Jo Knows Nutrition by Joanne Nijhuis
WATERMELON FETA SUMMER SALAD SWEET & SAVOURY PERFECTION
Aug 23, 2025 – Looking for a dish that travels well, pleases a crowd and sneaks in plenty of nutrition? A watermelon feta salad is your picnic or potluck perfect dish. Rich in hydration, fibre and nutrients – this salad is light enough for a hot day, but still satisfying with its sweet, savoury and refreshing palate combo.
Did You Know?
Due to its high-water content, watermelon is not only incredibly hydrating, but quite low in calories. It is also a good source of antioxidants, vitamins A and C and the mineral potassium, important for proper muscle functioning.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups (1000 ml) fresh watermelon, cubed
- 2 cups (500 ml) cucumber, sliced or cubed
- ½ cup (125ml) red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup (125 ml) feta, cubed or crumbled
- 3 Tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons (45 ml) lime or lemon juice
- 3 Tablespoons (45 ml) fresh mint, basil, cilantro or oregano leaves, chopped
- 1 jalapeño or red chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste
- Garnish with fresh herbs of choice
INSTRUCTIONS
- in a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, onion, feta, fresh herbs of choice and jalapeño or red chili pepper, if using.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk the lime or lemon juice with the olive oil and then, drizzle over the salad. Toss gently.
- Finish with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.
- Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh herbs of your choice.
ENJOY!
Joanne Nijhuis MSc, RD is a consulting, media and culinary dietitian in Simcoe Grey Bruce on a mission to entertain and educate through her love of food. In addition to recipe development and writing for several publications, Joanne offers cooking demos/classes and individual counselling – in person and online via Zoom Health. For more information, email Joanne at jo.knows.nutrition@outlook.com
Fall into Wellness: Seasonal Savings and Autumn at Vettä Nordic Spa
By Weronika Szpejewska
As the air turns crisp and the leaves paint Oro-Medonte in shades of red and gold, autumn brings with it a reminder to pause, reset, and savour life’s simple joys. At Vettä Nordic Spa, guests are invited to embrace the season through authentic wellness traditions, thoughtful savings, and the beauty of local art.
Nestled in the heart of nature, Vettä Nordic Spa offers a one-of-a-kind experience rooted in he Finnish sauna tradition. Guests can immerse themselves in the cycle of hot, cold, and relaxation that defines hydrotherapy- a practice long celebrated for its ability to boost circulation, reduce stress, soothe muscle tension, and restore balance. More than just relaxation, it’s an opportunity to step away from daily routines and reconnect with both body and mind.
This fall, Vettä Nordic Spa is pleased to offer seasonal savings that make it the perfect time to visit.
In September, we honour first responders with $20 off hydrotherapy or $30 off when paired with a massage, Monday through Thursday (excluding peak days).
In October, our community is at the heart of our promotions. Simcoe County residents and seniors aged 65+ can enjoy $30 off bookings, Monday through Thursday (excluding peak days).
These offers are our way of saying thank you- to those who serve and to the community e’re proud to call home.
Autumn at Vettä Nordic Spa is not only about wellness, but also about empowering creativity.
This Thanksgiving weekend, October 10-13, 2025, Vettä will once again participate in the beloved Images Studio Tour. This self-guided event invites visitors to explore the vibrant creativity of local artists, with studios and businesses across the region opening their doors to showcase paintings, pottery, photography, glasswork, woodwork, jewelry, and more. With the fall colours at their peak, it’s a truly unforgettable way to experience the best of art, nature, and community.
Vettä Nordic Spa will be hosting talented artists throughout the weekend, offering guests the unique opportunity to pair the restorative power of hydrotherapy with the inspiration of local artistry. It’s a perfect reflection of what autumn represents: balance, beauty, and connection.
Whether you join us to explore the art tour, indulge in a massage, or simply unwind in our saunas and pools, Vettä Nordic Spa is the destination to recharge, reconnect, and elax- surrounded by the season’s fullest beauty.
“For more information: www.vettaspa.com”