Nothing beats combining quintessential summer fruits with a tangy feta cheese and crusty, slightly charred bread. One of my favorite ways to switch up salads is by playing around with how I cut up the produce. Here, I kept the tomatoes in large slices and watermelon in large triangles. It sounds simple, but it makes a difference! Take it one step further and serve this on a large flat plate for presentation that’ll feel fancier, but takes no additional effort.
Both the tomato and watermelon are quite sweet, so basil, feta and crusty toasted bread is key for balance. I call this a panzanella, although my ratio of produce:bread is definitely leaning toward the produce. I find just a handful of toasted bread does the trick.
Last small, but oh so important, detail: flaky sea salt on top. It’ll make all the flavors pop. Season your salads just like you would anything else. It’s what all the chefs do. It may seem weird if you’re not used to it, but trust me on it!
Watermelon, Tomato & Feta Panzanella Salad
- large handful toasted bread cubes, , see recipe/directions below
- 2 small heirloom tomatoes, , cut into large slices (ideally 2 different colors for presentation)
- 1/2 small watermelon, , enough for about 8 small triangle slices (watermelons really vary in size, so use your best judgement here- I also trying to get them on the smaller side)
- 3 ounces feta, , cubed
- small handful fresh basil leaves, , julienned
- drizzle extra virgin olive oil
- large pinch flaky sea salt
- Get a large plate (this looks best served on a flat plate rather than a bowl). Arrange tomato and watermelon on plate. Then add on toasted bread and feta on top.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and and add some flakey sea salt on top right before serving.
Made this for six people and was devoured quickly! Will definitely make again. Toasting the bread is particularly nice if you can use a good crusty bread that has been around a while.
Glad it was a hit! And yes the older the better when it comes to the bread (seems odd I know).