There’s nothing like cool, juicy watermelon during the dog days of summer.
I’ve been enjoying my fair share this season. It’s been my breakfast. It’s been my morning snack. It’s been my come-home-from-work-and-raid-the-fridge-snack, and most recently, it’s been my dinner.
Sometimes you don’t have to look much farther than your own blog for dinner inspiration. As I was throwing back yet another cold chunk of pink deliciousness, I remember this salad from Ina Garten that I shared last summer. I decided it would probably pair nicely with some chicken, so I took that inspiration and ran with it.
Watermelon and Feta Salad with Citrus-Marinated Chicken
Serves 4
Inspired by Ina Garten
Ingredients
- 1 lb. chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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1/4 C freshly squeezed lemon juice
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1/4 C freshly squeezed orange juice
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1/4 C minced shallots
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1 tbsp honey
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2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 C baby arugula
- 3 C baby spinach
- 1 C fresh mint leaves, cut chiffonade style
- 4 chilled watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz. crumbled feta cheese
Directions
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Whisk together lemon and orange juice, shallots, and honey. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly, to form an emulsion. Use half of the mixture and coat the chicken. Allow to marinate at least 4 hours, or overnight. Reserve the rest of the mixture in the refrigerator.
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When ready to prepare meal, cook chicken on the grill or grill pan.
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Toss the salad greens, mint, and watermelon. Top with grilled chicken and sprinkle with feta.
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Drizzle reserved dressing over salad.
I absolutely LOVE watermelon and feta salads and Ina never disappoints!… BUT I especially love that you added chicken to make it a meal!
You’re right – nothing like watermelon!! When is fall coming?
What a great summer salad!!!!
Oh gurl… I lourves me some watermelon! I am chowing down on it non stop lately – anxious that watermelon season is coming to an end!
I have NOT had enough watermelon this summer! But I just blogged about a salad with blackberries and feta and raved about how good fruit and cheese are together. This is more proof!! Yum!
I think I’ve been putting feta and arugula in everything this summer. Great ” too hot to cook day” dinner!
Citrus marinated chicken?! Sign.me.up!
This looks great! I love the addition of chicken to make it a little heartier. I’d love if you link up to our watermelon link party at Seasonal Potluck! http://bit.ly/Pms7B7
Watermelon/feta salads is one of my favorite ways to make salads! They scream summer!!
What a great combination of flavors and textures!
Great summery recipe, Liz! I made something similar recently and can vouch that watermelon salad is SO refreshing and delicious. I bet your recipe tastes like that and then some!
This sounds fantastics, and it made me remember I have cut up watermelon in the fridge! Haha THANKS!!
I adore cool and refreshing salads like this–can’t wait to give this a go
I love the combo of flavors in this…definitely will try it!
Love this! What a great light, late night meal when I don’t feel like cooking!
I love watermelon and feta yet I have never been able to get myself to like watermelon feta salad. I think I’ve been missing the citrus marinated chicken to bring it all together this whole time. Your salad looks delicious!