I have to say, I paused a bit on the idea of this salad. Shrimp and…watermelon? In the same bowl? Possibly ending up on my fork in the same bite? Really?
Really.
It’s one of those things that sounds like it might not work, but trust me, it does. It’s kind of the whole sweet and salty thing that I love so much, only seafood style. The shrimp and the feta cheese are the savory salty end of this recipe, and the watermelon and fresh tomato are the sweet side. Even the dressing has the sweet and salty thing going on — the sharp taste of vinegar and Dijon mustard and garlic are mixed with the sweetness of honey and orange juice, and the whole thing is a Taste Sensation! Sweet and salty and tropical and summery and cool and wonderful. Summer on a plate.
Plus it is as easy as easy as easy can be.
Thanks for walking on the wild side with me, shrimp and watermelon-wise.
Adapted from Epicurious
Shrimp and Watermelon Salad
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeIngredients
Dressing
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 6 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Salad
- Juice and rind from 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups chopped watermelon
- 1 pound heirloom tomatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2cup crumbled feta
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
Instructions
- Combine all dressing ingredients in food processor and process to blend.
- Fill a 4-quart saucepan with water and bring to a boil; add lemon juice, lemon rind, garlic, bay leaf, peppercorns and salt. Add shrimp, cover, remove from heat and let stand until shrimp is cooked, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool 10 minutes, then refrigerate 30 minutes, or run under cold water to cool if you are in a hurry.
- Toss shrimp, melon, tomatoes and cheese together in a large bowl. Drizzle with dressing to taste and toss again. Scatter basil on top and serve.
This looks absolutely perfect for dinner on a hot summer night…And God knows we've been suffering from some stifling heat here in the Northeast!
This BEAUTIFUL!!! And looks so yummy!:-)
This looks like the tastiest thing in the world…..now all I have to do is find Watermelon in Glasgow!
Claire xo
http://www.beewaits.blogspot.com
I like this! I recently made a summer shrimp salad that had raw zucchini, summer squash and corn in it. I was skeptical at first but when I ate it I loved it!
So pink and pretty! I've seen so many watermelon + feta combos lately…sounds so strange, but I think I'll have to try it.
Sounds so yummy, any suggestions for a pairing for dinner with friends tomorrow?
It's such a crazy combination, I think I might just try it out but I'm holding you personally responsible if it doesn't agree with me….
So I'm definitely in love with you and your food and your photography. And I love that I share my adoration of the Pioneer Woman with you 🙂 Can't wait to make all the recipes from your site that I've bookmarked!
Answering the pairing question: If you mean wine, definitely either a chilled sangria or a nice cold white wine. As for other parts of the meal: Some crusty French bread, and check out my blueberries in vanilla cream and strawbery sherbet recipes elsewhere on the blog. Both cool and summery!
I love shrimp and watermelon is pretty good. hmmmmmmmmmmm It's always fun to try something new, isn't it?
I have seen a lot of recipes using watermelon and I've been hesitant to try. I may have to change that!
Interesting concept. I've never had shrimp and watermelon together but I'm willing to try anything at least once and I usually end up loving it.
So funny as I recently saw a similar recipe and thought WHAT??? Now you have me sold on trying it. LOVE the blog.
Nothing screams SUMMER! like a ripe, juicy watermelon. If prosciutto with melon is ok, why not shrimp and watermelon? Looking forward to trying this one.
Unusual but great-sounding combo! I'm definitely up for it.
This is a nice combination! I would love to try this one. Thanks for the share.