Greek Watermelon and Feta Salad | Kenji's Cooking Show

If you'd like a full written version of this recipe, you can find it on my Patreon page: www.patreon.co...
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GREEK WATERMELON AND FETA SALAD
Watermelon, feta, olive oil, and mint. This is a true four-ingredient salad-it doesn’t even need the addition of salt and pepper, the brine from the feta and a good pepper olive oil take care of that.
I first had this salad in college at cookouts hosted by my Greek and Cypriot friends. They’d grill big chunks of lamb souvlaki until crisp and charred and serve it alongside cucumbers, tomatoes, and a watermelon and feta salad. Later on, in the early 2000s, the flavor combination became very trendy on fancy restaurant menus, including the ones I worked at.
The magic of the salad is the way the saltiness of the feta cheese and the subtle sweetness of the watermelon complement each other so simply and perfectly, while the mint and the olive oil round out the flavors and aromas.
I always like to taste a piece of the watermelon before making the salad, The sweeter it is, the more salt I like to add to the salad to balance it out. Some folks like to add a pinch of kosher salt or fancy sea salt. I just dip my fingertips in the brine and sprinkle it on the melon. It adds saltiness and a little bit of tangy feta funk.
Don’t feel bound by the four ingredients! I like adding things like chili crisp and fried shallots, or lemon zest and extra ground black pepper, or thinly sliced jalapeños and pickled onions. As long as the balance of acidity and saltiness and sweetness is not greatly affected, it'll work.
If you'd like a full written version of this recipe, you can find it for free on my Patreon page: www.patreon.co...

[@bpn12123]

You call that fancy, meanwhile I remember my grandpa sitting in a plastic white chair with a white tanktop having a slice of watermellon and a block of feta in each hand, casualy biting chunks of them while gazing at the aegean archipelago on hot summer night in the in the early 2000s. Thats the Greek summer I remember as a kid.

[@georgie5870]

that's fantastic

[@RaulCastillo-so8xs]

Thank you for sharing this memory

[@Yutaka.M]

Kids growing up eating this... I can't believe such a happy thing exists in this world.

[@WastrelWay]

Indeed. When I was a kid and I asked for watermelon, that's all I would get.

[@lachie_beta316]

"Just a second wombat" So cuuuute!

[@DVO45698]

Kenji’s kids: Can I have some watermelon? Kenji: Oh, yeah. You’ll get some damn watermelon alright.

[@dogoku]

You should try it with (aged) halloumi cheese too! It is a summer staple in Cyprus! As for the rinds, we make fruit preserves with them (similar to pickling, but preserved in syrup instead of vinegar). They become translucent, succulent and very delicious.

[@Pat_Springleaf]

watermelon rind jam is the shit! I might just love it more than actual watermelon

[@gyrosmann]

So difficult to find outside Cyprus/Greece 😭

[@WastrelWay]

Let's not go overboard here.

[@WaitForAntonio]

@@WastrelWay You must be American, it's as good as feta

[@koskettaja609]

Greece is a beautiful country with good food, makes me want to visit it every year

[@IMatchoNation]

NetShaq and Kenji making a video starring watermelon in óne day!? Summer must truly be here!

[@ThePeacemaker10]

My thoughts exactly, guess I gotta buy some watermelon

[@milesedgeworth132]

Isn't NetShaq the manchild who had a Patreon exclusive discord server to cyberstalk and mock Adam Ragusea even though they've never met?

[@LikeBOOMCA]

@@milesedgeworth132netshaq also basically just reuploaded kenjis roast potato recipe without mentioning him

[@myrimu9829]

@@milesedgeworth132 he seems to go after a lot of youtubers for reasons that are confusing to me. i don't even really watch any of the people he goes after, but it's just weird vibes and his "reasons" for going after them are always like... petty, meaningless things.

[@Potrvlb]

Going to make this for my wife later this afternoon 🤩. Looks really good! Never in a million years would have thought of this mix so thank you.

[@Lfc_4-Life_77]

Best summer combo, especially after being at the beach, Being greek living in australia, this used to be our go to light snack every 2nd day during the summer

[@ezraclark7904]

This is great, made a whole watermelon worth with a nice brick of feta and shredded fresh basil, 10/10. going to make more for husband's birthday this week.

[@HeatherRP]

I just made this replacing mint for basil. I diced the watermelon and used crumbled feta. Delicious!

[@thorgail9213]

God bless you and your family Kenji! Jesus loves you so much!

[@onurakcay061]

Man it's cool to see one of my childhood delicacies, the watermelon feta sandwich (with occasional grape addition), in salad form. Must be even more refreshing.

[@OuterSquirrel]

Kenji your description says the recipe is free on your patreon but the website actually requires payment to show it. I have no problem with that, I just wanted to let you know.

[@JaniceMartin-fd8mr]

Ha! A summer staple for decades. Sometimes I add olives but mainly just watermelon, feta, mint & EVOO. Love this dish.

[@amsterdamcalling8701]

Loved this salad, brings me back to the hot summer of “98 in Amsterdam when I ate this couple of times a week and was adicted to it. I used to sprinkle some pine nuts over it.

[@user-gp5ls5iz7x]

An oblong casserole is the most suitable design for the most uses.

[@RobinBaggett]

I'm ready for the Tom Scott-esque compilation of Kenji introducing himself and his various cooking locations!

[@handypandy222]

i've used a super simple vinaigrette and cracked black pepper and i like it, so i need to check it out using your instructions. cheers!

[@getoverthyself]

You said don't add anything acidic. I was looking for a recipe with balsamic glaze. Word is that combo is amazing. May try this too, thanks

[@jeanettemarkley7299]

I make this with shaved fennel and it's terrific. I make it every summer at least once. Edit: I don't use mint in case anyone wants to know. I do make a simple dressing with olive oil and lemon juice.

[@jomicheleseidl2033]

Hi Kenji, thanks for your informative and casual cooking demonstrations. I love them. I also have a request: Will you show us a few videos on how to shallow fry a pasture-raised heritage-breed chicken? My gramma used to shallow fry them and they were so tasty and tender. Now that it's getting easier to buy straight from farmers who are raising these birds as an alternative to the factory-farmed Cornish X, I think there are a lot of home cooks who would appreciate some help learning how to cook these healthier, active birds so that they are tender. This seems like the kind of challenge that you would be up for. Maybe you can get the NYTimes on board to pay for it!

[@m_a_p]

Shiso sounds perfect on this in place of the mint.

[@bexdiller]

Delicious! I add kalamata olives to mine. Sooooo good 🤤

[@squerry]

The hand is looking awesome! From cast to splint in no time!

[@knowledgetracker]

I make a salad with watermelon, tomatoes, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, mint and feta. I make it all the time.

[@everythingexplained]

Was just asking the kids what we should eat for dinner, and both replied with "I don't know", but now I do know. Just hope I can find watermelon that's ripe and not insanely expensive 😀🥗

[@iSunmonkey]

Wild I was just talking to family about making a salad like this. Thanks!

[@yvonnecusmano7971]

I just made a version of this with lime juice olive oil dressing (and shallots). Didn’t care for it. This version sounds infinitely better!

[@bertini78]

them wombats, got no chill - all the best! 👍

[@user-gp5ls5iz7x]

I use cast iron skillets-pans to cook acidic foods without any problem at all, so long as you clean them soon after use.

[@Nightriser271828]

I add a little diced kiwi. Yum!

[@gilmour6754]

Looks like a great summer snack!

[@dingus6594]

I've heard you can actually make a curry from the rinds if you boil them to soften them up. I think it's called Tarbooz Ki Sabzi

[@ritwikgupta1558]

I recently tried a similar salad with this local cheese i bought from the farmers market and a few tortilla chips for a bit of crunch, it was wonderful :)

[@Baunmwolle]

Awesome Kenji! Since the lemon had the sticker on, was it unwashed from the supermarket? Is that alright to zest? I scrub mine intensely, but have actually no idea if it is necessary

[@PanagiotisPolitis-bl9xj]

In Greece we just cut the watermelon into quarters, then cut the rind off, cut the flesh lengthwise and then into chunks, and eat it with a block of feta.

[@kylecronin8737]

I'd be the heathen who adds black pepper to this.

[@user-gp5ls5iz7x]

Cyan is 0ne of The Favorite colors of a Kimono and the cast iron casserole would be an eternal or an everlasting essential.

[@Booogieman]

I was high on weed and really liked watermelon with turmeric combo

[@rymalia]

that's a lucky kiddo!

[@gyrosmann]

I also add tomatoes. 🍅 So great!

[@user-gp5ls5iz7x]

108 this year, using a round-bottomed carbon steel wok for the past 90 years for 90% of my cooking, efficient-employ-energy.

[@BearsThatCare]

Kenji: "I shall get a boat, so I can better relate to the people." Also Kenji: "Hey guys its Kenji, I'm on the boat. The kids are downstairs. You know, the stairs on the boat." (/Just jokes, Kenji, its all love)

[@blahdblah0007]

“Working quickly” 😂

[@UnCoolDad]

Some great post modern Greek food 👍

[@t-banan]

I make this but with rucola and pine nuts, covered in balsamic vinegar honey and lemon

[@vickiraeborn]

Sorry, but recipe on Patreon requires a paid membership to join and unlock. Just FYI… I own Food Lab… maybe it’s in there?

[@karllagerfeld6823]

Looks tasty! Will add it to my recipes!

[@pammartin6077]

This looks great and I will make it!!!! Also, LOVE your nails!!!! Buuutttt…. What’s up with the tp on the counter?

[@jeffwanko380]

What happened to your left hand? Cooking-related injury? Any lessons learned?

[@Fat4all]

think it was an injury related to falling before, but I forget why stairs or bike??, can’t remember:/

[@mike29412]

take chunk of pickled watermelon rind. wrap in bacon. Bake, yum

[@namenl2205]

Wow an old video from 3 years ago popped up and i just noticed how much weight you have lost, i hope it was intentional and just to keep yourself in shape, but you look good bro!

[@NicvB]

We have a local taco place that puts pickled watermelon rinds in their tacos. It is very tasty.

[@Melissa_P_462]

Fresh Tarragon would be a nice Herb too

[@SkynetMotion]

The boutique I manage just started stocking that Karikari stuff, I'm not surprised you have it since they're based out of Seattle. How do you feel about it? We're looking to replace the Momofuku chili crunch with it on the shelves altogether.

[@JKenjiLopezAlt]

It’s the best. So much better than the momofuku stuff. Not even close.

[@Galapagooo]

Looks great and keep thinking maybe Greek olives instead of flaky salt? Need to try

[@LittleSpecter]

Hey, I remember reading online that swirls in a watermelon are indicative that it's underripe - do you know if this is true, or is it just nonsense? I'm getting mixed answers when trying to search for it online myself haha. Thank you! The salad looks great, and has inspired me to make some for myself later this week :D

[@pv3201]

That's always been my understanding, and experience! Kenji cut that open and I immediately thought wow that looks very underripe. Every watermeon I've had that looks like that has been borderline inedible! Am I crazy?

[@JKenjiLopezAlt]

Nonsense.

[@pv3201]

Thanks for responding! Guess we’ve been mislead and/or unlucky!

[@LittleSpecter]

@@JKenjiLopezAlt Thank you!

[@ginnyweatherbee7941]

Have to get some feta next week to make this

[@IMSwimmer19]

Saruman actually did make a ring of power. It didn't go that well.

[@user-fo4wd7hy4b]

I don't want to be a weirdo but, how do you get those veins in your forearms? I am 6'5" and about 265 atm, yet nothing pops on my arms. I do want to drop 35+ pounds this year but not lose muscle. I am interested in veins because that is also and maybe a key to longevity. I am 50 years old and very jealous of Kenji's forearms. I am trying....maybe there is an exercise to increase vein size? Or am a small veined guy? Thanks for the food Kenji!, sorry I took this another direction and if I had watermelon and feta I would definitely add some horseradish ginger pickle salsa on the side to blend in a palate salsa that scales with the base foods.

[@JKenjiLopezAlt]

I’ve always had big veins but they are much bigger since I quit drinking and started working out.

[@AdrasAdraki]

Hope your hand is ok Kenji.

[@jlemons01]

I made this for lunch. I thought it needed something and realized I forgot the olive oil. Also I need to find better feta.

[@GlennTillema]

I swear I can smell the watermelon through the screen ... time to get some sleep.

[@Ben-rs4pg]

Kenji, where can I pick up a Food Hero shirt like you wear in the First We Feast video where you throw two differently salted patties at a tray?

[@JKenjiLopezAlt]

Food Nerd. From Cotoon Bureau. cottonbureau.com/p/V9SRQE/shirt/food-nerd#/3858672/tee-men-standard-tee-premium-heather-tri-blend-s

[@mimic5653]

Kenji, how do YOU pick a good watermelon.

[@marabini7997]

Iranians poor man's supper for hot summer nights. It's funny how fancy it's considered here, but in Iran, it would be an insult to serve it to your guests. Nevertheless, everyone loves it.

[@user-gp5ls5iz7x]

Using cast iron skillets-pans for the past 60 years and using the same 0ld Chinese Chef IR0N Kitchen Knife for the past 60 years.

[@user-gp5ls5iz7x]

At 19, mom gave you a cash iron casserole. Mom knew that cash iron is The BEST metal for any kitchen. Mom's love.

[@Anzy.99]

cool

[@isaz597]

From what I'm watching It's already too zesty Kenji lol. Jokes aside drizzle with pomegranate molasses for that extra tang and deep sweetness.

[@felipediokno1820]

For a second there I thought you lost your two left fingers

[@deannickname]

styrofoam 🤤

[@abrahamu.numbers562]

I'm worried that at some point your kids are going to be over at a friends house for dinner and they'll be having hamburger helper and your kid will barf 😅

[@abrahamu.numbers562]

Not trying to call you snobby

[@kaitlinthompkins]

But where is Jamon!?

[@derpingflamingo]

as a first gen immigrant i saw this at a a picnic a couple sundays ago and was like wtf is this

[@wildeone1636]

Stop filming dad and feed me🤣

[@SomeDudeQC]

Would nuts be good? Like some walnuts? I think it would.

[@jstins]

Yes. I add balsamic glaze and walnuts/pecans. It’s delicious!

[@t-banan]

Make it with rucola and pine nuts. Also feta cheese, leave out the mint. Also balsamic vinegar, honey and lemon

[@SomeDudeQC]

@@t-banan Sounds good! Thanks for the suggestion

[@bradcarby3765]

Bet that would be great with a plate of cold prawns at Christmas (Our Christmas is summer and our shrimps are prawns, don't give me any shit).

[@alanwieder1774]

You should see the other guy

[@andreast.4119]

Love that but being Greek I have never had this a salad in Greece. usually would be as a quick snack or light dinner that you want just fruit and eat a piece of feta with it.

[@broshmosh]

Does the word salad mean something specific in Greece? As far as I know salad can be a light dinner or quick snack, no matter what it's made of. Is it that you wouldn't usually find this on the salad menu at a restaurant?

[@andreast.4119]

@@broshmosh there is no restaurant I have been to that sells watermelon salad, it could have watermelon inside but is not a greek thing. if we would have it at home (that is rare) it would be "watermelon with some feta". i can understand why people would call this greek because usually in the US anything with feta would be considered greek

[@JKenjiLopezAlt]

Strange. I have had it multiple times in Greece and Cyprus. Where do you live?

[@nikoskritsidimas5021]

@@JKenjiLopezAlt Its - at least for myself a Athens born Pelloponnesian a typical greek household afternoon - usually after-beach - snack. But dont mind us Greeks, unless it contains some type of lettuce or tomato we avoid calling it a salad lol. ( still gonna try that tbh , mint - what a banger never thought about it !! )

[@tamarlavy7464]

This a popular salad in Tel Aviv and in Egypt, but I too have never heard of it being served in Greece.

[@Graceclaw]

Man, that's one impatient kid

[@chefdimo]

نون پنیر هندونه قدیمی. 😁👌

[@anx7223]

yemin ediyorum agzinin tadini biliyorsun ha kenji :)

[@user-gp5ls5iz7x]

Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand or Vietnam uses woks to cook acidic foods without any problem.

[@Gigaheart]

Did he say he was on a boat? What happened to your fingers?

[@MrRebar15]

*JU. Kenji Lopez-Alt* Enjoying your content came over from Guga's channel. GOD Bless. (( New Sub! ))

[@billbennington4444]

Paaapaaa

[@Hannahorse715]

Wait… Hambone didn’t get non of it 😢

[@Erksah02]

ay no kenji what happened to your hand. get well soon

[@Semper_Phoenix]

This looks great, but I am a little surprised that you didn't wash the mint leaves.

[@pqrstsma2011]

maybe because he trusts that those mint leaves from his friend's garden are clean enough for him

[@Wiffttrl]

first? looks amazing already

[@spybloom]

...Well my toddler would eat the watermelon at least 🙃

[@adnanreddy1616]

🍉👀

[@ryanheibel6455]

Good cook, but what's up with men painting the nails 💅 🤔

[@sandZROFL]

did your wife do your nails?

[@pspensieri]

Free Palestine

[@leahreid7591]

Hell yeah brother 👍

[@AwesomeCrackDealer]

bruh thats not a recipe

[@TarJack22]

first

[@hawk0n23]

GAY