Sweet & Tangy Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Crisp summer days call for a refreshing watermelon feta salad that bursts with unexpected flavor combinations.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in this light, zesty dish.

Cool cubes of sweet watermelon contrast beautifully with salty, crumbly cheese.

Bright mint leaves add a surprising herbal note to the mix.

Crunchy seeds provide delightful texture and subtle nutty undertones.

Quick to assemble and stunning to serve, this salad promises to become your new warm-weather favorite.

Watermelon Feta Salad That’s Refreshingly Unique

• Celebrate Summer Freshness: Burst with vibrant, juicy flavors that capture the essence of warm, sunny days and bring a refreshing twist to your meal.
• Craft Quick Deliciousness: Prepare this salad in mere minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous cravings.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Packed with hydrating watermelon, crisp cucumber, and protein-rich feta, this dish delivers a nutritious punch that feels indulgent yet healthy.
• Impress Without Effort: Looks gourmet and sophisticated but requires minimal cooking skills, allowing anyone to create a stunning side dish that looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen.

Ingredients for Watermelon Feta Salad

• Watermelon: A sweet and juicy fruit that provides the primary flavor and refreshing texture of the salad.
• Cucumber: A crisp vegetable that adds a cool and light crunch to the dish.
• Red Onion: A sharp and tangy ingredient that brings a zesty bite to the salad.
• Feta Cheese: A creamy and salty cheese that balances the sweetness of the watermelon.

• Mint: A fresh and aromatic herb that enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: A classic combination that creates a light and tangy dressing to coat the salad ingredients.

• Kosher Salt, Flaky Sea Salt: Ingredients that help to intensify and balance the flavors of the salad.

How to Toss Watermelon Feta Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of kosher salt until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended. This dressing will be the flavor powerhouse of your salad.

Step 2: Chop and Prep Fresh Ingredients

• Slice watermelon into bite-sized cubes
• Dice cucumber into small pieces
• Crumble feta cheese
• Roughly chop fresh mint leaves
• Thinly slice red onion

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

Transfer all your chopped ingredients into a large mixing bowl, creating a colorful and vibrant base for your salad.

Step 4: Drench with Dressing

Pour the whisked dressing over the salad ingredients, using gentle tossing motions to ensure every piece gets coated with the tangy vinaigrette.

Step 5: Add Final Garnish

Sprinkle additional chopped mint leaves on top and add a light dusting of flaky sea salt for an extra flavor burst. The salt will enhance the sweetness of the watermelon and the tanginess of the feta.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold and enjoy this refreshing summer dish that’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch.

Tips to Balance Sweet and Savory

• Cut watermelon into uniform cubes for even distribution and better presentation, ensuring each bite has a perfect balance of ingredients.
• Use fresh red wine vinegar and high-quality feta to enhance the salad's tangy and sweet profile, creating a more complex taste experience.
• Slice red onions paper-thin and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharp bite while maintaining a subtle crunch and fresh flavor.
• Refrigerate salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and provide a refreshing, cool sensation perfect for summer meals.
• Add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutty dimension, transforming the salad's texture and nutritional value.

Variations to Mix Up This Salad

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace red wine vinegar with lemon juice and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version with deeper Mediterranean flavors.
• Grilled Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to transform the salad into a complete protein-packed meal that's perfect for summer dinners.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate thinly sliced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes to give the salad a zesty, warming heat that complements the sweet watermelon.
• Herbal Garden Mix: Substitute mint with fresh basil and parsley, creating a more complex herbal profile that enhances the salad's freshness and aromatic qualities.

Pairing Suggestions for Watermelon Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the salad's refreshing flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness of feta and complementing the watermelon's sweetness.
• Complement with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside lemon-herb grilled chicken or shrimp to create a balanced meal that highlights the salad's bright, summery notes.
• Match with Rustic Bread: Add crusty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the tangy dressing and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the light, juicy ingredients.
• Cool Down with Sparkling Water: Elevate the dining experience with a citrus-infused sparkling water, adding a zesty, effervescent touch that cleanses the palate between bites.

Storage Tips to Keep Salad Fresh

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy ingredients.

Before serving leftovers, gently drain any accumulated liquid to maintain salad’s crisp texture.

Avoid freezing, as watermelon and cucumber will lose their crunch and become watery when thawed.

Sprinkle fresh mint and a pinch of sea salt just before serving to revive the salad’s vibrant flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?

You can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! Watermelon is low in calories, high in vitamins A and C, while feta provides protein and calcium, making it a nutritious summer dish.

• How do I choose a ripe watermelon?

Look for a watermelon with a yellow spot on the bottom, a heavy feel for its size, and a deep hollow sound when tapped.

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, but add the dressing and mint just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh.

Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool Mediterranean Watermelon Feta Salad brings refreshing summer flavors dancing across your plate. Crisp watermelon cubes and tangy feta cheese create a perfect balance that will elevate your next gathering with effortless elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 6 ounces / 170 grams)
• 1 cup cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup mint, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Kosher salt, to taste

Garnish:

• Flaky sea salt (optional)
• Additional mint leaves

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt in a compact mixing vessel until smoothly emulsified.
2. Assemble a vibrant medley of crisp watermelon cubes, cucumber chunks, crumbled feta, freshly chopped mint leaves, and delicate red onion slivers in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the colorful salad components, gently folding to ensure each ingredient is evenly coated with the tangy mixture.
4. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with additional fragrant mint leaves and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an enhanced flavor profile.
5. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve thoroughly chilled, providing a refreshing summer side dish perfect for warm days.

Notes

• Chill ingredients beforehand to enhance the refreshing taste and maintain crisp textures.
• Drain excess watermelon liquid to prevent the salad from becoming watery and maintain a perfect balance of flavors.
• Use fresh, high-quality feta for a creamy contrast against the sweet watermelon and tangy dressing.
• For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this side dish into a light main course.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 254 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg