We have been on a little watermelon obsession lately, especially since it pairs so deliciously with our other summer addiction of French style dry Rosé wine. You can find many wonderful Rosé wines with refreshing fruit aromas like strawberry, raspberry, cherry, watermelon, honey and citrus to name a few. It is equally beautiful to sip these summery wines along with a sweeter fruit salad made of watermelon, fresh berries and citrus or a savory salad with watermelon, arugula or spinach and topped with salty feta. We just loved how fabulous a Curtis Heritage Rosé tasted with both of these dishes.
Last Monday morning started out like this: we each went on our separate errands to the market and to the grocery store in search of ingredients for light summery salads and ended up with 5 gorgeous vibrant green globes of watermelons! We always look forward to the watermelon season and when Judit was a little girl she was known as the “Görögdinnye Királynő” (which means Watermelon Queen) at the Budapest grand market because she would not rest until she found the sweetest melon to take home. One can’t have too many watermelons since there are so many sweet and savory recipes to be made. We decided to make a savory salad with Arugula, Feta, and Balsamic wine reduction and then we discovered some juicy blueberries in the fridge and thought to make a fruit salad for dessert as well.
The weather was getting warmer by the minute as the California “June Gloom” fog dissipated and a light sea breeze gently ruffled the bougainvillea in the garden arbor. To truly enjoy the enchanting afternoon we set the table in the garden arbor to the sound of waterfalls and chirping birds. Since we had so many watermelons we decided to call for help in eating them. Corina called her friend Charlotte and she came bringing ripe organic strawberries that ended up in the salad. She is always happy to oblige us with trying our creations since she loves to learn about new wine pairings for her restaurant.
In the world there are about 500 types of watermelon so there are quite a few to choose from and you feel good eating them since they have vitamin A and C which is great for your skin. When we are shopping for melons at the market we love to buy California grown ones from the Dulcinea Farm, specifically the Pureheart Mini-Seedles melons for their extra sweet aromas and nice firm flesh. Also they are easier to slice because of the smaller size and the rind is nice and thin so you can hold it better in your dainty little hands (and no we are not representing Dulcinea Farms, we just really like their melons and you can find their products all over in the US).
Opposites attract when you combine sweet melon with salty feta and fresh peppery bites of the arugula. It is like a flavor party in your mouth! You can have this for lunch or as a side dish for a perfect summer meal with grilled spicy chicken or lamb. This recipe is very simple to make and the best part is that the house smelled intoxicatingly potent from the simmering wine and balsamic dressing. For something a little sweeter the Watermelon Berry Salad with Rosé Syrup is ideal for a refreshing dessert.
Watermelon Feta Salad with Syrah Balsamic Dressing
Dressing:
1/2 cup Syrah
1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1 to 2 Tbsp Honey
In a saucepan combine the wine, balsamic vinegar, honey and stir it well. Over medium-high heat simmer it for about 15 minutes or until becomes nice syrupy consistency. You should get about 1/3 cup dressing. Let it cool. You can also double this recipe and store the leftover dressing in a glass jar for 2 to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. Just remember it will take you a few minutes longer to reduce a larger amount of liquid.
Watermelon, Feta and Arugula Salad
2 cups Baby Arugula Leaves – washed and
5 Basil Leaves – torn into pieces
4 cups Watermelon cubed into 1 inch pieces
1/2 small Shallot – thinly sliced
5 oz Feat cheese – crumbled
2 Tbsp Wine Balsamic Dressing
Wash the watermelon first and pat it dry. Place the melon on a cutting board and with a large sharp knife carefully cut down the center. Turn one of halves flesh site up and cut down the middle. Take one of the smaller piece and slice into 1 inch pieces. Remove the rinds and cut each slice into 1 inch cubes.
On a large platter spread out arugula leaves evenly then sprinkle basil leaves over. Using the handle of a spoon, drizzle about a spoon full of dressing
Place watermelon cubes on arugula bed and evenly distribute the shallot slices. And to finish it off crumble the feta on top and drizzle with more Syrah Balsamic Dressing.
Serve immediately because the dressing will become watery from the melon.
Watermelon Berry Mint Salad with Rosé Syrup
Rosé Syrup
1/2 cup Rosé Wine
1/4 cup Orangen Juice
2 Tbsp Honey
1 Sprig of Fresh Mint
1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
Combine Rosé, orange juice and honey in a sauce pan. Simmer over medium high for about 10 minutes or until reduced to about 1/2 cup. Add the mint sprig, set aside and when cooled down add the lemon juice. Lemon taste zippier wen added to cols liquid.
Watermelon Berry Salad
4 cups Watermelon – cut into 3/4 inch cubes or use a melon baller
2 cups Blueberries
2 cups Strawberries – cut into half
Zest of 1 Navel Orange
6 Mint Leaves – tear into pieces
In a large bowl combine watermelon, blueberries and strawberries. Add the Rosé syrup and gently mix together.
Spoon into individual serving bowls and decorate with orange zest and mint leaves. To make it fancier you can make a watermelon serving bowl. With a share knife cut the watermelon in half and scoop out the flesh with a melon baller
Wine pairing notes:
2012 Curtis Heritage Rosé – In the glass it is a light pink salmon color and on the nose a sweet berry and honey bouquet.
Plush aromatic notes of summery berries, watermelon, peach, and a touch of citrus on the palate. It has a good medium body and you will love the zesty and mineral finish.
It is a Rhône-style blend of 38% Grenache, 32% Mourvèdre, 27% Syrah, and 3% Cinsault.
Oh my .. these watermelon treats looks absolutely amazing. Never bothered to create so many variations with watermelon, most of the time serve it simple and cold. I will definitely try one of these.
Gorgeous salad! Love the presentation!
Gracias Rosita, Nos encanta el verano también, y esperamos que su están disfrutando de verano.
Cheers!
J+C
Adoro la sandía esperaré el verano aquí …se ve muy hermosa,fresca y elegante,saludos hugs,hugs.
Your father and us must think alike!!! It is the perfect summer treat and there are so many more watermelon recipes we wish to try out.
Thank you Dentist Chef,
J+C
Watermelon or melon ball on it’s own skin basket is my father’s signature dish…hehehe
refreshing threat!
Thank you Christine, so glad you will try one of the watermelon recipes. They both taste refreshing and we are looking forward to make them soon in this hot summer weather.
Cheers,
J+C
Hello Dorothy, thank you and hope you will try one of our watermelon recipe.
CHeers,
J+C
What a lovely recipe and gorgeous photos. I have not had watermelon yet this season and this recipe is perfect!
Thank you Renee and hope you will try the rosé syrup. It is simple to make and you can save the leftover syrup in the refrigerator for later.
Cheers,
J+C
Thank you Pamela! As for the big basket of watermelons, we got very lucky because they were all delicious.
Cheers,
J+C
You are so kind Kiran! We did have fun with these recipes because they are so simple to make.
J+C
Thank you Kiersten, and hope you get to enjoy lots of delicious watermelon this summer!
J+C
That is so pretty! What a great recipe too!
Watermelon berry salad with rosé syrup- gorgeous! The garden you are in in amazing!
That Watermelon Berry Salad looks beautiful, love the setup.. and that big basket of watermelons!
You ladies sure know how to have fun!! Love all the watermelon recipes!! And that watermelon bowl is a great idea 🙂
Thank you Elisabeth, it would be so much fun to have had you at our little garden party too. We were laughing the whole time and trying not to eat the salad before taking photos.
Cheers,
J+C
Dear Mr. & Mrs. P, Thank you for following! We loved serving it in the watermelon bowl too since there were less dishes to do after.
Cheers,
J+C
Hi Liz, Glad you liked our recipe and hope you get to enjoy some watermelon salad this summer too!
Cheers,
J+C
Thank you Ashley, We did eat all of that watermelon salad, but then again it is good for you so we believe us we didn’t mind.
Cheers,
J+C
Thank you Erin, we had such a fun time in the garden eating all of that watermelon. Hope you get to enjoy some too.
Cheers,
J+C
Thank you so much Nami, Yes it is s surprisingly wonderful flavor combination. Hope you have a great week!
Cheers,
J+C
Hi Mark, Hope you get to enjoy some sunshine in SB soon!
Cheers,
J+C
What a beautiful salad! So perfect for summertime. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by our blog. We just started to follow you as well. Love this salad recipe and it looks so cute that you served it in the melon. Who wouldn’t love this??
This salad is just INSANELY amazing, ladies! I could eat the whole thing on my own… and I might 😉 xo!
Hi Judit, love your gorgeous watermelon salad creations, and the superb photos. Would love to join you for a nice glass of the Rose wine and the delicious fruit salads. I bet it paired really well! Hugs,
What a gorgeous salad! Love the combo of watermelon and berries. And the rose dressing sounds delightful! Off to check out your prosciutto pizza…swooning from the sound of that one!
Now THIS is a party! How gorgeous. I feel so classy and summery just looking at your lovely photos. Looks like a wonderful recipe too!
I have heard and seen the watermelon and feta cheese combo! Such a gorgeous salad! Perfect for summer entertaining. 🙂
Looks to good to eat! What a great garden and table, now I’m getting jeleous of you two. Hope to get up to SB in July
Thank you Marcie, both watermelon recipes are very light and fresh tasing. You can make the syrup with a lighter red wine as well.
Cheers,
J+C
Thank you Danny, It was a beautiful afternoon and we did have lots of fun.
Cheers,
J+C
Hello Alexandra, it is really simple to make and we hope you will give it a try.
Cheers,
J+C
Thank you Georgia for your kind words and hope you will try the watermelon salad.
Cheers,
J+C
What beautiful salads! They look so light and fresh. I love my red wine, and that Rose sounds delicious.
Wow! What a gorgeous salad and a beautiful presentation in that big, hollowed out watermelon bowl! I love the rose syrup, too. Great recipe and lovely photos, ladies. Thanks for sharing and always visiting my blog to leave such nice comments. 😉
Looks like a fun day and interesting food! Wish I could be there with all the pretty ladies!
Watermelon is one of my favorites for summer and I am glad I found your recipes. I haven’t tried anything like the feta salad, but it sounds and looks delicious so I can’t wait to try it.