Description
A festive and refreshing Watermelon, Feta and Mint Christmas Wreath Salad featuring chilled watermelon triangles arranged beautifully with fresh mint leaves, Greek feta cheese, and a zesty honey lime dressing. Perfect for a light and vibrant holiday appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Watermelon Wreath
- 1 kg watermelon - prepared weight, trimmed of rind and chilled
- 6 sprigs fresh mint leaves - leaves picked
- 100 g Greek feta cheese - roughly crumbled
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Freshly ground black pepper - optional
Instructions
- Wash the Watermelon: Thoroughly wash the rind of the watermelon to remove any dirt or bacteria before cutting to keep the flesh clean.
- Cut the Watermelon: Slice the watermelon into 1 cm (0.5 inch) thick slices, then cut into approximately 4.5 cm (1.5 inch) squares, and finally diagonally into triangles. Discard the rind.
- Cut Watermelon Stars: Using a small star cookie cutter, cut 12 stars from the neater watermelon offcuts and set aside for the top decoration.
- Arrange the Wreath: Arrange the watermelon triangles around the perimeter of a large platter, interspersing fresh mint leaves as you go.
- Add Toppings: Place the watermelon stars on top of the wreath, then sprinkle the crumbled Greek feta cheese evenly over the arrangement.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, and freshly ground black pepper if using. Mix well and adjust the taste as needed.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the assembled wreath salad and serve immediately to maintain crispness and freshness.
Notes
- Use chilled watermelon for the best crisp texture; avoid leaving it at room temperature to prevent sogginess.
- The measured tablespoon is a standard Australian tablespoon (20 ml). If using other standards, substitute 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon per tablespoon listed.
- It is best to prepare the components in advance and assemble just before serving to preserve freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but note that watermelon will release water and mint may darken over time.
- Leftover watermelon pieces not used in the salad can be eaten separately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg