Healthy Recipe: Watermelon Salad

Watermelon is rich in citrulline and lycopene, powerful plant compounds linked to lowering blood pressure and relieving muscle soreness.

This salad, lightly adapted from a recipe on themediterraneandish.com, pairs it with cucumber, another thirst-quencher that adds fiber and other nutrients. Serves 8. – Susan Puckett

Honey-Lime Dressing:

·         2 tablespoons honey

·         2 tablespoons lime juice

·         2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

·         ½ teaspoon salt

Salad:

·         ½ watermelon, peeled and cubed (about 8 cups)

·         1 English or hot house cucumber, cubed (about 2 cups)

·         ¼ cup chopped fresh mint or basil leaves, or a combination

·         Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

·         ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Make the dressing: Whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl.

Make the salad: Combine the watermelon, cucumber, and herbs in a large serving bowl. Top with the dressing and toss gently to combine. Taste and season with a little more salt and freshly ground pepper, if desired. Sprinkle the feta over the top. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Susan Puckett is an Atlanta-based food writer and cookbook author.