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Hydrating Watermelon Salad with Spiced Crispy Tortillas 




Hydrating Watermelon Salad with Spiced Crispy Tortillas 

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing dish that supports hydration, this watermelon salad is great. Watermelon has a high water content and pairs beautifully with salty feta, crunchy seeds and crisp spiced tortillas for texture. It’s simple, flavourful and works well as a summer lunch or a side to share. 

Ingredients

 Crispy spiced tortillas 

  • 1 tsp sugar 
  • 1 tsp salt 
  • 1 tsp chilli powder 
  • Oil spray 
  • 8 mini tortillas 

Salad 

  • 1 baby watermelon 
  • 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds 
  • 3 tbsp sunflower seeds

Baked feta 

  • 200g feta 
  • Zest of ½ lime 
  • Pinch of chilli flakes 
  • Black pepper 
  • ½ tbsp extra virgin olive oil 

Dressing  

  • 1 tbsp lime juice 
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar 
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 
  • Black pepper, to taste 

Method

  1. Prepare the tortilla seasoning Add the sugar, salt and chilli powder to a pestle and mortar and grind briefly to combine. 
  2. Season the tortillas Lightly spray one side of each tortilla with oil, then sprinkle over the spice mix evenly. 
  3. Cook the tortillas Place the tortillas in the air fryer at 200°C for 2–4 minutes, turning halfway through. Keep an eye on them as they can move around—flatten if needed. Cook until lightly puffed and crisp, but still slightly soft (they will continue to crisp as they cool). Cook in batches as needed. 
  4. Bake the feta Place the feta in an ovenproof dish. Add the lime zest, chilli flakes, olive oil and black pepper. Air fry at 200°C for 5–8 minutes, until softened and warmed through. 
  5. Toast the seeds Add the pumpkin and sunflower seeds to a dry frying pan over a medium heat. Toast for 1–2 minutes until they begin to pop, then transfer to a bowl to cool. 
  6. Make the dressing Add all dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine. 
  7. Prepare the watermelon Peel, remove seeds if needed, and cut the watermelon into bite-sized chunks. 
  8. Assemble the salad Place the watermelon in a bowl and toss gently with some of the dressing (you may not need it all). 
  9. Add texture Sprinkle over the toasted seeds. 
  10. Serve Transfer to a serving plate, add chunks of baked feta and serve with the crispy spiced tortillas on the side. 

Kate’s Top Tip:

For the best texture, add the dressing just before serving. Watermelon releases liquid quickly, so this helps keep everything fresh rather than watery. 

No air fryer? Here’s how to adapt 

• Crispy tortillas: 

Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Arrange the tortillas on a baking tray, oiled and seasoned as above. Bake for 5–8 minutes, turning halfway, until lightly golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them as they can catch quickly. 

• Baked feta: 

Place the feta in an ovenproof dish and bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 10–15 minutes, until softened and warmed through. 

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