Pickle-Back Watermelon Salad (Printable Page)

# What You 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

# How to Make It:

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.

# Helpful Tips:

01 - For extra crunch, add toasted pumpkin seeds or pistachios.
02 - Substitute vegan feta with regular feta if not strictly vegan.
03 - This salad pairs well with chilled rosé or a crisp white wine.
04 - Best served fresh; avoid preparing more than 1 hour in advance to maintain texture.