Waste or mistakes never happen in a farm kitchen.....only future animal or plant food.

July 4, 2011

Watermelon and Cucumber Salad

Watermelon and Cucumber Salad

1/2 cup vinegar (I used rice)
1/4 cup unflavored beef gelatin
1/2 cup cane sugar
1/4 cup cream of tartar
1-2 TBS Salt

1-2 sliced jalapeƱo peppers(optional)

4 cucumbers, sliced and deseeded
1/2 seeded watermelon, cubed and deseeded



Dissolve the dry ingredients into the vinegar in the order listed and  add sliced peppers while heating. Stir and remove from heat when combined.  Let cool while the cucumbers are prepared.

I used organic cukes, so didn't bother peeling, just washed and wiped.  I used the end of my knife to reduce the number of seeds....but wasn't overly careful about it, as it shows in the picture.  I salted and stirred the cukes, then let sit while I prepared the watermelon.

I prefer the taste of seeded watermelon.  I think the taste is consistently superior to seedless watermelon...but use what is available.  I sliced with a sharp knife in a criss cross pattern, then loosened the cubes by slicing horizontally.  I held the watermelon over a separate bowl and they just popped out.

Drizzle sauce over cucumbers and stir.  Make sure it's mixed in thoroughly to avoid clumping of the gelatin.  Add watermelon and toss gently.  Serve immediately.  This recipe makes a potluck size amount of salad and is deceptively filling do to the addition of gelatin.  It would work as a light supper all by itself on a hot summer night.  I don't think it is a "keeper" type salad, I would recommend reducing the recipe for a small family supper or side dish.

Here's the original recipe: Watermelon-Cucumber Salad
I ended up doubling the sauce because it didn't seem to be enough...maybe my cucumbers were larger?  I used whole peppers and rice vinegar because I had them on hand and left out the onions because I didn't have any.  I added the gelatin...well, because I try to sneak it in where ever I can.

Lemon juice would probably substitute very well in this recipe.

P.S. I actually did end up with leftovers.  It tastes wonderful still...but the cucumbers are limp and tired looking.

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7 comments:

  1. I love the idea of combining watermelon and cucumbers. It sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing this recipe with the Hearth and Soul Hop.

    P.S. I agree that seeded watermelons taste better. :)

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  2. Agreed--seedless is better. Fun recipe. Thanks so much for sharing on Momtrends.

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  3. Hi Jenny,
    We just love Watermelon, I can never get enough of it in the summer. Your Watermelon Salad looks delicious, with great flavor combination. I am your newest follower! Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and hope to see you again real soon!
    Miz Helen

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  4. Wow, this is so different. I'm up in the air about the gelatin and cream of tartar (why!?!?), but intrigued enough that I want to try it! Thank you for sharing it :D

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  5. What aninteresting recipe! Thanks for linking up with made from scratch Tuesday!

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  6. Why gelatin and cream of tartar? HMMMM, to sum up: They help with the "poofies"....you know, swelling in the hands or feet/ankles that is often associated with really hot days.

    For a more in depth discussion of the many other benefits, you can type in gelatin and potassium (that's what cream of tartar is...with a little bit of other trace minerals) in the search engine at www.raypeat.com and get an overload of info.

    Yeah...your head will spin.

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  7. That looks delicious! I have not tried mixing the two together but I love both watermelon and cucumbers. Saw your recipe on Turning the Clock Back

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