A Refreshing Summer Snack: Watermelon and Bulgarian Cheese

As years go, 2022 is turning out to be a hot one. This year is the sixth hottest on record, and May 2022 was the ninth-warmest May in over 140 years.

Looking to escape the heat? Cool down with this refreshing summer snack recipe: watermelon and feta salad.

Complete with the flavors of mint, lemon, and olive oil, this salad just screams summer. The sweet, crunchy watermelon is an unexpected yet somehow perfect pairing with the recipe's soft, creamy Bulgarian feta cheese.

Is your mouth watering? Then keep scrolling for the full watermelon feta salad recipe. But first, let's go over why you can't make this salad without Bulgarian feta cheese.

What the Heck Is Bulgarian Cheese?

Cheese is a big deal in Bulgaria. Bulgarians eat cheese with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. But what exactly is Bulgarian cheese?

Bulgarian cheese is, you guessed it, any cheese that originates in Bulgaria. Cheesemakers in Bulgaria use cow, sheep, and goat milk to create a variety of cheeses.

However, some people do refer to Bulgarian white cheese as simply Bulgarian cheese. Also known as sirene, Bulgarian white cheese is a twist on the classic Greek cheese: feta.

Sirene-makers traditionally use cow's milk for white cheese. But you can also find sirene made out of sheep's milk. This version is a bit saltier and heavier than traditional Bulgarian cheese.

Bulgarians and non-Bulgarians alike love sirene. Compared to traditional Greek feta, it's saltier and firmer. At the same time, Bulgarian feta also has a higher fat content, which gives it a creamier flavor and consistency.

Other Popular Cheeses in Bulgaria

Bulgarians don't just eat sirene. Two other kinds of cheese are popular in Bulgaria:

• Yellow cheese
• Green cheese

Yellow cheese is also known as kashkaval. It's similar in firmness to gouda and has a bright yellow color. Bulgarians tend to use kashkaval as a melting cheese in various traditional dishes.

Green cheese is an extremely rare fresh cheese. It gets its name from the fact that it's coated in a blue-green mold, which is where it gets its exotic taste and aroma.

You'll be hard-pressed to find this cheese at your local supermarket. That's because it's only made in a small Bulgarian village known as Cherni Vit.

How to Make the Perfect Summer Snack With Watermelon and Bulgarian Cheese

By now, you may be wondering: do watermelon and cheese really go together? This summer salad will change your mind if you're even a little bit unsure about this winning flavor combination.

The creamy texture of the Bulgarian feta offers a satisfying contrast to the watermelon's crispness. And the briny flavor of the cheese will have you wondering why you've never put salt on sweet watermelon before.

If you like Caprese salads, you'll love this dish. It's a similar delicacy that allows ripe summer watermelons to shine through. And once you try Bulgarian white cheese, you'll never want regular feta ever again.

Here's the recipe.

The Ingredients

Before you get started on this simple summer salad, you need to gather the ingredients. Except for the cheese, you should be able to find all these items at your local supermarket. It's best to use fresh mint when available.

For the salad, you will need:

• 2 pounds of diced watermelon
• 4 ounces of Atalanta Bulgarian cheese
• 1 quart of arugula leaves (optional)

For the dressing, you will need:

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of roughly chopped mint leaves
• Zest of 1 lemon

Watermelon feta salad is best when pared down. Adding too many flavors and ingredients can force the components to compete with each other. And the whole point is for the watermelon and Bulgarian cheese to shine.

But if you do want to add more ingredients to this salad, you have options. Kalamata olives, balsamic reduction, and strawberries are some of our favorite ingredients to add to this dish.

Also, grab a large bowl and salad tongs for tossing. Make sure your serving dish is large enough to hold all that watermelon. If you don't have a dish large enough, you can always half or quarter this recipe.

How to Prepare

• Step One: Add the diced watermelon and optional arugula into a large serving bowl.
• Step Two: In a small jar, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, chopped mint, and half of the lemon zest. Screw on the jar's lid and give your dressing a good shake.
• Step Three: Pour the dressing over the watermelon/arugula mixture and toss gently. Be very careful not to overwork the watermelon, or it could turn into a mushy mess. 
• Step Four: Crumble the feta on top of the watermelon/arugula mixture. Note that Bulgarian feta is slightly less crumbly than Greek feta, so keep that in mind during this step.
• Step Five: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the cheese is very salty, so be cautious with the former of these.
• Step Six: Finally, garnish with leftover lemon zest, a crack of black pepper, and a sprig of mint. You can also add another drizzle of olive oil on top to really bring out the flavors. Enjoy!

Pairing Recommendations

Watermelon feta salad pairs excellently with all your light summer dinners. Have it alongside herb-crusted grilled chicken breasts, lemon and dill salmon, or a plant-based or regular burger piled high with veggies.

When it comes to drinks, the options are endless. We recommend going with a sweet, summery wine like Rosé, Riesling, or Pinot Grigio. You can also pair this salad with a Pinot Noir if you're more into reds.

A minty mojito would be a great way to bring out the mint flavors of your watermelon feta salad. Or try a watermelon martini for a perfect midsummer pairing.

Swing Into Summer With Atalanta Feta

This watermelon feta salad is a must-try this summer! Make sure you pick up some Bulgarian white cheese, though, because this salad just isn't the same without its creamy, dreamy texture and salty bite.

Do you think this summer snack recipe sounds good? Then your customers will, too! Browse our products now to find the freshest, most high-quality imported ingredients on the market!