Recipe of The Month: Watermelon & Feta Salad With Serrano Chile Vinaigrette

From Athens, Georgia chef, Hugh Acheson 

 Serves 6

Ingredients  

• ½ to 1 cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh lime  juice
•  2 Tbsp champagne vinegar
•  2 tsp chopped fresh thyme
•  1 small shallot, minced   
• 1 Serrano chili pepper, stemmed and sliced or chopped
•  Salt to taste  
• 1 small seedless watermelon 
• 1/3 lb block of feta cheese, sliced into 1/8 slices (about 12 slices) *optional 
• 1 bunch arugula, washed and drained

Directions 

In a jar or salad bottle with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, lime juice, champagne vinegar, thyme, shallot, and Serrano pepper. Shake well. Season dressing with salt to taste; chill in refrigerator. Meanwhile, slice watermelon into 3 inch squares, about ¼-inch thick. On small salad plates, begin to assemble each serving of the salad. To assemble, place one slice of watermelon on the plate; next, layer one slice of feta on top of the first watermelon slice. Repeat, layering another watermelon slice and then one more feta slice. End with a final watermelon slice on top. Place about one handful of arugula on the plate, encircling the stacked watermelon/feta. Drizzle the stack and the arugula with the vinaigrette and garnish with a few slices of Serrano pepper. Chill for 15 minutes or serve immediately.

*For those of you who don't eat dairy, the salad is also delicious without the feta.