Watermelon Watercress & Feta Salad with Thai-Inspired Dressing – 2017 Red Carpet Menu for Oscar®

The salad for the 2017 Red Carpet Menu for Oscar® is here!

Hell or High Water isn’t a movie that would normally catch my attention. A “western” vibe is not my go-to. However, the story unfolds so beautifully and the characters are so well-defined and intriguing. Loved it!!!

Creating a dish for this movie was difficult – it’s another of my famous “stretches”. The bad guys aren’t necessarily bad, the good guys have some “not so good” qualities, and it’s all set in a stark & arid landscape. Employing this year’s flavor explosion of unexpected combos, this salad highlights sweet melon, peppery watercress, and salty feta finished with a sweet and spice dressing that will quench your desire for salads that are far from boring and lifeless.

Here’s how:

INGREDIENTS:
The Salad:
• 2 cups watermelon, cubed
• 4 cups watercress
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

 

 

The Dressing:
• 2/3 cup coconut oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 dried red chili pepper, deseeded & chopped finely

DIRECTIONS:
1) Whisk oil, lime juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, cayenne pepper, curry powder, cumin, and chili. Set aside.
2) Combine watercress, watermelon, and feta in a large bowl. Pour dressing over salad. Toss gently and serve.

I had no idea how FABULOUS this dressing was going to turn out when I was experimenting with ingredients. It works perfectly with the feta, melon, and watercress! I couldn’t wait to finish filming so I could gobble up this “Melon Thai Watercress” salad! I’ve made it twice already and can’t wait to serve it on Oscar® night!

Annette