What recipe did I have in my arsenal that would capture the essence of this magnificent national treasure? ย It would have to be slightly bizarre, tasty, refreshing, surprising and makes you want to return to it again and again? ย Finally I stumbled across this Blueberry Watermelon Salad, another delightful recipe inspired from our friend Ian in Mexico. ย
Yellowstone National Park: Dangerous Beauty
Before we get into the Watermelon Salad, let me share some of favorite photos of Yellowstone. ย We were surprised by not only the incredible beauty of the wilderness, but also by the near proximity the bison and elk among the tourists. ย
Natural Wonders
Truly though, I would go back to Yellowstone every year if I could. ย Breathtaking doesn't even begin to touch the awe inspiring vistas. ย The air is so clear and clean it makes the colors more vivid than anywhere I've been before. ย Reflections of the mountains, sky, and trees on the water was unreal.
I finally had to stop taking pictures because everything everywhere was just so awe inducing.
Making the Trip
If you go and I really hope you do, book your stay early and pick a place inside the park. ย Depending where you stay expect to pay between $159 and $480 a night. ย The Old Faithful Inn books up over a year in advance, however the other lodges have good availability. ย Obviously, Old Faithful is a huge draw and the others, aside from Grant's Village, are a bit more of a drive.
Things not to forget
A Refreshing & Unexpected: Blueberry Watermelon Salad
I chose this Blueberry Watermelon Salad for this week's recipe because in many ways it reminds me of our trip to Yellowstone. ย In a nutshell, it's something totally different and I think you'll really like it.
Blueberry Watermelon Salad Rollups
This salad reminds me of Yellowstone National Park because it's slightly bizarre (tomato & mint?), but it's incredibly tasty, refreshing, surprising and makes you want to return to it again and again. ย Give it a real twist by making rollups with rice paper or enjoy it tossed in a salad bowl. ย Either way it's terrific! | www.lakesidetable.com
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 8 minutes
Servings 3 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups seedless watermelon diced
- 1 head of romaine chopped
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ยฝ cup mint minced
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
- ยฝ cup cucumber seeded and diced
- 1 cup toasted pecans chopped (optional)
- 6 rice spring roll wrappers
- Salad Dressing
- ยฝ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- juice of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar the cheaper the better!
- โ cup fresh herbs minced (I like a mix of parsley and thyme)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss.
-
Gently wet rice paper disks and lay flat on a clean surface.
-
Take approximately โ cup of salad and put into the center of the rice disk.
-
Take the left edge and fold it over the salad, then take the top and bottom edges to the center and continue to roll it to the right. ย This may take a little practice! Have fun with it and try to keep your rollup tight. ๐
-
For the Salad Dressing
-
Whisk* together all the ingredients except the olive oil.
-
While continuing to whisk, slowly add the olive oil drop by drop until you've added about 2 tablespoons. ย Then you can add it in a light stream until you've added it all. ย This will make an emulsion and your dressing won't separate.
-
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe Notes
*If you have a mini food processor or hand emersion blender, these work well too! ย Blitz everything together but the olive oil. ย Then slowly add the olive oil last, blending or blitzing the whole time until completely combined. ย Add salt and pepper to taste.
If rice paper isn't handy, don't let that stop you. ย Toss and enjoy this salad the traditional way in a bowl or a plate!
Nutrition Facts
Blueberry Watermelon Salad Rollups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 0
% Daily Value*
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Potassium 0mg0%
Vitamin A 0IU0%
Vitamin C 0mg0%
Calcium 0mg0%
Iron 0mg0%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nancy M. Daniel says
I loved this salad! It was quick, easy and delicious! I love watermelon.....it so delicious but I never think about putting it in a salad.....but I will it in the future!
Madalaine says
Make sure you pick a seedless watermelon when you do! Lol! Picking the seeds out is a lot of work. ๐ It really makes a great addition to a salad because it's not too sweet and it's got a nice crunch!
Nancy M. Daniel says
LOVED the photos!!!!
Madalaine says
Thank you so much! ๐
Surya says
Love the colors of this salad
Carol G says
I enjoyed reading about your trip to Yellowstone. I frankly would panic if I saw a bear and probably just drop the can of spray. The salad sounds so good. I will have to try it before summer ends.
Amia says
This watermelon salad with feta looks like the ultimate refreshing dish for summer! The combination of sweet, juicy watermelon with the salty feta must be a match made in heaven. I also love the idea of adding some fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor. Itโs simple, yet so vibrant and deliciousโperfect for BBQs or a light lunch. Thanks for sharing this recipe; I canโt wait to try it out!
Madalaine says
Thank you! Youโre absolutely rightโthe sweet watermelon and salty feta make such a perfect pair, and the fresh herbs add a lovely burst of flavor. Itโs one of my favorite refreshing dishes for summer!