Watermelon Salad With Cucumber, Feta and Mint

Thirsty from standing outside at a summer food festival in the scorching heat, I stumbled into a local juicery and pulled a beverage from the cooler that was designed for hydration.

The pricey watermelon juice also contained Himalayan sea salt. I know, you’re thinking: how trendy.

While sprinkling salt onto your watermelon might sound a bit unorthodox (or a reason to bump up the price point), in moderation salt does trigger the taste buds, and the fruit seems sweeter.

Salty and sweet are actually a natural flavor pairing: Think of how salted caramel has taken off. Then there’s the classic prosciutto-wrapped melon. Or this Watermelon Salad With Cucumber, Feta and Mint.

This refreshing salad uses a sprinkling of feta to bring out the sweetness in the cool watermelon. The balsamic vinegar glaze, which you can buy or make, layers on another salty-sweet component that adds richness and elegance to the salad.

Healthwise, watermelon is 92 percent water. It also contains a fair amount of vitamins A and C.

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Jill Wendholt Silva, Kansas City Star

3-1/2 cups chilled, seedless watermelon cubes (cut into bite-size pieces)

1 medium English cucumber, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces

2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced

3 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (see note)

Scatter watermelon evenly on a medium platter with short sides. Top evenly with cucumber and mint. Sprinkle with cheese. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately. Serves 4.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 82 calories, 2 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 6 mg cholesterol, 13 g carbohydrate, 3 g protein, 82 mg sodium, 2 g fiber

Note: You can purchase balsamic glaze in a bottle by the vinegars in the grocery store, or you can make your own by bringing 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey to a low boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer about 20 to 30 minutes or until the mixture is reduced by half. Cool. Cover and store in the refrigerator. This is also excellent as a glaze on grilled salmon or in salad dressings.