Summer Salad

Summer salad with melon, cheese and olives

A summer salad is much more than a simple mix of vegetables. It's a burst of freshness, a combination of flavors and textures that reflect the joy of the warm season. Today, I invite you to discover a recipe for a summer salad with melon, cottage cheese and olives that is sure to become the star of your summer meals. This dish is quick to make, packed with nutrients and perfect served with a fresh baguette or on salad leaves.

Total cooking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients needed:

- 200 g telemea cheese (preferably country, for a more intense flavor)
- 10-12 cherry tomatoes (opt for the more colorful ones, for an appealing look)
- 3-4 green onions (choose onions with fresh green leaves)
- 1 bunch of radishes (red or white radishes, as you prefer)
- 1 watermelon, suitable (make sure it's well ripe, with an even skin)
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for a delicate taste)
- Juice from half a lemon (to add freshness)
- 10-12 black olives (preferably pitted, for added comfort)
- 1 Knorr Mediterranean cube (optional, for an even more intense taste)

Brief history:
Salads have a long tradition, having been eaten since ancient times as a way to combine various fresh ingredients. In the warm season, salads become a popular choice because of their ease and speed of preparation, but also for the nutritional benefits they offer. This summer salad is a perfect example of simplicity but also richness of taste.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Cherry tomatoes can be left whole or cut in half, depending on preference. Cut the green onions into thin slices and finely slice the radishes to add a spicy flavor to the salad.

2. Melon:
Using a special spoon, scoop out rounds from the watermelon. This will not only add a visually pleasing appearance, but also a crisp and juicy texture. Make sure the watermelon is thoroughly ripe to avoid an astringent taste.

3. Combining ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine tomatoes, green onion, radishes and melon rounds. Add cubes of cottage cheese and black olives. These will add a salty flavor to counterbalance the sweetness of the melon.

4. Making the dressing:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil and lemon juice. You can add the Knorr Mediterranean cube, which will give a more complex taste to the salad. Mix well so that all the flavors combine.

5. Mixing the salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently, being careful not to break up the cheese. It's important to do this step close to serving time, as the melon will leave water and the salad won't keep its crunch.

Serving suggestions:
This summer salad is delicious served with a fresh baguette or on lettuce leaves, such as arugula leaves or salad greens. You can also add some toasted pine seeds for an extra crunch. You can also complement the meal with a glass of freshly made lemonade or a refreshing white wine.

Practical tips:
- If you want to save time, you can prepare all the ingredients a few hours in advance, but add the watermelon and dressing just before serving to avoid water dropping.
- Experiment with other cheeses such as feta or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Add some fresh mint leaves for an even fresher taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while watermelon contains excellent hydration thanks to its high water content. Cottage cheese provides protein and calcium and olives offer healthy fats. It's an ideal choice for hot days when you need something light but nutritious.

FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with feta, mozzarella or even goat cheese to change the flavor profile of the salad.

- How do I keep the salad fresh for the next day?
It is best not to add the melon and dressing until the last minute. This way the vegetables will stay crisp.

- Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?
Of course! Cucumber, peppers or even avocado can be added to diversify the texture and taste.

This summer salad with watermelon, cheese and olives is not just a meal, but a feast of tastes and colors. Savor every bite and enjoy the sunny days with this simple yet exquisite dish!

 Ingredients: 200 g feta cheese, 10-12 cherry tomatoes, 3-4 green onions, 1 bunch of radishes, 1 medium watermelon, 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, a little lemon juice, 10-12 black olives, 1 Mediterranean knorr.