Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate summer dish: Feta Watermelon Salad. This vibrant, refreshing salad is my go-to when the temperatures climb and I’m craving something cool, colorful, and face-smilingly delicious. With juicy watermelon cubes mingling with crisp cucumber, briny feta, and fragrant mint, each bite offers a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. It’s seriously a showstopper at picnics, backyard barbecues, or whenever you want to add a splash of Mediterranean sunshine to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Feta Watermelon Salad is how effortlessly the ingredients come together. Each one brings its own unique personality—crisp, juicy, creamy, or aromatic—to the bowl, and the blend of textures and flavors just works. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you shouldn’t skip any of them:
- Watermelon: The star of the show! Choose a seedless, ripe melon for juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cucumber: Adds a fresh crunch and a touch of coolness that contrasts beautifully with the watermelon.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, creamy, and tangy, feta elevates the sweetness of the fruit for that signature flavor balance.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a gentle sharpness that keeps each bite interesting.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Chopped mint brings a burst of herbal fragrance, tying all the flavors together.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle lends richness and that smooth Mediterranean finish.
- Balsamic Glaze or Vinegar: For acidity and a hint of complex sweetness—glaze adds extra body, but vinegar works beautifully too.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning; a light sprinkle brings all the flavors into sharper focus.
How to Make Feta Watermelon Salad
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by cutting your seedless watermelon into bite-sized cubes—aim for about one-inch pieces so they hold their shape, but are easy to fork up. Thinly slice the cucumber (or chop if you like chunkier texture) and red onion. Finally, roughly chop the fresh mint leaves for maximum fragrance with every bite.
Step 2: Combine Fruits and Veggies
Grab a large salad bowl and gently combine the watermelon cubes, sliced cucumber, red onion, and fresh mint. Toss gently to avoid breaking up the watermelon—this helps keep everything flavorsome and pretty!
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze (or vinegar) over the mixture. Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. This is where all the flavors start to mingle and wake up.
Step 4: Add the Feta
Now, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Toss everything lightly—just enough to combine—so you don’t smush the watermelon or end up with feta mush. Each forkful should have a bit of everything!
Step 5: Serve and Delight
Feta Watermelon Salad truly tastes best straight from the fridge or freshly tossed. Serve it cold and enjoy immediately, when the flavors are at their most refreshing and the ingredients are super crisp.
How to Serve Feta Watermelon Salad
Garnishes
A handful of extra mint leaves or a final crumble of feta always looks beautiful on top. For a restaurant-worthy finish, drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze just before serving—it’ll add a glossy, irresistible sheen.
Side Dishes
This salad plays beautifully with Mediterranean favorites. Try pairing it with grilled chicken skewers, falafel, a spread of hummus with warm pita, or light grain salads like couscous or quinoa. The bright flavors will cut through heavier mains and refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Feta Watermelon Salad in a hollowed-out watermelon shell for jaw-dropping summer party vibes, or dish it up in individual mason jars for a fun, portable picnic treat. Even a simple shallow platter will showcase its beautiful colors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Feta Watermelon Salad left, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate as soon as possible. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the salt and acidic dressing will draw liquid out of the watermelon and cucumber, making the salad juicier but potentially less crisp.
Freezing
Unfortunately, freezing Feta Watermelon Salad isn’t the best idea—the texture of watermelon changes dramatically after thawing, becoming mushy and watery. For best results, just make enough to enjoy fresh!
Reheating
This salad is all about being cold and refreshing, so skip the reheating. Instead, if it’s been in the fridge for a few hours, give it a quick stir and enjoy straight from the fridge or after a brief rest at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use another type Salad
Absolutely! Goat cheese or fresh mozzarella can also work, though feta gives the best balance of saltiness and crumble for this salad. Just make sure to use a cheese that complements the sweet watermelon and doesn’t overpower it.
How far in advance can I make Feta Watermelon Salad?
For the best flavor and texture, assemble the salad just before serving. However, you can prep the ingredients (cube watermelon, slice veggies) a few hours ahead. Wait to add the salt, dressing, and feta until right before serving so everything stays crisp.
Can I add other fruits or greens?
Definitely! A squeeze of fresh lime or a handful of arugula, baby spinach, or even blueberries can add extra vibrancy and nutrition. Let your creativity (and your fridge!) guide you.
What can I do to reduce the onion’s sharpness?
If raw red onion is a bit too intense, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry. This takes away the harshness while keeping their appealing crunch and color.
Is Feta Watermelon Salad gluten free?
Yes! This salad contains only naturally gluten free ingredients, making it a perfect option for gluten-sensitive guests or anyone seeking a light, wholesome side dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that never fails to impress, let Feta Watermelon Salad be your go-to sunshine in a bowl. With its lively colors and knockout flavors, I know it’ll become a favorite at your table, just like it is at mine. Dive in, get creative, and savor every bite—you might wonder how you ever had a summer without it!
Print
Feta Watermelon Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Feta Watermelon Salad that combines the sweetness of watermelon with the saltiness of feta cheese, finished with a tangy balsamic glaze. This easy salad is perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Watermelon Salad:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently combine the cubed watermelon, cucumber, red onion, and mint.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze or vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Add the crumbled feta and toss lightly to combine.
Notes
- For a refreshing twist, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a handful of arugula.
- This salad is best served cold and enjoyed the day it’s made.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
