Hot Girl Summer Salad

I am a girl, it’s hot and it’s summer.  So thats where the name comes from! Those things also mean it's time for light dinners that are fresh, colorful, and easy to put together. This salad is everything I love about the season……peppery arugula,red onion, crisp cucumber, creamy feta, fragrant herbs, and juicy grilled shrimp, all tossed in a refreshing watermelon vinaigrette. Sometimes the best summer memories are made with fresh ingredients, good conversation, and dinner enjoyed outside.

You will need:

For the Watermelon Vinaigrette

½ cup fresh watermelon juice

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp white balsamic vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp honey

Juice of ½ lime

¼ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

For the Salad

6 cups fresh arugula

1 English cucumber, sliced into half moons

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

¼ cup chopped fresh basil

1 avocado, sliced (optional but delicious)

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

For the Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 tbsp avocado oil

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp black pepper

Start by making the vinaigrette. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the watermelon juice, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously until smooth and set aside.

Pat the shrimp dry and toss with the avocado oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, just until pink and lightly charred.

In a large serving bowl, layer the arugula, cucumber, watermelon, red onion, feta, mint, basil, and avocado if using.

Add the warm grilled shrimp on top and drizzle generously with the watermelon vinaigrette. Toss gently just before serving, and top with toasted pine nuts.