While my main dish of Kikkoman’s Sweet & Sour Chicken Drumsticks was baking for an hour in the oven, I threw together this salad that screams summer. I know this is one of my mom’s favorite things to eat recently at restaurants and I too always order this in the summers when I see it on a menu. Making your own however is so fast! I was amazed how simple this recipe was and how delicious the results were.

Watermelon Feta Salad Ingredients ©EverydayCookingAdventures 2013

My big tip is to NOT overcook the balsamic reduction or it starts to become too thick and glue-like. I started to notice this after a few minutes and immediately took it off the heat. I also added some fresh cracked pepper on top.

Making the balsamic reduction ©EverydayCookingAdventures 2013

I didn’t stack the salad because it was just for me; however, I would do that if I was serving this for company because I’m sure it would look pretty. We both enjoyed the mix of sweet balsamic, salty feta, and juicy watermelon. The mint really wasn’t even needed if you ask me, but I did pick a couple sprigs from my garden and threw the leaves on top. (Addition: Candice G. suggested subbing arugula instead of mint or trying strawberries in place of the watermelon–both great ideas!) I highly recommend this fast, summery first course. Here’s my watermelon salad:

Watermelon, Balsamic, Feta, Mint Salad ©EverydayCookingAdventures 2013

Watermelon with Balsamic and Feta

Recipe courtesy Mary Nolan, Chic & Easy Show, Food Network

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time : 4 min
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 8 (roughly 4 by 2-inch) pieces seedless watermelon
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons shredded mint leaves

Directions
1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Cook over medium heat until reduced by half and syrupy, about 4 minutes.

2. Stack 2 pieces of watermelon on each plate and drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Sprinkle with feta cheese and mint and serve.