Watermelon & Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

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In this watermelon and goat cheese salad, the contrasting flavors and textures of crisp, sweet melon and creamy, tangy goat cheese are magical partners. Top with sliced grilled chicken to make it a meal.

Watermelon & Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Photo: Jason Donnelly
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
5
Yield:
5 servings, 2 cups each

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons orange juice

  • 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • Freshly ground pepper, to taste

  • 8 cups watercress, tough stems removed, or mixed salad greens (5 ounces)

  • 4 cups diced seedless watermelon, (about 3 pounds with the rind) (see Tips)

  • 2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

  • 1/4 cup very thinly sliced red onion, (1/4 small)

  • 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, (2 ounces), toasted (see Tips)

Directions

  1. Whisk oil, orange juice, vinegar, salt and pepper in a large bowl until well combined. Add watercress, watermelon and red onion; toss to coat. Divide among 5 plates. Top with goat cheese and hazelnuts to serve.

Tips

Tips: Melon selection & storage: Look for symmetrical unblemished melons, without flat sides, that have a creamy yellow spot on the bottom indicating ripeness.
At 92% water, this fruit should feel heavy when you heft it. Precut melon flesh should be dense, firm and appear moist. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or keep in a cool, dark spot. Cover the cut surface of melon with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

To toast chopped hazelnuts: Toast in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.

Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, August/September 2005

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

227 Calories
18g Fat
13g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 5
Serving Size 2 cups
Calories 227
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 6g 12%
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Vitamin A 2566IU 51%
Vitamin C 39mg 43%
Folate 27mcg 7%
Sodium 192mg 8%
Calcium 105mg 8%
Iron 1mg 7%
Magnesium 46mg 11%
Potassium 425mg 9%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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