Watermelon, Mint, Feta and Black Olive Salad

One of the things I encourage women to do in midlife is to build meals around foods that are both nourishing and enjoyable. This salad is a lovely example of that.

The watermelon adds freshness and hydration, while the feta, olives and olive oil help make it more satisfying than a typical side salad. It's packed with colour, flavour and plant foods, making it a delicious addition to any summer table.

Serves 8-10 as a BBQ side

Ingredients

• 1.5kg watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 red onion, finely sliced

• Juice of 3 limes

• 1 cup pitted black olives, sliced

• 200g feta cheese, cubed

• Small bunch of fresh mint, roughly torn

• Small bunch of fresh parsley, roughly chopped

• 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Freshly ground black pepper

Method

• Place the sliced red onion in a small bowl and pour over the lime juice. Leave for 10 minutes to soften the onion and mellow its sharpness.

• In a large serving bowl, combine the watermelon, olives, mint and parsley.

• Drain the onions, reserving a little of the lime juice if desired, and add them to the salad.

• Drizzle over the olive oil and season generously with black pepper.

• Gently toss everything together.

• Just before serving, scatter over the feta and give the salad a final gentle toss.

Notes

This salad is best served fresh but can be prepared a few hours ahead. Add the feta just before serving.