Bright, punchy and refreshing, this watermelon salad is as delightful to create as it is to enjoy, with Pineapple Green Iced Tea as a key player in the dressing. Infusing this green iced tea in vinegar brings out notes of tropical fruit that pair exquisitely with the sweetness of watermelon and hint of spice from Calabrian chili. Recipe crafted by Koko Paranteau (@cutemeat).
Pineapple Green Dressed Watermelon
Ingredients
- 1 small watermelon, cut into plate-size circles, and then into triangular slices (like a pizza)
- ½ cup champagne vinegar
- 1 sachet Pineapple Green Iced Tea
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp Calabrian chili powder
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped (plus more to garnish)
- 4 thyme sprigs, picked
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper
- ¾ cup cotija cheese
- 1 shallot, sliced very thin and fried in olive oil until crisp
- 2 small avocados, sliced into crescents
- Zest from one lime
Directions
- First and foremost, make sure your watermelon is refrigerated and extremely cold; this will ensure a satisfying, crispy bite. We recommend slicing the melon and placing it back in the fridge while you make your dressing and prep your garnishes.
- Bring the vinegar to a boil and toss in your sachet of Pineapple Green Iced Tea, remove from heat and allow to steep for five minutes. Once steeped, discard the teabag and whisk with honey, chili powder, herbs, salt and pepper.
- Remove the watermelon slices from the fridge and plate them like little pizzas on 2-3 plates. Top evenly with dressing until saturated, lay out avocado over the slices of watermelon, crumble cotija and decorate as you like with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve immediately or, if you would like to prep in advance, simply dress the watermelon slices with the Pineapple Green dressing, cover with plastic wrap and allow to marinate in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Add your garnishes right before serving.
- Enjoy.