As far as we’re concerned watermelon is the quintessential fruit of summer!
For 3 months out of the year, it reigns supreme on our kitchen table and is at the top of our list for warm weather entertaining. As-is or all dressed up like these watermelon canapés, we just can’t get enough!
This sweet and savory bite will have your friends and family raving, and although these watermelon canapés may look like they are hard to make, I assure you that they are deceptively easy to put together.
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Ingredients
For the whipped feta
- 1/2 pound (8-ounces) block feta, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
For the citrus pickled onions
- 1 cup paper thin sliced onions, I use a mandolin for this
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
For the canapés
- 1 small seedless watermelon sliced into 1-inch thick slabs, then cut into 2 dozen 1-1/2 inch rounds. You will have extra watermelon leftover.
- 1 batch whipped feta
- 24 small basil leaves
- 1 English cucumber sliced into thin rounds with a mandolin
- 1 batch citrus pickled onions
- 1/2 cup pepitas
- 3–4 tablespoons Maldon sea salt
Instructions
Make the whipped feta
- Remove the feta from the water and discard the soaking liquid.
- Place the feta, cream cheese, heavy cream, olive oil, and lime juice in a food processor fitted with the “ S” blade. Process until smooth. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a star tip then transfer to the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up a bit.
Make the citrus pickled onions
- Place the onion slices in a glass or nonreactive container with a lid that fits very well. Add the sliced onions to the container then pour the lime juice over the onions. Place the lid on the container and shake well to make sure that the onions are completely covered by the lime juice. Allow the onions to soak in the lime juice until they are bright pink and pliable, at least 20-30 minutes.The pickles can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Build the canapés
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels, place 2 dozen watermelon rounds on the paper towels. The towels will help to soak up any extra juice from the melon. Pipe the whipped feta onto the rounds and top with a basil leaf and a cucumber round. Set aside.
- Using a fork like you would with spaghetti noodles, twirl the onions around the tines of the fork to make little nests. Place an onion nest on top of each watermelon canapé. Sprinkle a few pepitas and a little Maldon salt on each one. Serve immediately.
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These are beautiful. I make almost the same but just cut a piece of feta to match the size of my small watermelon chunk. I make a spicy feta cream for eggplant but never thought to make it for watermelon. Great idea. I also pickle my onions with red wine vinegar but will definitely try your lime juice version. Lovely presentation
★★★★
I love the idea of a spicy feta on these! I almost always have a bowl full of limes on my counter, so these are my go-to quick pickles for everything from tacos to canapés.