Linda’s Watermelon Salad

Recipes
Written By Linda Secondari

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper One 8-pound seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch chunks (10 cups), chilled

  • 1/2 pound feta cheese, cut into small pieces (2 cups)

  • 1 1/4 cups pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped (optional)

  • 1 cup coarsely chopped mint leaves and basil leaves

Chef’s note: Although this salad will keep for a day it is best served within 4 hours of preparing. Keep refrigerated until you are ready to serve.

 
 
 

Directions

  • Begin by cutting the watermelon into approximately 1” chunks, there is no need to be overly fussy about this. Add the watermelon chunks to a large bowl as you go (large enough to toss all the ingredients).

  • Once you’ve finished chopping watermelon, chop the feta into smaller pieces or crumbles, about the size of a kernel of corn. Add to the bowl as you cut the feta.

  • If the pitted kalamata olives are small you can add them whole, if they are larger (1” or more) chop them coarsely. Add the olives to the bowl.

  • Remove the mint and basil leaves from the stalk and shred them into a chiffonade. If you only have one herb but not the other, proceed with what you have! Add the chiffonade to the bowl.

  • Mix all the ingredients in the bowl thoroughly, tossing from the bottom of the bowl up. Add the olive oil after your initial toss, then toss some more. Be gentle! You do not want to crush the watermelon cubes. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Chill until ready to serve.

Yield: 10-16 servings

 

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Linda Secondari

I’m Linda Secondari, founder of Studiolo Secondari and a publishing strategist with more than two decades of experience helping authors create books that resonate and find their audiences. I cut my teeth as an in-house Creative Director — most recently at Oxford University Press — where I partnered with editors, marketers, publishers, and authors to shape meaningful books and position them for real-world impact.

Those years taught me how books compete in a crowded marketplace: how they signal to readers, how they communicate value, and how they’re discovered. My work now centers on sharing that understanding with authors who want to produce books with clarity, intention, and a strong sense of where their place is.

I bring a blend of creative direction, editorial insight, and market strategy — all designed to help you approach your work with the mindset and confidence of a seasoned publishing professional.

http://linda-secondari.squarespace.com/
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