Well the zoo was amazing and the vacation has been a ton of fun so far. It feels like we have been going non stop day and night and by the time I get to bed I am exhausted. I am not complaining as the kids are having a ball!

We are slated to head over to Halifax, NS today and tonight and stay in a Jungle Theme Room that I booked last night ( the kids don’t know yet).  I think they will be super excited as it is a SUITE with bunk beds.  Before we get moving along, I wanted to share a fun summer salad with you.

Do you like watermelon? How about fresh basil and mint?  The colors and fresh flavor really make people happy.  This salad is really fresh and will definitely make you and your guests happy.  The combination of juicy watermelon and crisp cucumbers along with the nice sharp flavor of feta – this is a HIT.  The citrus dressing just screams summer so eat up and enjoy!

Super Summer Watermelon Salad

Ingredients

• 2 Cups seeded and diced ripe watermelon
• 2 Cups seeded and diced cucumber
• Quartered green and red tomatoes
• Fresh Basil and mint
• Citrus dressing (see below)
• 1/4 Cup crumbled feta cheese

Citrus Dressing

• 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp.fresh lime juice
• 2 Tsp honey
• 1/3 Cup olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint
• Pinch of cayenne
• Salt (to taste)

Method

1. It couldn’t be easier. Toss all the ingredients in a big bowl.
2. For the dressing, place all the ingredients in a jar with a lid.
3. Screw on the lid, and shake until well-blended.
4. Divide among four plates
5. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: For this one, I wait until just before serving before dressing it.  You do not want the fresh basil and mint to become limp and wilted.  You can make the dressing up ahead of time in the jar just be sure to give it a good shake before pouring over the salad.

OK, so we got home around 8:30 last night and I looked out onto the deck and saw some of this action…. isn’t this gorgeous?

Around 8:25pm

Around 8:35pm

Around 8:45pm

Have a super Wednesday – we are off in the car for a fun filled couple of days yet again.  Talk to you Friday morning before we hit the Gold Cup and Saucer Parade.

Take care

zesty

Not all the time I get super excited about a salad, but today is slightly different.  Now, I am not sure if it was the company I was with or the flavors in the salad but let me tell you – this was super good.

Do you like Tarragon?  What about honey?  Any cravings for toasted almonds?  If you said yes to these questions than I am certain you will be licking this bowl just like I wanted too. The salad itself is really simple.  Just three ingredients besides the dressing – but the flavor is dynamic!

Ingredients

• Head of Romaine Lettuce
• 1/2 Cup Roasted Almonds
• 2 Tbsp. Tarragon (dried) or 1 handful of fresh Tarragon
• 1/3 Cup Honey
• 1/3 Cup Vinegar
• 1/3 Cup Oil
• 1 Tsp. Dry mustard
• 1 clove garlic (crushed)
• Salt
• Pepper

Method

1. In the oven or dry roasting pan, toast the almonds until golden brown.
2. Clean and prepare the romaine lettuce and fresh tarragon.
3. Combine oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper and mix thoroughly.
4. In a large bowl combine lettuce, tarragon and almonds; add dressing just before serving.
5. Enjoy!

Zesty Tip: To keep everyone happy at the table you can serve the dressing on the side in case some people do not like it and you will be also able to keep leftovers.  I prefer the dressing poured over just before serving but it may not be for everyone.

This salad is a definite keeper.  I really like the simplicity of it yet the powerful combination of flavors.  I have to thank the camping neighbors for this salad – it is such a great pair with a simple cheeseburger or even something more elegant like a seared piece of halibut.  You will not be disappointed with this salad. Have a super day and keep smiling.

Take care

zesty