(EASY) Watermelon Salad

One of the beautiful gifts of summer is fresh fruit.  So colorful and lovely, it’s one thing that we definitely crave right now.

When I saw this recipe in Food Network Magazine, I was smitten.  The recipe was simple and the ingredients were few.  It was a perfect side dish for dinner, absolutely refreshing and delicious.

In the produce department, they actually had mint plants that were the same price as the packaged herbs.  So I bought the plant in hopes that it will last longer and go further than the package.  If not, no money was lost on that idea.

1/4 cup SUGAR

1/4 cup WATER

3 MINT SPRIGS

Zest and Juice of 1 LEMON

Pinch of SALT

2 cups FRESH BLUEBERRIES

3 cups WATERMELON, cubed

Extra MINT for garnish, chopped

Bring water and sugar to a simmer in a small saucepan.  Remove from heat, add mint sprigs and steep for 10 minutes.

Place watermelon and blueberries in a medium bowl.

Discard the mint.  Add the lemon zest, juice and salt.  Stir to combine.

Pour over fruit, toss gently.  Let stand 15 minutes.  Top with chopped mint.

Recipe Source:  Food Network Magazine, July/August 2011