Creating complex flavor using watermelon

Watermelon is delicious as is. It can also be made to be more complex when other ingredients are added. My good friend, Kristie, shared this recipe with me years ago and when I read the ingredients, I thought "This sounds like a really odd combination." Normally I can read a recipe and figure out the taste in my imagination. This one was beyond me.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It was created by Chef David Richards, Sweets & Savories, in Chicago, IL. I don't know whether or not he is still there. He prepared this salad at the Chicago Botanic Gardens for one of their Summer Chefs programs.

I know the 1st day of Fall recently passed but I'm still purchasing amazing seedless watermelon at Trader Joe's so enjoy while you can!

Summer Tomato & Watermelon Salad

• 1 small seedless watermelon cubed
• 1-2 cups mixed chopped tomatoes (I wash and cut into cubes keeping skin and seeds)
• 1/4-1/2 cup Basil, Cilantro, Mint washed and sliced in strips
• 1 cup Arugula
• 1-2 teaspoons honey
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
• Dash chili flakes or paste
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Mix honey, olive oil, vinegar and chili paste. In a large mixing bowl combine watermelon, tomato, arugula and herbs to your liking. Gently toss with prepared dressing. Adjust seasoning. I think this salad gets even better the next day too.

Bon appetite!