By Timothy Witcher, Executive Chef, FoodSmart USA • updated June 23, 2025
From the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival / MobileMusicLab.com Healthy Choices Demonstration Kitchen
Prep Time: 20 min
Chill Time: 15 min
Serves: 4–6
Ingredients — For the Salad:
• 3 cups small-diced watermelon
• ½ cup minced red onion
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 jalapeños, minced (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
• ½ cup red bell pepper, small-diced
Ingredients — For the Champagne-Honey Dressing:
• 1 tbsp champagne vinegar
• 1 tbsp local honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine watermelon, red onion, feta cheese, basil, cilantro, jalapeños and red bell pepper.
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to coat. Season lightly with sea salt.
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve:
Serve chilled over your choice of fresh salad greens.