punch up the flavors. Side note: the juice makes an excellent watermelon soup!