Walt Disney World 50 for 50: Refreshing Combination

We provided a couple of recipes earlier this week from Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Lodge that would be perfect for whatever protein you’re preparing for an end of summer barbecue. Today, let’s stick with this same corner of Walt Disney World, specifically Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma, and prepare a side dish that is sure to spice up your plate. Boma’s Watermelon Rind Salad is often overlooked by many dining guests, but for those who know it is must.

 

WATERMELON RIND SALAD

Ingredients:

2 Pounds Watermelon Rind (sliced thinly)

1 Cup Fresh Ginger (sliced thinly)

1 Cup Sugar

1 Cup Rice Vinegar

1 Cup Grenadine

1 Cup Water

Directions:

In a small pot, heat all ingredients, except the watermelon, until the sugar melts.

Remove from stove and let cool.

Add sliced watermelon rind.

Let marinate at least one hour.

 

A word about the ginger, make sure you take the skin off of the ginger before peeling. We used a combination of vegetable peeler and knife for the more fibrous sections. The thinner the slices the better, because you don’t want to surprise yourself with a hunk of ginger when you’re eating this dish.

 

As a child I was very fond of a local Chinese restaurant that had a marinated cucumber salad. While different, this brings back those memories in the best way possible. It has that tart, acidic taste from the vinegar partnering up with spiciness of the ginger, with just a twinge of sweetness to soften the blow. It pickles my fancy, and works well as a side dish for any number of entrees, but I can also see where it isn’t everyone’s favorite dish.