Pickle-Back Watermelon Salad (Printable Version)
Chilled watermelon, pickled onions, vegan feta, and mint come together in this crisp, tangy summer salad.
# What You'll Need:
→ Produce
01 - 1 small seedless watermelon, chilled, rind removed, cut into 2 cm cubes (approximately 1.5 kg)
02 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
→ Pickling
03 - 100 ml pickle brine (from jarred pickles)
04 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
05 - 1 tsp sugar
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Cheese
07 - 150 g vegan feta cheese, crumbled
→ Herbs & Garnish
08 - 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
09 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
10 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 - In a small bowl, combine sliced red onion, pickle brine, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir well and let the onions marinate for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
02 - While the onions marinate, arrange the watermelon cubes in a large serving bowl or platter.
03 - After marinating, drain the onions well (reserve a spoonful or two of the brine if desired for added flavor).
04 - Scatter the pickled onions evenly over the watermelon, then sprinkle crumbled vegan feta cheese over the salad.
05 - Add chopped mint and dill. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
06 - Drizzle a little reserved pickling brine over the salad just before serving for extra tang.
07 - Serve immediately, chilled, and enjoy.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Quick to prepare with no cooking required and only 20 minutes from fridge to table
- Uses familiar ingredients in an unexpected way
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free for nearly every guest
- Perfect as a vibrant centerpiece or a refreshing side
02 -
- Rich in hydration from watermelon so it is ideal for hot days
- Completely plant-based and gluten-free for versatile entertaining
- Best eaten fresh as watermelon releases water and can lose its crispness
03 -
- Chill the watermelon before you cut it for extra refreshing crunch
- Taste your vegan feta before topping so you know how salty or tangy your final salad will be
- Do not skip the marinating step for the onions because it transforms their harshness into bright flavor