Have you ever come up with a new idea only to realize, well, it’s really not a new idea? That happens to me a lot when I’m making food in my kitchen. This is kind of how it goes down in my head.
This ingredient would work so well with that. This one I’m not sure about, but let’s throw it in anyway. Oh wow, it does taste pretty good. Let’s get a photo and put it on the blog.
Then, feeling pretty proud of myself, I sit down to write the post. Most of the time I Google my recipe combinations (after I’ve made them) because I want to know what is already out there and never want it to look like I am claiming another person’s work as my own.
So I Google, and there it is. Lots of other people have thrown this combination together before, some within the last few weeks. Sigh, slowly the balloon begins to deflate.
Take this watermelon salad for example.
We bought a watermelon for our BBQ last weekend and barely any of it was eaten so it has been taking up valuable space in my fridge all week. My husband and I aren’t huge watermelon fans so I’ve been trying to find creative ways to use it.
Then these massive Asian cucumbers we planted began to ripen in the garden. Look at these things! They are as long as my forearm. They just happen to taste amazing as well with a unique sweetness.
I’ve seen the watermelon salads with things like tomatoes, feta cheese and onions around the web, so I thought why not throw in some cucumber.
Rest assured many people thought of this great idea before I did.
But with every recipe comes a little different twist. With this one I love the way the sweet honey and savory green onion work together along with the sea salt. The mint adds a little burst of unexpected flavor making it even more refreshing.
1 ½ cups cucumber, peeled and cubed
2 green onions, greens and partial whites sliced
1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
2 tsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
1/8 tsp sea salt
Pinch of black pepper
In a bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, green onions and mint. Add the olive oil and honey. Stir to combine. Sprinkle on the salt and pepper. You can eat it right away or refrigerate it for up to a couple days. As it sits more juice will form from the melon and cucumber. Serves 3 to 4.
Happens all the time; one reason I laugh at the notion that any one person think they can own a recipe…just too many people and a relatively limited number of ingredients to cull from and it’s going to happen!
My last post, combining liquers and herbs in a sorbet…of course I thought so unique. NOT. But…still my original thought so I remain proud of my results and you should too. Looks and sounds so refreshing and great in the heat of summer.
Really really FUNNY because I just saw this recipe in a cookbook and thought it would be great for the blog. You beat me to it….what a giggle.
looks awesome to me and wow you google all your posts impressive your blog rocks though
looks so refreshing!
love watermelon/feta/basil salad. this is such a fun spin on it!
This looks great! I like that you use a little honey to keep the sweetness of the salad. Seems perfect for these hot days when I can’t bear to cook anything — thanks!
I knew I should have bought a watermelon this weekend! Are you going to pickle your rinds?
Sounds so refreshing! I must try this recipe, thanks so much!
I’m a big fan of watermelon, feta, and mint – in fact, I just made myself a salad of that today. I can see how cucumber would work in there, as well as a touch of honey. Nice and refreshing.
Barbara – It’s good to know this happens to others! 🙂
Joyce – I’d love to see your version!
Rebecca – Thanks so much.
MrsLavendula – It is. Great summer combo.
Olga – I definitely need to try one with the feta.
Eron – Thanks. I like the little bit of honey in it too!
kat – This one is already gone, but I’d thought about it before. Never done it though.
Bianca – It is great for a hot day. I even made myself some today for lunch.
Marianne – The cucumber does go well and a good way to use them up if you have bundles like we are starting to in the garden! 🙂
This just means that great minds think alike! I always pair watermelon with basil, but I love what’s going on here, so I just may have to try it your way next time =)
Lori, I love the idea of watermelon and cucumber and even more with mint…so refreshing and colorful.
Hope you are having a great week 🙂
I think it sounds fabulous–I love both watermelon and cucumber and especially your version with the honey and mint.
I do that sometimes too–look after I have made something and see someone else had my bright idea! 😉
Same thing happens to me quite often. It just means great minds think alike!