Fresh Mozzarella Watermelon Salad with Basil

[bobmark226]

I never met a watermelon salad I didn't like, but this one, which I made last night for the first time, was the best yet. I found it while searching for ideas to use up a huge bunch of purple basil, which was exceptional in it, although, as the recipe says, green is fine (if less intense). I didn't follow it exactly, because I was making it just for myself, so I upped the watermelon amount while basically quartering everything else and added some toasted pine nuts for crunch. Very cool and satisfying on a sultry summer evening, the mozzarella adds a nice salty tang and creamy bite. I suspect goat cheese might work well, but the mozzarella was a nice change.

Bob

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Fresh Mozzarella Watermelon Salad with Purple Basil

Recipe by Chef Harry Schwartz, http://watermelon.org

Serves 6 to 8.

2 cups seeded small watermelon balls
2 cups fresh mozzarella pieces
1 cup chopped fresh basil (purple or green)
1 bunch scallions, trimmed and chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic vinegar as desired

Toss together the watermelon, mozzarella, basil, scallions and oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over a bed of baby greens with crostini on the sides. Drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar over if desired.

[oceanjasper]

I have never tried watermelon salad before, but I just copied and pasted this one! It sounds really refreshing. Thanks for the recipe and review!

[Beth]

Thanks for posting, Bob. I don't thik I've done watermelon with cheese -- at least not so prominently cheesed. I think I'd make it more like you did -- more melon.

Do you ever get yellow meat melons up there? I like to mix the colors in salads and salsas. We dont get them as much. It's a lot harder to buy a piece of the yellow than a piece of the red, so we're often looking at buying two whole ones. Now, if they'd just breed those personal size melons in the yellow, that'd be great! Thanks again for posting.

[Kristal]

Now, if they'd just breed those personal size melons in the yellow, that'd be great! Thanks again for posting.

Beth,
In our CSA a few years ago, we received a small yellow watermelon, perfect for about 2 people. So, they do exist! And they're very yummy. :)

Thanks for the recipe, Bob. This one looks good.

[bobmark226]

Beth,
In our CSA a few years ago, we received a small yellow watermelon, perfect for about 2 people. So, they do exist!

I see them at the farmers' market here as well, but many of the grocery stores here also sell the yellow in halves and quarters.

Bob

[Beth]

We did have one store that sold halves or quarters of the yellow ones a couple of years ago, but only that one summer and not since. I guess that in the south we're supposed to eat whole big ones -- even 2 or 3 at a time. I'm glad the amller ones are out there. I'll have to keep my eyes open. Or maybe try growing my own! :D