Watermelon Carpaccio

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a Watermelon Carpaccio on a hot summer day. Growing up, I remember lazy afternoons spent lounging in the garden, with the sun glistening down and the scent of fruits wafting through the air. It was during one of those afternoons that I stumbled upon this delightful dish. The vibrant colors and the fresh flavors seemed to dance together, creating a culinary symphony that reminded me of summer’s best moments. With each bite, the sweetness of the watermelon paired beautifully with the crunch of pistachios and the creaminess of feta cheese, transforming what could be a simple snack into an elegant dish. I often whip this up when entertaining friends or simply for a quiet evening at home, enjoying the flavors of the season.

Ingredient List for Watermelon Carpaccio

The ingredients used in Watermelon Carpaccio are simple yet impactful. This dish celebrates the natural sweetness of watermelon, complemented by the savory notes of feta and the crunch of pistachios. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a refreshing harmony that’s perfect for summer.

• 1/2 Watermelon – Cleaned and trimmed into a chunk for easy slicing, watermelon is the star of this recipe, adding natural sweetness and hydration.
• 2/3 cup Pistachios – These nuts add a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 2 Tablespoons Dill – Fresh dill contributes an aromatic herbal note that balances the sweetness of the watermelon perfectly.
• 1/2 cup Feta Cheese – Creamy and tangy, feta is a classic pairing with watermelon, providing a rich contrast to the fruit’s lightness.
• 1/2 Lemon Juice – A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish, adding a refreshing tang that enhances all the flavors.
• 1 Tablespoon Balsamic Syrup – This syrup adds a sweet and tangy glaze over the carpaccio, elevating the dish’s sophistication.
• 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A drizzle of quality olive oil rounds out the flavors while adding a luxurious touch to the dish.

How to Cook Watermelon Carpaccio

Creating a stunning Watermelon Carpaccio is simpler than it sounds! Follow these easy steps for a fresh and delicious dish that your family and friends will love.

1. Start by cleaning the watermelon. Make sure it’s free from any dirt and impurities. Place it on a sturdy wooden board. Aim to cut it into a block shape; this will help you create even slices later. Visualize how you want to present it, as the shape will influence the final look.
2. Next, slice the watermelon into thin pieces. You’re aiming for slices that are not too thick, which can be cumbersome to eat, and not so thin that they fall apart. Each slice should hold together, with the juicy texture inviting you to take a bite.
3. Repeat the slicing process until all the watermelon is done. Arrange these beautiful slices on a large plate, overlapping them slightly for an elegant appearance.
4. Now, let’s prepare the topping! On a clean cutting board, coarsely chop the pistachios and dill. The goal is to create small pieces that will be easy to sprinkle over the watermelon. Enjoy the sound of the knife against the board as you chop.
5. Once done with the nuts and herbs, add the feta cheese to the mix. Continue chopping until all ingredients are roughly the same size, about pea-sized bits. This ensures that every bite has a bit of everything.
6. Transfer all the chopped toppings into a bowl. It’s time to add the remaining ingredients! Pour in the lemon juice, balsamic syrup, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
7. Now comes the exciting part! Carefully dollop the topping over the arranged slices of watermelon. Make sure to cover the entire surface generously, ensuring that each slice is adorned with that delicious mixture.
8. For the finishing touch, squirt a bit of extra lemon juice on top and scatter more fresh dill if you like. This adds a pop of color and flavor!
9. Finally, serve the Watermelon Carpaccio right away to enjoy its vibrant freshness. It’s the perfect dish to impress your guests or to indulge yourself!

Recipe Tips about Watermelon Carpaccio

When preparing Watermelon Carpaccio, a few tips can help you elevate your dish to the next level. Here are some helpful pointers:

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them covered in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 48 hours, but the topping may lose some crunch.
• Freezing: While you can freeze watermelon, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Frozen watermelon can become mushy upon thawing.
• Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a light appetizer at gatherings.
• Presentation: Using a large platter for serving can make your Watermelon Carpaccio look grand and inviting.
• Incorporate seasonal herbs: Feel free to use fresh basil or mint instead of dill, depending on your preference.

How to Serve Watermelon Carpaccio

Serving your Watermelon Carpaccio is just as crucial as preparing it. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of this refreshing dish:

• Serve as an appetizer: The vibrant colors and flavors make it an excellent start to any meal.
• Pair with grilled dishes: This dish complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast.
• Ideal for picnics: Pack it in a cooler for outdoor gatherings. It’s light and easy to transport.
• Garnish creatively: Use extra herbs or edible flowers for a visual pop when presenting.
• Consider portion sizes: For larger gatherings, you can create a large platter that serves many or smaller individual plates.
• Seasonal events: This dish is perfect for summer barbecues, family reunions, or even special occasions like birthdays.
• Complement with drinks: Pair it with chilled lemonade or sparkling water for a refreshing beverage.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Watermelon Carpaccio is truly a delightful dish that embodies the essence of summer. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, it’s bound to impress at any gathering. I encourage you to try making it yourself, and discover how easy it is to create a stunning dish that everyone will love!

Watermelon Carpaccio

Experience the ultimate summer refresher with Watermelon Carpaccio. This vibrant dish combines juicy watermelon, creamy feta, and crunchy pistachios for an irresistible summer treat. Perfect for parties or a light meal, it’s so easy to prepare that you'll want to make it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizers, Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 whole Watermelon Cleaned and trimmed into a chunk
• 2/3 cup Pistachios
• 2 Tablespoons Dill
• 1/2 cup Feta Cheese
• 1/2 whole Lemon Juice
• 1 Tablespoon Balsamic Syrup
• 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Mina Olive oil

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Start by cleaning the watermelon. Make sure it’s free from any dirt and impurities. Place it on a sturdy wooden board. Aim to cut it into a block shape; this will help you create even slices later. Visualize how you want to present it, as the shape will influence the final look.
2. Next, slice the watermelon into thin pieces. You're aiming for slices that are not too thick, which can be cumbersome to eat, and not so thin that they fall apart. Each slice should hold together, with the juicy texture inviting you to take a bite.
3. Repeat the slicing process until all the watermelon is done. Arrange these beautiful slices on a large plate, overlapping them slightly for an elegant appearance.
4. Now, let’s prepare the topping! On a clean cutting board, coarsely chop the pistachios and dill. The goal is to create small pieces that will be easy to sprinkle over the watermelon. Enjoy the sound of the knife against the board as you chop.
5. Once done with the nuts and herbs, add the feta cheese to the mix. Continue chopping until all ingredients are roughly the same size, about pea-sized bits. This ensures that every bite has a bit of everything.
6. Transfer all the chopped toppings into a bowl. It's time to add the remaining ingredients! Pour in the lemon juice, balsamic syrup, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix everything well to combine the flavors.
7. Now comes the exciting part! Carefully dollop the topping over the arranged slices of watermelon. Make sure to cover the entire surface generously, ensuring that each slice is adorned with that delicious mixture.
8. For the finishing touch, squirt a bit of extra lemon juice on top and scatter more fresh dill if you like. This adds a pop of color and flavor!
9. Finally, serve the Watermelon Carpaccio right away to enjoy its vibrant freshness. It’s the perfect dish to impress your guests or to indulge yourself!

Notes

This is such an easy recipe which tastes like summer on a plate! Tip 1: Start with a block of watermelon so you can end up with even slices. Tip 2: Thinly slice your watermelon to a point where it's thin but not breaking apart. Tip 3: If you don't have watermelon, use any fruit you like! Tip 4: Feel free to swap cheese, use goat or blue cheese --they pair so well with watermelon. Tip 5: Make sure to have a topping that's well balanced in terms of salt, sweet, tang and herb. Tip 6: You can pre-slice the carpaccio and keep it stored, covered in the fridge for 3 days. Tip 7: Similarly you can chop and prepare the toppings and store that for 3 days in the fridge as well. Tip 8: Dress the carpaccio ONLY when you're ready to serve! Tip 9: Store leftovers in the fridge and eat within 48 hours.

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Meet Rose Kelley

I’m happiest when I have dirt under my fingernails and fresh herbs in my hand. I bring a garden-to-table philosophy to our group. I’m always tossing handfuls of fresh basil or mint into our pots, looking for that pop of freshness. I love cooking alongside Maya to ensure our meals feel vibrant and alive. I participate in every step, from the initial chopping to the final taste test!