Watermelon salad: Feta, mint add zest to famed chef’s creation

When Jacques Pepin prepares this summer salad, he uses a melon baller to cut the watermelon into small rounds. But the watermelon also could be cut into cubes. Prepare this salad just before serving to prevent it from getting watery.

Watermelon salad with feta and mint

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3tablespoons lemon juice

2teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

One 8-pound seedless watermelon, scooped into balls with a melon baller or cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks (10 cups), chilled

1/2 pound feta cheese, crumbled (2 cups)

1 1/4 cups pitted Kalamata olives, coarsely chopped (optional)

1 small sweet onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice

1 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves

In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice, salt, hot sauce and pepper. Add the watermelon, feta, olives and onion and gently toss. Garnish with the mint and serve. Servings: 12

Recipe from Jacques Pepin in the July 2009 issue of Food &Wine magazine