Chicken Skewers on Watermelon and Feta Salad

You know that we just love watermelon around here and August is National Watermelon month, so we have another good reason to take about this healthy fruit. Julie Biuso, author of “Sizzle: Sensational Barbecue Food,” was kind enough to share this recipe with us:

Chicken Skewers on Watermelon and Feta Salad
Chicken Skewers:
2 yellow bell peppers, cored, seeded, cut into small pieces about the same width as the chicken pieces.
1 (8oz) jar pimiento-stuffed olives, drained
4 Tbsp. olive oil
Juice of one lemon
1 Tbsp. honey
2 Tbsp. finely chopped mint, plus extra springs for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste
1-1/4 to 1-1/2lbs. skinned, boned chicken breasts, cut into small pieces

Salad
2 clean heads romaine lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
1/2 small watermelon, rind removed, cut into small chunks
8 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 c. toasted pumpkin seeds, salted preferred

Place bell pepper chunks in bowl with olives and 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Toss and set aside.

In another bowl, combine juice, honey, 3 Tbsp. olive oil, mint, 1/4 tsp. salt and pepper. Mix well and add chicken pieces. Toss to coat. Thread chicken onto bamboo skewers (soak these for an hour before using), alternating chunks of chicken and bell pepper and olives.

Cook over a medium heat on barbecue grill until chicken is lightly browned and thoroughly cooked, drizzling with a little of the marinade as it cooks for the first few minutes.

Place romaine on platter. Top with watermelon chunks, skewers, and feta. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and pour over the salad. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds. Garnish with sprigs of fresh mint and serve.

“Sizzle: Sensational Barbecue Food” is available via Amazon.com and other book retailers. Biuso, a native of New Zealand, combines the culture and taste of her country with international ingredients. It’s a winning combination.

^{(photo courtesy of the Lisa Ekus Group)}