Panera Copycat Recipe: Watermelon Mint Salad with Feta {Video!}

I've told you before that Panera is one “fast-food” restaurant that I'll take the kids to now and then.  They're not perfect, but they're MUCH better than the other places and at least they're trying to get rid of the junky ingredients, you know?

So earlier this summer I had their watermelon mint salad with feta (SO good) and wanted to make my own version here at home with better oils for the dressing, organic salad ingredients, you know the drill by now.  🙂

Here's their picture:

My picture at the top looks pretty close, right?

Here's how they describe their Watermelon Mint Salad online:

“Fresh watermelon, arugula and mint drizzled with champagne Dijon vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil and topped with feta, ancient grain blend, toasted almonds and salt and pepper. “

The only differences in my salad:  

I used the nuts I had on hand, which were pistachios instead of almonds; I added cucumbers; and I was fresh out of “ancient grains”.  Although I could've used some cracked wheat like I use in this yummy tabouli recipe.

Here's how I made it:

Print Recipe

Panera Copycat Recipe:  Watermelon Mint Salad with Feta Cheese

Author: Kelly the Kitchen Kop

Ingredients

• Chopped greens of your choice arugula, romaine, whatever you'd like — I use organic to avoid chemicals
• Chopped watermelon pieces
• Chopped cucumber
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Cilantro and mint leaves chopped small — we have mint in our back yard but can't grow cilantro no matter how many times I try!
• Almonds pistachios, or any nut you'd like to add for a nice crunch — use crispy nuts like in this recipe for better nutrition
• Fresh cracked pepper to taste

Sweet Dijon Vinaigrette Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup vinegar either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup organic virgin olive oil this one is my favorite these days
• 1/4 cup avocado oil to keep a mild flavor and for varied nutrients
• 2.5 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2.5 Tablespoons organic sugar or palm sugar

Instructions

• Plate the salad ingredients.  Toss the dressing ingredients together and mix or shake well and drizzle over the salad.  Enjoy

Watch the video I made here (plays after the ad):

More you might like:

• More healthy and super tasty salad ideas
• What I Did NOT Want to Know about Broth (Plus: Gelatin vs. Collagen & How to REALLY Help Your Bones – Diabetics Listen Up!)

• Where Focus on the Family is WRONG