RECIPE: Watermelon and Roasted Beet Salad with Fennel and Feta

Serves 6

Ingredients:

For dressing:

1 cup fresh tangerine or orange juice

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 small shallot, peeled and minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

6 sprigs cilantro, stemmed and chopped

4 large fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme

For salad:

1 large or 3 small golden beets( 9 0z. total), trimmed but not peeled

1 large or 3 small red beets, trimmed but not peeled

2 cups arugula, stemmed

3 cups watermelon cubes(about 1 lb. watermelon)

1/2 small fennel bulb, very thinly sliced

2 to 3 ounces sharp feta cheese

Procedure:

1. Roast beets until tender. Cool the beets and peel. Cut small beets in half; large beets into cubes.

2. Whisk together all dressing ingredients. Toss cooled beets in 1/4 of the dressing and set aside for at least 10 min.

3. Set a few arugula leaves on each plate. Top with watermelon and beet chunks. Scatter the fennel and crumble the feta over the top. Serve with additional dressing.

Submitted by Seth Burroughs

RECIPE: Watermelon, Feta, and Arugula Salad

Ingredients:

3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

6 oz. baby arugula
8 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
7 oz. feta cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (crumbled also works)

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Procedure:

1. Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan or skillet. Boil over medium-high heat until reduced to approximately 3 tablespoons, 6 to 7 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, separate arugula into individual salad plates. Scatter watermelon, then feta over arugula. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with black pepper.

Submitted by Vicki Boyne