Pairing Watermelon With Cheese: A Surprising Delight

Watermelon and cheese is a classic combination, with feta being the most popular pairing for the sweet, juicy fruit. However, there are several other cheeses that can be paired with watermelon, such as blue cheese, goat cheese, halloumi, and manchego. The contrast of salty and sweet creates an explosion of flavour that surpasses each individual component.

Feta and watermelon salad

Ingredients

• Watermelon
• Feta cheese
• Red onion
• Fresh mint
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Salt
• Honey
• Avocado
• Serrano pepper
• Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (optional)

Method

• Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes with a sharp knife.
• In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, red onion slices, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh mint.
• Make a dressing by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and salt in a separate bowl.
• Arrange the watermelon and red onions on a large plate or platter.
• Drizzle with half the dressing.
• Top with feta, avocado, mint, and serrano pepper, if using, and drizzle with the remaining dressing.
• Season to taste and serve chilled.

Tips

• You can also add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, but that is optional. The salad is good with or without it!
• If your watermelon isn't chilled, you can always chill the salad before serving.
• This salad is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Grilled halloumi and watermelon

Ingredients:

• Halloumi cheese
• Watermelon
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh mint
• Basil
• Lime zest
• Baby lettuces
• Heirloom cherry tomatoes
• English cucumber

Method:

Firstly, make a minted basil oil by blanching the basil and mint leaves and then blending them with lime zest, olive oil and salt. Leave the oil to sit for 30 minutes and then strain it through a fine mesh sieve.

Next, cut the halloumi and watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Skewer the cheese and fruit, using around three pieces of watermelon for every one piece of halloumi. Drizzle or brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Place the skewers on a preheated grill (around 400 degrees F) for 1-2 minutes on each side, until the cheese and watermelon are golden. Remove from the grill and drizzle with the minted basil oil.

To turn this into a salad, cut the grilled halloumi into 1/2-inch cubes and serve on a bed of baby lettuces, with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber and fresh mint. Whisk together a vinaigrette of white wine vinegar, honey, chile powder and olive oil, and serve on the side.

Mozzarella, watermelon and balsamic vinegar

A refreshing twist on the classic caprese salad, this dish replaces tomatoes with sweet, juicy watermelon. The crunchy texture of the watermelon is a nice counterpoint to the soft cheese, and the balsamic vinegar adds a tangy-sweet flavour.

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon cubes, seeds removed
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella balls, preferably small
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 cups balsamic vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt to taste

Method

In a small pot, bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil. Continue to boil until it has reduced to about 1/2 cup and has a syrup-like consistency. Set aside and allow to cool completely.

In a large bowl, gently toss together the watermelon, mozzarella and basil. Put servings of the salad onto chilled plates. Drizzle with the cooled balsamic syrup. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top of each salad and serve.

Tips

If you have time, you can make the balsamic syrup ahead of time and refrigerate it. You may want to bring it to room temperature before drizzling over the salad.

The small-sized mozzarella balls, called bocconcini, are ideal for this salad, and it is even better if you create melon balls with the watermelon. If you are using larger-sized mozzarella balls, first cut them into bite-sized pieces before adding to the fruit and herb.

You can also buy a large piece of mozzarella cheese and cut it into slices about 1/2-inch thick. Then layer the cheese with the watermelon and basil on a platter and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.

Goats cheese and watermelon

A surprisingly delicious combination, watermelon and goats cheese is a refreshing summer snack. The sweetness of the watermelon is enhanced by the saltiness of the cheese, creating a tasty, contrasting flavour profile.

Watermelon and Goats Cheese Salad

A popular way to serve watermelon and goats cheese is in a salad. This can be made with a spring mix, watercress or parsley, basil, mint or tarragon, and topped with hazelnuts. The hazelnuts can be toasted in a skillet for 2-4 minutes for extra flavour. The cheese can be crumbled on top, or piped into the watermelon with a star-tipped piping bag for a fancier presentation. A vinaigrette dressing can be made with olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper, and tossed with the salad.

Other Options

Watermelon and goats cheese can also be served as a simple side, with the cheese spooned or piped into the watermelon, and garnished with cucumber and a squeeze of lime. Alternatively, try watermelon, goats cheese and avocado on a slice of bread.

Blue cheese and watermelon

For a blue cheese and watermelon salad, you can use a simple recipe of watermelon cubes, crumbled blue cheese, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. The watermelon can be cut into bite-sized cubes, or scooped into balls for a more unique presentation. The blue cheese can be crumbled on top, and the olive oil drizzled over. This salad is best served cold, making it a perfect dish for hot summer days.

For a more complex dish, you can add red onion, baby arugula, and spicy pecans. The pecans can be toasted in the oven with cayenne pepper, chili powder, and Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick. A simple champagne vinaigrette can be used as a dressing to brighten up the flavours. This salad can be served on watermelon wedges for a pretty presentation.

The combination of blue cheese and watermelon creates a delicious and refreshing summer dish that is perfect for picnics or cookouts. The saltiness of the blue cheese and the sweetness of the watermelon create a harmonious flavour profile that is sure to impress.

Frequently asked questions