गुरुवार, 28 मई 2020

Mouthwatering Watermelon Salad with Feta

Watermelon salad is bursting with flavors from the juicy watermelon and salty feta cheese, then topped off with hints of lime and mint.  It is the perfect fresh sweet and savory mix of flavors that just scream summer!

Summertime has the best flavorful watermelon and perfect for enjoying during the warmer months! For more fresh watermelon ideas try Watermelon Peach Cooler or Watermelon Lemonade.

Watermelon salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon in the salad.

Watermelon Salad

Every year as the weather warms up, I find myself ordering more salads when I’m at a restaurant.  The other day when my kids and I were out shopping, we stopped at a favorite restaurant for lunch.  I ordered a watermelon mint salad and was in heaven!  I immediately started thinking about how easy this would be to re-create at home.  It is the perfect summer barbecue food.  The freshness of the salad is the perfect side for any grilled food.  The sweetness of the ingredients gives such a perfect balance to the smoky flavors of the grill. I know I will be making this all summer long now!

I have always loved ripe watermelon.  It is so juicy and refreshing.  This watermelon salad is packed with flavor enhancing ingredients that are unexpected and unbelievably good!  It is such a simple yet so impressive salad.  Perfect for entertaining since it is so crowd-pleasing. Your guests will be asking, why didn’t I think to make this?

Salad Ingredients:

Great ingredients are the key to any delicious meal! So be sure to choose fresh, flavorful watermelon, great quality cheese, and fresh mint for this salad.  Trust me, it will make a huge difference!

  • Watermelon: Juicy, freshly diced watermelon is the star of this salad!
  • Cucumber: Adds Clean crisp flavor.
  • Red Onion: Love the bite of flavor and crispy texture these add.
  • Mint: Fresh cool and sweet herb that balances the watermelon perfectly.
  • Feta Cheese: Both creamy, and tangy
  • Olive Oil: Choose high quality extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Juice of one lime: Fresh citrus flavor. (Tip: A little goes a long way)
  • Honey: Adds sweetness

Whip up a Watermelon Salad:

Making this fresh salad is so quick and easy.  You will be amazed that you haven’t made it a thousand times before! It’s as easy as whisking a few ingredients together then tossing to coat the watermelon.

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large combine watermelon, cucumber, red onion, mint, and feta cheese.
  2. Whisk together dressing: In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, lime, honey.
  3. Toss: Pour dressing on top of the watermelon and toss to coat.

Ingredients of the salad in a glass bowl separated and having the dressing being poured overtop.

How to Choose a Juicy Watermelon:

First of all I recommend buying your watermelon from a farmers market.  Farmers know their crop and will harvest and sell it at just the right time.  They often give samples and are available to help you choose one to take home if needed. However, choosing a great watermelon at the store can be done as well.  Here are things to look for:

  • Weight: Big or small, the watermelon should feel heavy for its size.
  • Color: Look for a yellow spot: Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe.
  • Sound: Tap the underbelly of the watermelon it should make a hollow sound if it is ripe.  If it is over or under ripe the sound will be more dull.

How to Slice a Watermelon:

I don’t know about you but watermelons can be intimidating.  Like most people, I love how they taste but I have talked myself out of buying them so many times because I didn’t want to go through the trouble of cutting it.  However, now I have figured out a quick easy way to cut my watermelon at home that takes all the frustration out of it.

  1. Cut the ends: Lay the watermelon on a cutting board and cut off the ends with a sharp knife.
  2. Remove the Rind: Stand the watermelon up on the flat ends you just created and run your knife down the inside of the rind to remove it. (Curve the knife as you go so that you don’t cut off the good part!)
  3. Slice it up:  Start by slicing it in half.  Then make a grid pattern to create slices which you can continue to cut into smaller squares.

Variations and Tips to Make the Best Watermelon Salad!

  • Go Nuts: Adding nuts into this salad gives it a great crunch to match the softness of the watermelon.  I suggest trying walnuts, cashews, almonds, or pistachios.
  • Avocado: Adding in avocado gives a little bit more creaminess to the salad.  Also the flavor of the avocado with the lime and watermelon is amazing!
  • Heat: Add Serrano peppers if you like to have a little spice in your food.
  • Lettuce: To turn this into a full blown salad put it on top of a bed of arugula or quinoa.
  • Drizzle: Balsamic Vinaigrette drizzled over the top of this watermelon salad is just simply delicious!
  • Fruit: An option would be to swap out the watermelon for another fruit like strawberry, however, I honestly think the watermelon is unbelievable and cannot be beat!
  • Presentation: Use a melon-baller to cut the watermelon to give this salad a more unique look!

Watermelon salad in a white bowl.

More Fresh Salad Ideas:

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Mouthwatering Watermelon Salad with Feta

Watermelon Salad is bursting with flavors from the juicy watermelon and salty feta cheese, then topped off with hints of lime and mint.  It is the perfect fresh sweet and savory mix of flavors that just scream summer!!
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword watermelon salad, watermelon salad recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 People
Calories 91kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 3 cups diced watermelon
  • 1 medium cucumber sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion sliced
  • 2 Tablespoon mint chopped
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of one lime
  • 1 Tablespoon honey

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine watermelon, cucumber, red onion, mint, and feta cheese.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, lime, honey. Pour on top of the watermelon and toss to coat.

Nutrition

Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 26mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 132IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 1mg


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बुधवार, 27 मई 2020

Mixed Berry Crisp

Mixed berry crisp is a colorful combination of fruit with a crunchy oat topping. These smaller individual portions baked in a ramekin make it easy to serve. The warm dessert tastes incredible topped with whipped cream or ice cream.

Crisps are one of my favorite desserts to make in the summertime. Try this peach crisp or strawberry rhubarb crisp for more varieties this summer!

Mixed Berry Crisp

Mixed Berry Crisp

The best way to enjoy seasonal fruit, especially during the summer, is to make a hot and bubbly baked fruit crisp. It’s really easy to prepare! Simply combine five cups of berries with sugar and flour to make a syrupy sweet filling. I used strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, but you can use any combination you like.

The crispy, buttery and spiced topping is what makes this dessert irresistible. I combine flour, old fashioned oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and butter. Sprinkle it on top and bake, that’s it! I use a similar topping for my delicious apple crisp, it’s a family favorite!

granola in a bowl

How Do you Make Mixed Berry Crisp?

  • Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
  • Combine strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, flour, and sugar.
  • Evenly divide filling amongst ramekins.
  • In a bowl combine flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and butter top make the topping.
  • Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the berry filling.
  • Bake until the topping is golden brown and the berries are hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.
  • Serve warm mixed berry crisp warm.

fruit in white ramekins

Using Frozen Berries:

Frozen berries can be used instead of fresh. This makes for an easy crisp that you can make all year long. You do not have to defrost the fruit. Just combine with the flour and sugar and bake! It may take a little longer in the oven, shoot for 30 minutes, and add on more time as needed. Cover with foil to prevent the crisp from getting too dark.

Making a Crunchy Crisp Topping:

The combination of oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter creates big chunks of topping. Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats. The large flakes hold their shape well and make it extra crispy.

Mixed fruit berry crisp with oat topping

How To Make a Bigger Batch:

This recipe makes four, 1 cup of individual servings. If you don’t have ramekins, bake it in an 8×8 baking dish. You can easily make a larger batch to feed a crowd. Double the recipe and bake in a 13×9-inch casserole dish. The baking time needs to increase to account for more filling, about 30 to 40 minutes. Cover the top with foil to prevent the topping from burning.

Tasty Toppings:

Add some fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Chop up some nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch. Add some fresh berries on top for a contrast of textures. Extra fruit is always a good idea!

spoon scooping into a dessert

Looking For More Fruit Dessert Ideas? Try these!

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Mixed Berry Crisp

Mixed berry crisp is a colorful combination of fruit with crunchy oat topping. Individual portions baked in a ramekin make it easy to serve.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword berries, fruit crisp, mixed berry crisp recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 291kcal
Author Jessica Gavin

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Ramekins

Ingredients

Mixed Berry Filling

  • 2 cups strawberries quartered
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 cup raspberries
  • cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Crisp Topping

  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • teaspoon nutmeg
  • teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Mixed Berry Filling

  • Set the rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
  • In a large bowl gently combine strawberries, raspberries, sugar, and flour.
  • Evenly divide the berry filling into 4 ramekins (8 ounce-sized), about 1 cup per dish.

Crisp Topping

  • Mix together flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and ginger in a small bowl.
  • Cut butter into small ¼-inch pieces and add to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients, pressing together to create pea-sized pieces of topping.
  • Evenly sprinkle the topping over the berries, about ¼ cup per ramekin.
  • Place ramekins on top of a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the fruit is bubbling, 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Serve mixed berry crisp warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 202mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 282IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg

 



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मंगलवार, 26 मई 2020

Greek Salad with the BEST Dressing

Greek Salad is a fresh, crunchy, vibrant salad with the BEST Greek dressing!  Every bite is packed with color and the best flavors that will keep you digging in for more!

I absolutely can’t get enough of salads with a feta crumble in them.  I find myself poking around in the salad to try to get some in every bite!  For more salads with feta cheese try Grilled Berry Feta Chicken Salad or Italian Avocado Cucumber Tomato Salad.

Greek salad in a white bowl with a wooden spoon.

Greek Salad

Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a sweet and savory dressing, with feta crumbles throughout… Wow, when I read the description of a greek salad on a menu recently, I was so ready to go home and make it my own!  This vibrant salad is so full of color and flavor.  It easily compliments any meal or it can stand alone as the main dish.  Packed full of nutrients, it is a must try for any salad lover!

The Greek dressing the girls have been helping me make at home is so perfect on this salad! It brings the flavors of the fresh fruits and vegetables to life!  I love how fresh and light this salad is!  Simply said, this dish is amazing!  It is ready in just minutes and will be a favorite in our house for a while to come!

Greek Salad Ingredients:

All of these fresh ingredients are flavorful and delicious, but need to be washed before tossing together.  The best way to wash them is to fill a clean sink or large bowl with cool water and rinse each item thoroughly.  The dirt and debris will sink to the bottom.  Then, your left with clean fresh ingredients that are ready to combine, toss, and enjoy!

  • Romaine Lettuce: Adds a crunch to the texture of this salad.
  • Cucumber: Fresh melon flavor.
  • Roma Tomatoes: Sweet and colorful addition to the salad.
  • Kalamata Olives: Large, dark purple olive with a smooth, meaty texture.
  • Large black olives: Soft meaty texture with tart, tangy, slightly acidic flavor.
  • Feta Cheese: Crumbly Greek cheese with bright white color and a salty flavor.

We’re Making Salad!

The great thing about salads is they are so easy to make! Simply grab all your ingredients, toss them together with your favorite dressing, and voila a great meal or side dish is ready to go!  I love to wash and prep all the ingredients as soon as I get them home from the market or store and have them ready to go in the refrigerator.  This extra time is so worth it when I can pull all the ingredients out and toss them right away and have a delicious salad in minutes!

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl add the romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, olives , and feta cheese.
  2. Make Greek Dressing: Make the recipe for greek dressing.
  3. Toss: Toss together ingredients and Greek dressing to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing.

Greek Salad ingredients in a clear bowl.

What are Roma Tomatoes?

A Roma tomato has a thick fruit wall and few seeds.  They have a dense and slightly grainy flesh.  They are oblong and a little heavy for their size.  The are more firm than other tomatoes.  They can be eaten raw or cooked.  They are often used to make tomato paste since they have less water content than most tomatoes.

What is the Difference Between Kalamata Olives and Black Olives?

First of all, Kalamata olives are purple whereas black olives are..wait for it…black.  However, in addition to the obvious color differences, there are some other differences between the two olives as well.  Kalamata olives are known as “Greek black olives” but are bigger and more oblong in shape than a black olive.  The cool thing is they are picked by hand in order to avoid bruising the olives.  They have a stone in the middle and are usually not pitted before being served. They are bitter when they are first picked so they go through a process of “debittering” which can take up to 3 months!  Their flavor is compared to that of a fine wine.

In contrast, a black olive that we would generally find in a jar at the grocery store is actually picked green then pumped with oxygen to turn them black, their new color is kept by adding ferrous gluconate. Both olives are high in sodium, rich in healthy fats and contain a natural antioxidants.  I prefer a mixture of the two in my greek salad because I think together they are just right.

 

Pouring dressing on Greek salad ingredients.

Greek Salad Tips and Variations:

  • No lettuce: I know, I know, you’re thinking a salad with no lettuce? But traditionally in Greece, their salads are served with no lettuce.
  • Feta Cheese: The crumbles of cheese throughout the salad are a favorite of mine.  However, if you are going for an authentic Greek presentation, place large chunks or blocks of feta cheese on the top of the salad instead.
  • Serve with: In Greece you will find this salad served with bread.  (Yes, please!) Also, I love the contrast of pairing this cool, fresh salad with a creamy warm soup.  Something about the yin and yang of that is just so perfect!
  • Storing: Eat it up quick because this salad will not last long in the refrigerator. Once prepared, the salad will last a maximum of 2 days, but you will probably experience sogginess.  Instead, I suggest you store the ingredients separately from the lettuce and mix up individual serving sizes as needed.
  • Optional Ingredients: Sometimes I love to just keep adding on to this delicious Greek salad.  Capers, lemon or lime juice, shrimp or chicken, red onion (Rinse in warm water and drain before adding to the salad), avocado (weird but good).  Really the options are limitless with this extremely versatile flavor base.
  • How to store olives: Unopened your olives can be stored at room temperature up to 2 years. Opened olives need to be refrigerated in their own liquid in a non-metal container.  When stored properly, they will last for 1 to 2 months after opening.

Finished greek salad in a white bowl.

More Delicious Greek Favorites:

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Greek Salad with the BEST Dressing

Greek Salad is a fresh, crunchy, vibrant salad with the BEST Greek dressing!  Every bite is packed with color and the best flavors that will keep you digging in for more!
Course Dinner, Dressing, Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Greek
Keyword greek salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 24 Tablesppoon
Calories 12kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 3 cups romaine chopped
  • 1 cucumber sliced
  • 2 roma tomatoes sliced
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup large black olives
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese
  • Greek Dressing Recipe

Instructions

  • In a large bowl add the romaine, cucumber, tomatoes, olives , and feta cheese. Make the recipe for greek dressing and toss with the salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 12kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 581IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg


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Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps are quick and easy to make and to eat.  Filled with healthy, flavorful ingredients they are family friendly, great for lunch or a light dinner!

Wraps are perfect for all ages and taste delicious with so many flavors inside! If you are looking for other ideas of ways to turn your favorite meal into a handy wrap try this Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wrap or Bacon Cheeseburger Wrap.

Two parts of a wrap stacked on each other on a plate.

Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

I am always trying to find new lunch combinations that are easy to make and healthy.  Recently, me and the hubby went to a local sandwich place that had chicken caesar salad wraps. Chicken caesar salad is my favorite of them all, so I ordered it and loved it. The best wrap that I have had, and I couldn’t wait to make it at home! Especially since the weather is getting warmer, and I find myself wanting more salads and lighter foods.  This wrap is definitely going to be a staple in my weekly menus this summer.

Not only is this a healthy and tasty wrap, but it is also just fun to make!  In fact, my kids want me to turn everything into a wrap now so that they can help make it! They love to help with the tossing and wrapping. I love that they are getting a healthy meal that they enjoy eating and I’m not having to force them to eat! I promise you this recipe is so simple and easy to follow and it will turn out looking so impressive.  Each bite is bursting with flavor while still keeping a fresh and light overall feel.  Be sure to try it for lunch or dinner soon!

Chicken Caesar Salad Ingredients:

Just a few simple ingredients come together so quickly and easily in this crowd pleasing wrap.  In fact, many of the ingredients can even be bought pre-made, which is so nice!  I love chicken caesar salads, I always have.  But, when you add in a tortilla to wrap it up, now that is just so much better!!

  • Caesar Salad Dressing: I use the light version to keep it a little healthier.
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated
  • Garlic powder: Adds a little bit of subtle flavor.
  • Pepper: To taste
  • Lemon juice: The bright citrus flavor adds freshness.
  • Chicken breast: Cubed and cooked, Tyson grilled and ready worked great!
  • Romaine lettuce: I used the premium with shredded carrots.
  • Salad croutons: Chopped so that they are easier to eat.
  • Whole grain wraps or tortillas: Use an extra large one so that it is easier to wrap.

How to Make a Wrap:

Two simple steps are all it takes to have a delicious meal ready to go.  Just grab your ingredients, toss them together and wrap it up in your favorite tortilla.  In just minutes you can have a restaurant quality meal in your own kitchen.

  1. Toss Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, pepper, and lemon juice. Add the romaine lettuce, cubed chicken and salad croutons. Toss until coated well.
  2. Fill tortilla and roll: Place about 2/3 of the chicken mixture into each wrap and roll up.

Fresh Ingredients for the Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap in a clear glass bowl.

Is a Chicken Caesar Wrap Healthy?

The great thing about preparing your own food at home vs. eating out is that you have complete control over every ingredient that goes into your food.  To make sure this wrap is healthy, just make careful choices when choosing your ingredients.  Use a low-fat dressing and read labels carefully to ensure you find one without a lot of added sugars.  Also, there are so many great low carb or low fat wrap options available now, so be sure to choose one that suits your specific dietary needs.

Variations for Chicken Caesar Wraps:

These chicken caesar salad wraps are so easy to make there is really no way to mess them up! Here are a few tips and ideas to help you keep this classic recipe interesting.

  • Pinwheels: A  fun way to serve these chicken caesar wraps is to cut them into pinwheels! They would be great as an appetizer for entertaining.
  • Toothpicks: Add toothpicks to help them stay together if you’re bringing them somewhere.
  • Bacon: Adding crumbled bacon to the mixture of this wrap is so amazing!
  • Serving:  Serve your wrap with a side of fresh fruit, potato salad, pasta salad, chips, or chopped vegetables.

Overhead view of a open chicken caesar wrap.

How Long Can You Store Chicken Caesar Wraps?

Once fully prepared, eat or refrigerate your chicken caesar wrap within two hours.  If you are making these for later use like in weekly meal prepping, I suggest storing the ingredients separately then mixing together right before you eat it.  Otherwise, the croutons and other ingredients may turn slightly soggy.  If you want to make ahead for later use, just leave out the dressing in the mixture and dip the wrap in dressing as you eat it later instead.  To store, cover the caesar salad wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil.  Stored this way, they will last in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Close up of a wrap in someone's hand.

More Delicious Chicken Caesar Recipes:

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Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps

A delicious and healthy chicken caesar salad wrap that is perfect for an easy meal or on the go!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chicken caesar salad wraps, salad wraps, wrap recipes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 511kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup lite Caesar Salad Dressing
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cups chicken breast cubed cooked, Tyson grilled and ready worked great!
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce I used the premium with shredded carrots
  • 3/4 cup salad croutons chopped
  • 4 whole grain whole grain wraps or tortillas

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, combine caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, pepper, and lemon juice. Add the romaine lettuce, cubed chicken and salad croutons. Toss until coated well.
  • Place about 2/3 of the chicken mixture into each wrap and roll up.

Notes

Updated on May 25, 2020
Originally Posted on September 4, 2014

Nutrition

Calories: 511kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 1047mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2133IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 193mg | Iron: 2mg

 



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