Watermelon Tomato Salad

The summer heat has seemed to arrive, it is going to be in the 90s all this week. Perfect time for a light and fresh watermelon salad. We were in Sun Valley a few weeks ago and my husband ordered a similar salad and added chicken to it. I thought he was crazy and weird he added a chicken breast to the salad but totally forgot to try it during lunch because we were taking turns caring for the baby. When we got home from the trip he asked if I could make it for dinner for him. I didn't remember what ingredients were in it so this recipe he actually came up with. I was surprised he wanted this for dinner and worried it wouldn't be filling enough for him, but it was and I will say it was delicious. I love eating light like this on warm summer nights. 

Watermelon Salad with Chicken
Ingredients

• 1 medium size watermelon, chopped
• A container of grape tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 container of feta cheese, I bought the large chunk and just broke some off for each salad
• Fresh Mint, chopped
• 2 chicken breasts
• Aged balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil
• Sea salt

Directions

1. BBQ or bake chicken, I just marinated mine with some of the balsamic vinegar and olive oil salt and pepper. After the chicken was cooked, I diced it into cubes.
2. In a large bowl, gently toss the watermelon, tomatoes and pumpkin seeds together. chill for 30 minutes if the watermelon was not already in the fridge. Add grilled cubed chicken, feta and mint atop. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to taste. Sprinkle some salt if desired.

I think the key to this salad was good watermelon obviously, but the fresh mint really made it feel summery and fresh. I love growing mint and being able to use it on all my dishes in the summer. Another key ingredient is good balsamic and olive oil. I think it is something everyone should invest in. If you have good olive oil and balsamic you don't even need salad dressing. You can also reduce your balsamic if you desire a thicker consistency when you are using it for a salad dressing. 

Hope you have a great week,
​Jess