Awesome Summer Watermelon Salad

In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Awesome Summer Watermelon Salad to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.

At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Awesome Summer Watermelon Salad, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black
• pepper
• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cups 2-inch cubes watermelon
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 red onion, sliced very thin
• coarsely ground black pepper to
• taste

Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:

• Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
• Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
• Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.

Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:

Step 1: Technique & Execution

Mix the vinegar and Dijon mustard in a bowl

Step 2: Technique & Execution

Stir the garlic, salt, and pepper into the mixture

Step 3: Technique & Execution

Slowly stream the olive oil into the dressing while whisking vigorously

Step 4: Technique & Execution

Place the dressing in the refrigerator until ready to use

Step 5: Technique & Execution

Combine the watermelon, feta cheese, and red onion in a large bowl; toss lightly to mix

Step 6: Technique & Execution

Season with the coarsely ground black pepper