In the Kitchen with Sigona’s Featuring: Watermelon

Shrimp, Watermelon and Feta Skewers with a Blenheim Apricot and Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Watermelon and Feta are a delicious combination; the sweet and salty pair also plays well with shrimp and arugula. The combination of all these flavors, topped with our Blenheim apricot and blood orange vinaigrette, would make a nice salad, but we love this skewer presentation. Skewering guarantees all the flavors are together in one perfect bite. Makes 12 skewers, serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp. Sigona’s Blenheim Apricot White Balsamic
• 2 Tbsp. minced shallot
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 Tbsp. Sigona’s Blood Orange Fusion Olive Oil
• About 1/4 lb. block Feta cheese, cut into 12 individual 1-inch cubes
• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail optional
• 1 mini watermelon
• 12 leaves of arugula
• Special equipment: 12 wooden skewers, at least 4 inches long

Directions: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic, shallot, salt and pepper. While whisking, drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the mixture.

Place the feta cubes in a shallow bowl and top with about 1/3 of the vinaigrette. Gently toss to coat well. Set aside to allow the cheese to marinate while preparing the rest of the ingredients.

Place the shrimp in a shallow bowl and top with about 1/3 of the vinaigrette. Gently toss to coat well.

Heat a medium skillet over medium-low. Pour in the shrimp their marinade, cooking the shrimp until pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes total, turning once. Remove the shrimp to a plate and allow to cool to the touch.

Meanwhile, wash off and slice open the melon. Use a melon baller to scoop out 12 balls of watermelon, about 1” in diameter. Alternately, slice the melon into 1” cubes. Save remaining watermelon for another purpose.

When ready to skewer the ingredients, begin by threading on a shrimp. Next, gently wrap an arugula leaf around a melon ball/cube and thread it on the skewer, piercing the arugula on the top and bottom. Complete the skewer with a cube of the feta.

Place the skewers on a serving tray (either standing or laying flat), drizzle lightly with some of the remaining vinaigrette and serve. Any remaining vinaigrette can be served on the side or saved for another purpose.

Simple Healthy Delicious: Watermelon, Feta & Mint Skewers

You can sliver the mint and mix these ingredients together in a bowl for a lovely, scoop-able salad, but who doesn’t love skewers? The flavors of the sweet watermelon are perfectly complimented by the feta. The mint brings the presentation together with a fresh flavor and color. Recipe courtesy of Luisa Ormonde of Luisa’s Catering in San Carlos. She says that Ricotta Salata works well in place of the Feta. Photo by A Girl and a Camera Photography.

Photo by A Girl and a Camera Photography.

What you need:

• 1 Pureheart watermelon
• Block of Feta
• Mint leaves
• Skewers, about 3 to 4 inches in length

Directions: Slice watermelon from the rind and dice into bite-size cubes. Do likewise to the Feta.

Lightly bend a mint leaf in half and slide it onto the skewer. Slide on a piece of the Feta and follow it up with a watermelon cube. Arrange the skewers on a tray, standing straight up or laying down. Serve.