Summer Salad Soiree

When thinking about the perfect food pairings, your mind will inevitably wander to mouth-watering combinations like grilled fish with a crisp and refreshing sauvignon blanc, or perhaps a dry-rubbed filet with a full-bodied red zinfandel. But delicious culinary combos don’t always have to be centered around a protein and wine mélange. Expand your horizons and pair a cold, refreshing salad with the long, hot days of summer. A crisp and cool summer salad featuring bright melon, sweet tomato, and a touch of zesty feta offers a delicious respite from the summer heat. Whip it up for a quick lunch or toss it together for an evening entertaining on the lānai. Grab all the fresh and lively ingredients you’ll need at Whole Foods Market or the Kakaako Farmers’ Market and start choppin’. Enjoy.

Melon Summer Salad 

Ingredients:

• 8 cups seedless watermelon cut into 1-inch chunks
• 3 pounds ripe tomato cut into 1-inch chunks
• 1 teaspoon Hawaiian sea salt
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoon chopped mint
• 1 tablespoon chopped basil
• 1 cup crumbled feta

Directions:

Combine melon and tomato chunks in a large bowl with salt. Toss and let stand for 15 minutes. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, torn mint, and crumbled feta to the melon mixture. Season to taste with a crack of black pepper and more salt if desired. Serve immediately.