Viewing from above, you'll see bite-sized parcels filled with diced watermelon tinted with green spots of cilantro, crumbled Feta cheese and black olive slices. Garnished with finely chopped cilantro, this dish is served on a crisp white platter, creating a vibrant display that's simply captivating.

Cilantro and Watermelon Pacchetti

Name: Cilantro and Watermelon Pacchetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: cilantro, a bunch finely chopped; watermelon, 2 cups diced into small cubes; feta cheese, 1 cup crumbled; black olives, 1/2 cup pitted and sliced; pacchetti pasta, 16 pieces None; Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons None; Salt, to taste None; lemon, 1/2 zest grated and juiced

Category Snack

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 10 minutes

Style Mediterranean

Technique Boiling

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: August 05, 2024

Cool and light, yet packed with flavor, this snack was inspired by Mediterranean flavors with a twist. Fresh, vibrant cilantro is the star of this recipe, bringing a beautiful aroma and taste that really shines through. A surprise touch of summer sweetness from seasonal watermelon together with feta cheese and olives creates a symphony of contrasting flavors.

Ingredients (for 4)

Cilantro - a bunch - finely chopped
Watermelon - 2 cups - diced into small cubes
Feta cheese - 1 cup - crumbled
Black olives - 1/2 cup - pitted and sliced
Pacchetti pasta - 16 pieces
Extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons
Salt - to taste
Lemon - 1/2 - zest grated and juiced

Preparation

Step 1 - 🍝🔥💦

Cook the Pacchetti pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool.
Step 2 - 🍉🧀🍋🌿🍵

In a large bowl, mix the diced watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives and cilantro. Dress with olive oil, lemon zest and juice, then gently mix again.
Step 3 - 🍝🥄🍉

Fill each piece of cooked Pacchetti with a spoonful of the watermelon mixture.
Step 4 - 🍵🌿🍽

Before serving, drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for garnish.

Additional

Feel free to adjust the amount of cilantro according to your taste. If you're a fan of heat, add a dash of spicy chili pepper flakes for an extra kick. This recipe is perfect for getting the kids involved - they'll love filling the Pacchetti and decorating the platter.