Misha's Cooling Summer Salad

Misha’s Cooling Summer Salad

Watermelon + Cucumber = Magic!

Summer is here and that means, in my home state of Florida, it is HOT

And, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed that I don’t handle the heat quite as well even though I’m a true Florida girl. So I look for ways to beat the heat not just by staying indoors (because, let’s face it, I probably won’t) but in terms of nourishment. This is one of my favorite recipes to help drain heat, and help me to stay internally cool even as the temperatures rise.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine we have a modality called Dietary Therapy. You can learn more about this amazing practice of working with the energetics of food to heal the body from Dr. Brian in his video here. For the purposes of our recipe, what you need to know is that we will be combining several foods that are cooling or cold in nature to help the body combat “summer heat” and being overheated. Here’s how the ingredients work to help support the body:

Watermelon (Xi Gua): Has a "cold" thermal nature and sweet flavor. It is a legendary TCM remedy for clearing internal heat, relieving thirst, and promoting urination to reduce puffiness. The flesh, the rind, and the seeds all have different supportive properties. In this recipe, we focus on the amazingly hydrating and cooling potential of the flesh.

Cucumber (Huang Gua): Has a "cold" nature and sweet flavor. It directly supports the spleen and stomach by generating fluids and dispelling toxins and heat. Almost 95% water, eating this fabulous vegetable (which technically is actually a fruit) can help you get even more hydration during the hot summer months.

Mint (Bo He Optional): Has a "cool" nature. It vents heat and supports the flow of Qi (energy) in the chest. Here it is optional as you already have a lot of “cold” foods, so the mint we say include if you are a person who normally runs hot.

Ingredients

Simple to make! Only three main ingredients plus the dressing. Whip this up in moments!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Watermelon (you can use seedless or not), cubed or diced

  • 1 large Cucumber, cubed or diced

  • 1/2 cup Feta Cheese

  • 1-2 tbsp Lime Juice

  • 2-3 tbsp Olive Oil

  • Optional: Mint (diced or torn leaves)

  • Pinch of Salt

Make It!

  1. Combine Watermelon and Cucumber in a large mixing bowl

  2. Make the Dressing: Whisk together Olive Oil, Lime Juice, and Salt

  3. Pour Dressing onto Salad

  4. Top with Feta Cheese and Mint if you choose

That’s it! It’s so easy, and will last for a few days to a week in the fridge. I love making this and keeping it on hand to eat when we’re working outdoors, or going out into nature. If you are easily overheated, this is a great snack or lunch to take a long as it will quickly cool you down.

I hope you enjoy this delicious low calorie offering! xoxo Misha

Cooling Summer Salad

The end result is tasty and helpful to the body!



Misha Nell