A piquant take on the ubiquitous watermelon feta salad, this gets a boost from crunchy jicama, cotija cheese, and an eye-opening dressing.
How do you feel about watermelon? I was just not that into it until one summer when I tagged along with Jay's band to Nantucket. There I discovered the wonders of Dark n' Stormy cocktails, cranberry bogs, and the joy of having an ocean that's actually warm enough to swim in. One evening we attended a gala of sorts on the beach which featured stands of oyster shuckers, bottomless champagne, and an enormous buffet complete with roasted meats, platters of cheese, and several cold salads. The watermelon feta was my favorite.
Now watermelon salad will be always be linked with the feeling of cool sand in my toes and watching the late summer sun set.
I've always felt pretty meh about most melons and especially watermelons, but that salad changed my mind. And maybe it's the unusual heat in SF this year, but lately I can't seem to get enough watermelon. Our co-op has been carrying some adorable varieties such as Tiger Baby, and I couldn't resist picking one up (not just because it's named after my spirit animal, but because I actually wanted to eat it).
I had no plans for said watermelon, but one hot day last month I found myself with some leftover cotija cheese from chilaquiles adventures, an organic jicama that Jay's been slicing into green salads, and some rogue herbs. I threw some cumin and coriander in a pan to toast, then I mixed everything up with some ancho chile powder, good olive oil, and sliced cucumbers.
We inhaled the salad.
After lunch, Jay rhapsodized, "Salty and sour, sweet and savory – that just had everything going on."
For a hot minute, I fancied myself a highly original domestic goddess. I was wrong. Watermelon, jicama and cotija salad is a well-loved flavor combination.
And for good reason. Cotija is queso fresco's more flavorful cousin and it plays well with sweet watermelon the same way that briny feta does. The cumin and coriander add savory notes and dimension to tangy lime and olive oil dressing. Ancho chile isn't spicy, but it adds a toasty warmth and brick-red hue. Jicama and cucumber add crunch along with fresh mint and cilantro. And the little bits of salty cotija give you something to sink your teeth into. Sometimes I add slivered red onion and chunks of avocado when I'm feeling extra fancy.
I like this salad best when left to marinate for a few hours in the fridge; this makes it a perfect party or pot luck salad.
*Thanks for reading! For more Bojon Gourmet in your life, follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest, purchase my gluten-free cookbook Alternative Baker, or subscribe to receive new posts via email. And if you make this watermelon jicama salad, I’d love to see. Tag your Instagram snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet.*
Watermelon Jicama Salad with Cumin, Chile and Lime
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
Dressing:
- 1 teaspoon coriander seed
- ½ teaspoon cumin seed
- ¾ teaspoon mild ancho chile powder
- ½ teaspoon flaky salt (such as Maldon)
- ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon super good olive oil
- juice of 1-2 limes (to taste)
Salady Bits:
- 3 cups chunked watermelon flesh (1 pound / 460g) (about ¼-½of a mini seedless melon)
- 1 smallish Persian cucumber, thinly sliced (1/2 cup / 60 g)
- 1 cup peeled, slivered jicama (120g)
- 2-4 ounces cotija cheese, crumbled (1/2 - 1 cup)
- a few handfuls mint leaves, torn if large
- a few handfuls cilantro leaves, torn
- slivered red onion, toasted pepitas, or avocado (optional)
Instructions
- Place the cumin and coriander seed in a small, dry skillet, and toast over medium heat, shuffling the skillet often, until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Cool, then grind in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
- In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, and jicama. Sprinkle with the ground spices, chile powder, salt, pepper, and drizzle with the olive oil and juice of 1 lime. Toss to coat, then toss in the cheese, herbs, and onion, avocado, and/or pepitas if using. Taste, adding more of anything you feel the salad needs. Serve right away, or cover and chill for up to 4 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
Heather (Delicious Not Gorgeous) says
this sounds so refreshing! and love how crunchy it sounds- during the summer, the crunchier my salad the better.
Nicole ~ Cooking for Keeps says
Not only is this salad absolutely stunning, but I love all the textures going on!
todd wagner says
This just made my day, Alanna!! I'm sending to Audrey as we speak. During summer, this becomes a watermelon-only household (tunnel-o-fudge is also acceptable, but that's a different story). The jicama is what does it for me here. Jay was right (as usual), this salad hits all the high notes. Btw, I'd love to rhapsodize with Jay sometime. Just sayin.
Gabriel @ The Dinner Special podcast says
This salad makes me so happy. I can never get enough watermelon and jicama I've always loved in salads - have never tried this cotija cheese before but I've added it to our shopping list and will seek it out.
Tessa | Salted Plains says
Oh, this sounds delicious. And that dressing, too! I love cotija cheese and can imagine how well it pairs with watermelon. Gorgeous, Alanna!
Sprittibee says
Mmmmmm. Saving this one. ;)
Tessa Huff says
Ahh yeah! Summertime in a bowl =) As much as I love fall, gotta hold on to these sunny flavors for just a bit longer!
Gaby Dalkin says
Don't worry, you're still a highly original domestic goddess!! this is the BEST salad to end summer on a high note with! crunchy jicama and watermelon just go together
Joshua Hampton says
Wow. This salad looks delicious. I love watermelon and cucumber together, and I love the crunch jicama brings to the plate.
Eileen says
I think that to really appreciate watermelon, you need to be somewhere that's seriously sweltering. This salad sounds like a great way to eat plenty of it! I love the combination of crispy veg, sweet fruit, and plenty of complex spices.
jose antonio miragaya lopez says
¡Fantástica receta! Fácil de preparar, con buenas fotografías y un resultado delicioso. Gracias por compartirla con todos/as.
Traci | Vanilla And Bean.com says
I have watermelon in my fridge as long as it's in season... Dare I say, it's an addiction? Blending up a shaved cucumber with cold watermelon provides the most delectable refresher! This salad, now, I'll have to give it a go. Not only is it gorgeous, but it's got so many delicious flavors happening... and the textures? I'll need to grab some jicama, and I'll be set! Thank you for another fabulous recipe (and links!) to enjoy, Alanna!!
Jessica says
I just have three words for you: Hand Model 4ever
<3
Lisa Lin says
I've been dying to visit Jered's to check out their goods because I'm in need of new props for the blog! I love having food with cotija in restaurants, but I've never played with it at home before. Definitely giving it a try!
loida says
I like your recipes.tanks you