Watermelon and feta salad with verjus dressing for a super-easy summer salad.
Ver-what?
Verjus isn’t a mainstream ingredient, and yet it’s been around since the Middle Ages when it was used as a sauce ingredient, tenderizer, and condiment. It’s pronounced ver-jue, translated as “green juice”, and is extracted from unripened grapes.
Verjus is much softer than the brash edges of vinegar, think green apple tartness instead, but is often used as an alternative. What I particularly like is that less oil is needed in a vinaigrette when I use verjus. A lot less. Instead of using the typical 3 – 4 parts oil to vinegar, for example, in this salad I went with 1/2 part oil to verjus. That’s a huge difference in calories.
I’ve used both Terra Sonoma’s VerJus out of Sonoma County (California), and Navarro’s Verjus, a Mendocino, California winery, and they’re both wonderful. Add it to salad dressings, sauces, braises, or the water used to simmer artichokes or whole grains for a wine-like infusion of flavor that’s not overly sweet.
As a note, verjus is non-alcoholic and only lasts about a week in the refrigerator once opened, so use it lavishly.
Watermelon and Feta Salad with Verjus
Ingredients
- 1 small watermelon
- 1/3 cup feta cheese I use feta cheese from sheep's milk
- 1/8 cup 2 Tbsp mint leaves thinly slivered
- 1/8 cup 2 Tbsp basil leaves thinly slivered
- 1/8 cup 2 Tbsp pepitas (toasted pumpkin seeds)
- 1/4 cup verjus
- 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cut away the green and white rind layers from the watermelon, and slice into 1-inch cubes. Lay on a serving dish.
- Cut the cheese into 1/2-inch pieces and spread over the watermelon pieces.
- Sprinkle the mint and basil on top. When I use basil in my garden, I toss on some basil flowers too. Add the pepitas.
- Combine the verjus and oil, and drizzle over the watermelon salad. Finish with a light pinch of salt and ground black pepper.
- Let sit for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Fat: 13.4 g (Saturated Fat: 3.9 g)
Sodium: 195.9 g
Potassium: 174 g
Carbs: 13.1 g
Protein: 5.4 g
This is a great salad for a last-minute BBQ, a potluck dinner, or a picnic. And it’s picnic season! In honor of picnic season as we march towards the big 4th of July holiday here in the States, the #SundaySupper crowd is having a huge virtual picnic. So go see what everyone’s bringing, and pick up some great ideas for your own picnic! A big thanks to Jane at Jane’s Adventures in Dinner for hosting us this week!
Beverages
- Orange Blossom Iced Tea by girlichef
- Red, White, and Blue Sangria by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Rosemary Nectarine Sparkling Cocktail by Food Lust People Love
- Best Picnic Wines by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
Appetizers
- Baked Garlic Parmesan Wings by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls by Daily Dish Recipes
- Peppadew Dip by Confessions of a Culinary Diva
- Savory Red, White, and Bleu Truffles by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
Mains
- Asparagus and Cheddar Quiche by Mess Makes Food
- London Broil with Caramelized Red Onions by Crazy Foodie Stunts
- Stilton Potato and Stilton Pies by Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
- Waffle Batter Fried Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
Sides
- Mushroom and Gruyere Cheesecake by Peaceful Cooking
- Scotch Eggs by Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Salads
- Caprese Pasta Salad by La Bella Vita Cucina
- Farro & Walnut Salad by Foxes Love Lemons
- Fruit Tortellini Salad by Jelly Toast
- Gluten Free Potato Salad by Gluten Free Crumbley
- Japanese Noodle Salad by Noshing With The Nolands
- Kale and Quinoa Tabbouli by Healthy. Delicious.
- Layered Chicken Salad by Nosh My Way
- Lightened Up Macaroni Salad by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Loaded Potato Salad by Granny’s Down Home Sassy Southern Cooking
- Mexican 3 Bean Salad by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Old Fashioned Potato Salad by Life Tastes Good
- Orzo Salad with Kale Pesto by Cooking Chat
- Pizza Pasta Salad by Curious Cuisiniere
- Red, White and Blue Fruit and Cheese Salad by Shockingly Delicious
- Tomato Bean Salad by Family Foodie
- Tuna Noodle Salad by Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
- Vegetable Salad by Magnolia Days
- Veggie Pasta Salad by Pescetarian Journal
- Watermelon and Feta Salad with Verjus by The Wimpy Vegetarian
Sandwiches and Wraps
- Pan Bagnat by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Panino con la Salamella by Manu’s Menu
- Roast Beef Wraps by Cookin’ Mimi
Sweets
- Banana Pudding Cheesecake by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Berry Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups {#glutenfree option} by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Cherry Chip Blossom Cupcakes by NinjaBaking.com
- Cherry Pie Crumb Bars by The Girl In the Little Red Kitchen
- Chocolate Chunk Brownies by What Smells So Good?
- Chocolate Syrup Brownies by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Chocolate Zucchini Cake by Killer Bunnies, Inc
- Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies by Alida’s Kitchen
- Flag Cake by Pies and Plots
- Peanut Butter Frosted Brownies by Feed Me, Seymour
- Red, White, and Blue Berry Angel Food Cake Parfaits by Neighborfood
- S’mores Crumb Bars by The Redhead Baker
- Stained Glass Jello with Coconut Milk Panna Cotta by Simply Gourmet
- Strawberry Banana Oat Muffins by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.
apuginthekitchen says
June 29, 2014 at 7:39 amI have used verjus a long time ago and had forgotten about it. I love how you use it here on the watermelon salad, a stroke of genius, you are right it’s much less acidic or harsh than vinegar. Watermelon and feta is one of my favorite combinations.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
June 29, 2014 at 2:52 pmVerjus is something that’s not much on any of our radars, I think. And yet, it’s really versatile!
cheri says
June 29, 2014 at 8:44 amHi Susan, love this salad, I find watermelon is always so refreshing, love it combined with the feta, will have to check out the verjus, sounds delicious!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
June 29, 2014 at 2:53 pmThis is one of my favorite summer salads. I had it at a summer picnic a few years ago, and then tried to duplicate it for myself 🙂
Marlene @Nosh My Way says
June 29, 2014 at 9:06 amWatermelon and feta are definitely a great combination.
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
June 29, 2014 at 2:57 pmTotally!!
Stacy says
June 29, 2014 at 9:45 amThis is my favorite kind of salad, Susan! I know I would love the salty feta with the sweet watermelon since I always eat watermelon with a sprinkle of sea salt. Can’t wait to try this!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
June 29, 2014 at 2:54 pmYes! A little spray of salt is the perfect way to finish the salad off! Thanks, Stacy!
Tara says
June 29, 2014 at 10:49 amI was wondering when I would see the watermelon, I think it has to be in the top 5 to bring to a picnic, perfect recipe!!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
June 29, 2014 at 2:55 pmWhen I think of summer, I think of watermelon 🙂 So I had to this to the picnic!!
Liz says
June 29, 2014 at 11:58 amWhat a stunning salad…the epitome of summer with the watermelon! And I need to track down some verjus to give it a try 🙂
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
June 29, 2014 at 2:55 pmIt’s worth tracking down, Liz. It’s with the oil and vinegars in our stores, so that’s a good place to start! It’s great for sipping too 🙂
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
June 29, 2014 at 12:20 pmI have heard so much about this watermelon feta salad, but have yet to try it or make it myself. Looks like I also need to find some verjus! Thanks for the info on it!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
June 29, 2014 at 2:56 pmIt’s such a good partnership in flavors and textures, I think. And look for verjus with the vinegars in your store – that’s where I find it here 🙂
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
June 29, 2014 at 12:35 pmYUM!! Watermelon and feta would taste sooo good together! Great salad 🙂
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
June 29, 2014 at 2:57 pmThanks!!
Shaina says
June 29, 2014 at 1:54 pmLove love love this salad. Watermelon and feta go together so perfectly!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
June 29, 2014 at 2:58 pmI completely agree! I had this salad at a picnic a few years ago and fell in love with the flavors!
Martin D Redmond says
June 29, 2014 at 2:24 pmMmmm. I bet the verjus really set this off! I’ve had the Navarro verjus and it’s great. I’ll have to pick some up now that I know what to do with it besides drink it! Great looking recipe! Pinning!
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
June 29, 2014 at 2:51 pmI sip on Navarro’s too – it’s perfect! You would love this salad, I think, Martin!
Sarah says
June 29, 2014 at 4:24 pmMy coworker brought something almost identical to work on the last day of school, it looked amazing
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
June 29, 2014 at 5:04 pmHow interesting…verjus! The same principle happens with rice vinegar. It is half the acidity, so you need far, far less olive oil in the dressing to balance it. Great tip! And I really want this salad at every picnic, party and potluck for the rest of my life.
Susan says
June 29, 2014 at 6:17 pmI have never heard of verjus before but it sounds like something I’d like and this salad looks delicious.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
June 29, 2014 at 7:20 pmA picnic isn’t a picnic without watermelon!
Christy says
June 29, 2014 at 8:05 pmThis is one of my favorite summer salads, I’ve never tried it with the verjus. Can’t wait to try your version!
Marion@Life Tastes Good says
June 29, 2014 at 8:14 pmThis is such a beautiful salad and it looks so refreshing! It cools me off just looking at your beautiful pic!!
laurasmess says
June 29, 2014 at 9:16 pmWe have an Australian cook/media personality called Maggie Beer who is a big advocate for the use of verjus (or verjuice as it is often labelled over here!). It’s great, I’ve fallen in love with it! Love this gorgeous salad, the crunchy pepitas and herbs must add so much gorgeous complexity. I can’t wait to try it xx
DB-The Foodie Stuntman @ Crazy Foodie Stunts says
June 30, 2014 at 11:51 amI’ve never heard of verjus so thank you for teaching me something new!
Choc Chip Uru says
June 30, 2014 at 3:09 pmVerjus is so classy an ingredient to use, I just read Lauramess’s comment but I was about to mention Maggie Beer as well 😛
This salad looks fantastic, the texture of feta and watermelon would be perfect!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
June 30, 2014 at 4:26 pmI always love a watermelon salad! So easy and relish!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
July 1, 2014 at 3:29 amI can almost taste this, sweet watermelon and mild feta with verjus! Perfect!
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons says
July 1, 2014 at 8:41 pmI love any instruction to use something lavishly! I can’t wait to get my hands on some verjus now. Definitely starting some research as to where I might be able to get some around here.
Love the combo of watermelon and feta, and the pepitas for crunch are so smart!
Terra says
July 2, 2014 at 5:54 pmI keep reading recipes using watermelon in a unique way. I need to try watermelon in a new way for sure! Such a lovely refreshing salad! Hugs, Terra
mjskit says
July 5, 2014 at 2:13 pmI’ve never heard of verjus. How very interesting!! Thanks for introducing a new ingredient. I love this salad and can’t wait for watermelons to start showing up here. I make something similar with a little preserved lemons added in. Now I’m on the hunt for verjus .
The Wimpy Vegetarian says
July 8, 2014 at 9:56 pmVerjus is worth looking for, and makes all the difference to this recipe. I’m working on alternatives if readers can’t find it though. I’ll post options once I have it nailed down.
Mary @ Fit and Fed says
July 16, 2014 at 9:02 pmI have heard of verjus but never seen it for sale. It sounds perfect to go with fruit with its relative softness. I love watermelon and feta salad, just had one last week!