Spicy Watermelon Salad
Jalapenos are the most popular chile peppers in the US. This is probably due to the availability and versatility of the chile. Jalapenos have a balanced combination of flavor and heat.
The demand for these have caused breeders to develop a broad range of varieties. You can now get jalapenos with various heat level and sizes. These can be used in salsas, stuffed, or eaten straight with cheeseburgers (my personal favorite).
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 white onion, sliced into thin rings
- 2 qts. (2 lbs.) cubed watermelon
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 jalapeño chile, halved, seeded, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves
- 8 ounces feta or cotija cheese, broken into chunks
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Preparation
- 1. Heat vinegar in a small saucepan over high heat until boiling. Add onion and cook, turning as needed, until it’s pink and most of vinegar is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Spoon onion out of pan, let cool slightly, then roughly chop.
- 2. Mix remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add onion and toss just to combine.