Watermelon Salad

Ingredients

• 1 small seedless watermelon
• 1/2 Cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 Cup walnut pieces
• 1/4 Cup, plus 1 Tbs sugar, divided
• 1/2 Tbs butter
• Juice of 1 lemon
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 Cup olive oil
• 2 Cups fresh arugula
• 1 Tbs crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Cut watermelon into 1 inch thick slices and use a round cookie cutter to cut out 6 circles.
2. Pour balsamic into a saucepan over medium heat. Reduce by two thirds or until it becomes the consistency of syrup. Set aside to cool.
3. Make the vinaigrette by combining the lemon juice, 1 Tbs of the sugar, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a blender or food processor. Adjust sugar and salt & pepper to your liking.
4. To candy the nuts, place them in a shallow pan over medium heat. Add the 1/4 Cup sugar and the butter, mixing to combine. When the sugar melts and turns amber, pour nuts onto parchment paper and separate with two forks to avoid clumping. Allow to harden.
5. To assemble the salads, place a melon slab on each plate.
6. In a large bowl, combine the arugula with the vinaigrette, adding a little at a time. (You may have some dressing left over). Add salt and pepper.
7. Pile the arugula on top of the melon. Top with the feta and nuts.
8. Spoon the balsamic reduction around and over the salads.