Wowza…how hard is the Monday following a long weekend?! I definitely wanted to throw on my swimsuit and head outside this morning, instead of dragging myself to the office. Even so, I’m still smiling from all the fun we had this weekend with family and friends. I hope yours was marvelous as well.
Now that we have a refreshed patio space (reveal hopefully coming this week!!), Mr. SP and I have vowed to start using it more for entertaining. Besides the kids and their friends, we rarely entertain in the backyard…and what’s the point of a pool if you don’t invite people over to enjoy it with you?! I think I got all bound up in worrying about the house being in order, or what to cook and serve…but I’ve finally tossed that way of thinking to the curb.
I came up with a few fool-proof and simple side-dishes that I can prepare in advance of guests coming over…they’ve become my stand-bys, and now I can relax and have fun with our guests, instead of worrying about ‘entertaining and impressing’ them. This Watermelon Feta Salad is in heavy rotation.
It’s handy to have foodie-friends on speed dial….I called Kristin and said, ‘How is watermelon with feta?’ Her response was, ‘Amazing! Then throw in some basil and a little balsamic!’ And just like that…our new favorite side dish was born.
There’s really no directions…just start with watermelon, and add the rest to your taste. I’m heavy-handed when it comes to feta and basil, but you may prefer a lighter taste. I serve the salad with balsamic vinegar on the side since it’s one of those things people either love or hate…but a little goes a long way.
I love the sweet watermelon paired with the sharp, creamy cheese…it’s the perfect light, refreshing salad for these hot Summer days.
I served it last night with a green salad and grilled chicken…and homemade ice cream, of course. As we sat around the table with our friends, I realized all my concerns about hosting were unfounded. Hospitality doesn’t require rolling out the red carpet, but only the desire and a little forethought. What are some of your go-to dishes this time of year? Do you entertain much, or hold back for fear of not pleasing your guests?
Can't wait to see the patio! I make something similar to this salad that has arugula too- it is so good fresh watermelon. Save me some homemade ice cream:)
yum! i love any excuse to eat feta š this looks amazing! xo jillian – stop by! I'm hosting a Capri Blue Candle Giveaway! cornflake dreamsĀ
Now that looks YUMMY!
Loved it and crushed it!
Can't wait to see your patio Cassie! That watermelon salad looks yummy!! We love to entertain at the house, but it's been probably a year since we had anyone over just for fun. We'll be hosting a beer tasting party in October though. I can't wait!!
This looks delicious! I was going to try to make it this weekend, but I ended up cutting up the watermelon in star shapes and then never got around to trying this. I have lots leftover, so I'll give this a whirl tonight for dinner. I love basil!
Oh goodness! Make a bunch of this and invite me over. Please. š
Cassie, how funny! I made a watermelon, blueberry, feta, and mint salad for the 4th. It was amazing! Great minds thing alike š
I made this for dinner tonight! It was delicious š
I know what I'm making this weekend! This looks delicious. Great combination with the feta and watermelon. I'm a fan of feta and also balsamic. I love entertaining but don't do it enough because I always think everything needs to be in perfect order. Thanks for the reminder Cassie that things don't have to be perfect!
lemon ice box pie is always on my list for summer entertaining. I'm having guests next week and will try your salad… like the idea of adding blueberries too.
I've been seeing salads like this all over Pinterest, and you've finally convinced me tot try it! It looks delicious and it is GORGEOUS! Can't wait to try!