Thereโs something magical about the combination of juicy, sweet watermelon and tangy, creamy feta cheese. Itโs the kind of dish that screams summer, sunshine, and effortless elegance. One bite, and youโre transported to a breezy afternoon picnic or a fancy rooftop gathering. Trust me, youโre going to love this oneโitโs refreshing, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make!
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Why Youโll Love This Recipe
This recipe isnโt just about the ingredientsโitโs about creating moments. Whether youโre making it for a backyard BBQ, a quick lunch, or a fancy dinner party, this salad fits every occasion.
- Refreshing & Light: The ultimate summer salad! Each bite is a burst of juicy, crisp, and creamy flavors.
- Quick & Easy: You can whip this up in under 10 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute dish.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with hydrating watermelon, protein-rich feta, and antioxidant-loaded fresh herbs.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even people who think they donโt like fruit in their salad will change their minds after one bite.
- Customizable: Want a little heat? Add jalapeรฑos. Prefer a tangy kick? A squeeze of lime does wonders.
Ingredients in Feta Watermelon Salad
Hereโs why this salad works so beautifully:
Watermelon: The star of the show! Juicy, sweet, and refreshing, it provides the perfect contrast to the salty feta.
Feta Cheese: Crumbly, creamy, and tangyโit balances the sweetness of the watermelon and adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Fresh Mint: Bright, fragrant, and a total game-changer. Fresh mint makes this salad taste extra fresh and vibrant.
Cucumber: Crisp, cool, and hydrating, it adds a delightful crunch.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild bite that enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil ties everything together with a rich, smooth finish.
Lime Juice: Adds the perfect tangy contrast to the sweet watermelon.
Salt & Black Pepper: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prep the Ingredients: Chop the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, slice the cucumber and red onion thinly, and crumble the feta cheese.
Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, gently toss the watermelon, cucumber, red onion, and mint. Be careful not to crush the watermelon!
Dress the Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and freshly squeezed lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Add the Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta on top and give it a gentle toss.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy this refreshing salad as a side dish or a light meal!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 120
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
How to Serve Feta Watermelon Salad
- As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak.
- With Crusty Bread: A slice of baguette or garlic bread soaks up the delicious juices.
- Topped with Nuts: Toasted almonds or pistachios add an extra crunch.
- With a Drizzle of Balsamic Glaze: For a touch of sweet acidity.
Additional Tips
- Use Ripe Watermelon: The sweeter, the better!
- Chill Before Serving: Pop everything in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing salad.
- Add a Kick: Thinly sliced jalapeรฑos or a dash of chili flakes can spice things up.
- Make It a Meal: Toss in grilled chicken or quinoa for a more filling dish.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Just leave out the feta and dressing until right before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
Q2: How long does this salad last?
A2: Itโs best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Q3: Can I use another cheese instead of feta?
A3: Absolutely! Goat cheese or ricotta salata would work beautifully.
Q4: What can I use instead of mint?
A4: Fresh basil or cilantro would add a different but equally delicious flavor.
Q5: Is this salad gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Itโs naturally gluten-free and packed with fresh ingredients.
Q6: Can I add protein to this salad?
A6: Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be great additions.
Q7: Whatโs the best way to cut a watermelon?
A7: Slice off the top and bottom, stand it upright, and slice away the rind before cutting into cubes.
Q8: Can I use pre-cut watermelon?
A8: Yes, but fresh-cut watermelon tends to have the best texture and flavor.
Q9: What other fruits pair well with this salad?
A9: Try adding blueberries, strawberries, or pomegranate seeds for extra sweetness.
Q10: Can I use lemon instead of lime?
A10: Absolutely! Lemon juice will still give a bright, zesty touch.
Final Thoughts
This Feta Watermelon Salad is the definition of summer in a bowl light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Whether you serve it at a BBQ, a picnic, or just for yourself on a sunny afternoon, itโs guaranteed to be a hit. Try it out, and let me know how you like it!
PrintFeta Watermelon Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Feta Watermelon Salad is the ultimate summer dishโlight, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Sweet watermelon, peppery arugula, salty feta, and fresh mint come together in a homemade balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of tastes. Whether youโre looking for healthy recipes easy, healthy recipes lunch, or quick dinner ideas, this vibrant salad is a must-try. Great as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal!
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups arugula
- 4 cups watermelon, cut into 1โ cubes and chilled
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, julienned (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Balsamic Glaze:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (high-quality, thick, sweet)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
Make the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
- Arrange the arugula in an even layer in a large, shallow serving bowl.
- Spread the watermelon and red onion evenly over the arugula.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad, then gently toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper and sea salt. Garnish with fresh mint.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh, as watermelon releases juice over time.
- For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or quinoa.
- Swap arugula for spinach or mixed greens if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 47
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg