Melon and Black Bean Salad with Feta

A refreshing and vibrant salad featuring a combination of sweet melon, crisp cucumber, hearty black beans, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy dressing and topped with fresh basil.

Ingredients

2	cups seedless watermelon or cantaloupe, in small cubes or balls
2	cups English cucumber, cut into quarters lengthwise and then into ½-inch slices
2 1⁄2	cups cooked black beans
3⁄4	cup cubed feta cheese (approximately ¼-inch cubes)
1⁄4	cup extra-virgin olive oil
1	teaspoon honey (see Tips, above)
1	tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice, plus more for serving
1	large handful basil leaves, cut into ribbons (see Tips)
	Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

• 1. In a large serving bowl, combine the seedless watermelon or cantaloupe, English cucumber, cooked black beans, and cubed feta cheese.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, honey, and freshly squeezed lime juice to create the dressing.
  3. Add the ribbons of basil to the salad bowl, then drizzle the tangy dressing over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the feta cheese. Gently toss to combine all the flavors.
  4. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, with a final spritz of lime juice just before serving. For make-ahead preparation, refrigerate the assembled salad without basil and add the fresh basil right before serving.

Jul 21, 2024