Watermelon and Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
The contrasting flavors and textures of crisp, sweet watermelon and creamy, tangy goat cheese are magical partners. Top with sliced grilled chicken to make it a meal.
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • 8 cups watercress, tough stems removed, or mixed salad greens (5 ounces)
  • 4 cups diced seedless watermelon, (about 3 pounds with the rind) (see Tips)
  • 1/4 cup very thinly sliced red onion, (1/4 small)
  • 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, (2 ounces), toasted (see Tips)
Directions
1. Whisk oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Add watercress, watermelon and red onion; toss to coat. Divide among 5 plates. Top with goat cheese and hazelnuts to serve.
Nutrition Information
Per serving
Calories: 224
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Potassium: 337mg
Sodium: 171mg
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamins A and C (45% daily value).
SERVES: 5
PREP TIME: 20 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
LEVEL: Easy
MEETS THESE GUIDELINES:
Low Calorie
Low Carb
Low Sodium
Diabetes Appropriate
RECIPE TIPS:
Melon selection and storage:
Look for symmetrical unblemished melons, without flat sides, that have a creamy yellow spot on the bottom indicating ripeness.
At 92% water, this fruit should feel heavy when you heft it. Precut melon flesh should be dense, firm and appear moist.
Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or keep in a cool, dark spot. Cover the cut surface of melon with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
To toast walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts, spread nuts onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, stirring once, until fragrant, 7 to 9 minutes. To toast sliced almonds, cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.
Scaling Disclaimer: EatingWell recipes are tested extensively in the EatingWell Test Kitchen. Eating Well cannot guarantee a recipe that has been scaled to make a different number of servings from the original. Also note that scaling only applies to the ingredient measurements: no adjustment is made to the recipe instructions, so pan sizes and cooking times and ingredient amounts referred to in the text of the recipe only apply to the original number of servings.