Fresh watermelon makes for a summery tomato substitute in classic chicken tacos. This summer recipe combines some of our seasonal favorites – grilling, watermelon and, of course, Vidalia onions. Add it to your Taco Tuesday rotation or just enjoy for lunch or dinner when you want some added freshness.
Ingredients4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
1 large jalapeno pepper
1 small red onion (1/2 cut into large chunks, 1/2 thinly sliced)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (skin removed)
Juice of 2 limes, plus wedges for serving
Kosher salt
2 cups chopped watermelon
1 1/2 cups fresh cilantro
3/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (about 3 ounces)
Freshly ground pepper
12 corn tortillas
1 avocado, chopped
Method* Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add the tomatillos, jalapeno and red onion chunks. Cook, turning, until blistered, 5 to 6 minutes for the onion and 7 to 8 minutes for the tomatillos and jalapeno.
* Transfer to a cutting board; cool slightly. Chop the tomatillos and onion; seed and chop the jalapeno.
* Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tomatillos, chopped onions and half of the jalapeno.
* Cook until the vegetables release their juices, then add the chicken, the juice of 1 lime and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Keep warm over low heat.
* Toss the watermelon, 1/2 cup cilantro, the sliced red onion, the remaining jalapeno, juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon olive oil and half of the cheese in a bowl.
* Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet.
* Add the remaining 1 cup cilantro to the chicken mixture.
* Divide among the tortillas; top with the watermelon salad, the remaining cheese and the avocado. Serve with lime wedges.