Watermelon Feta Salad

by
Delicious watermelon feta salad with fresh mint and dressing

WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE

Watermelon Feta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty feta cheese. This salad is refreshing, making it perfect for hot summer days or as a light lunch. It’s also easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation time. Plus, it’s visually appealing, with vibrant colors that can brighten up any table.

This salad is not just delicious; it also brings many health benefits. Watermelon is hydrating and low in calories, while cucumbers provide crunch and extra freshness. Feta cheese adds a unique flavor and a bit of creaminess to balance the salad. By incorporating fresh herbs like mint and basil, you elevate the taste even more, creating a well-rounded dish.

The versatility of this salad makes it a favorite for many. You can serve it at picnics, barbecues, or even as a side for family dinners. It’s also easy to adapt if you want to try new ingredients or flavors. All these reasons make Watermelon Feta Salad a fantastic recipe to have on hand.

HOW TO MAKE Watermelon Feta Salad

Making Watermelon Feta Salad is a breeze. With just a few simple steps and minimal chopping, you can whip up this tasty dish in no time.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 medium lime (juiced, about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • ½ seedless watermelon (peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes, about 6 cups)
  • 2 cups cucumber (sliced in half lengthwise, then cut into half-moon shapes, we used mini cucumbers)
  • ¼ cup chopped mint leaves (about 15 leaves)
  • ¼ cup chopped basil leaves (about 15 leaves)
  • ½ cup (100 g) feta cheese (crumbled)

DIRECTIONS:

Honey Lime Dressing:

  1. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and kosher salt. Whisk them until combined, creating a smooth dressing. Set this aside.

Salad:
2. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, chopped mint leaves, and chopped basil leaves.
3. Pour the honey lime dressing over the salad ingredients.
4. Gently toss everything together until the salad is well coated with the dressing.
5. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.

Your Watermelon Feta Salad is now ready to serve!

HOW TO SERVE Watermelon Feta Salad

Serving Watermelon Feta Salad is simple yet elegant. You can present it in a large bowl for everyone to help themselves, or plate individual servings for a more polished look. This salad can be enjoyed as a side dish, or it can be the star of the meal when served alongside grilled chicken or fish.

For an added touch, you can drizzle some extra honey over the top before serving. This will give your guests a hint of sweetness in every bite. If you want, you can also add a few whole mint leaves or basil leaves for decoration. This will make the salad even more inviting.

The best part about this salad is that it tastes great when served fresh. However, you can also prepare it ahead of time. If you do, try to add the dressing just before serving to keep everything crunchy and fresh.

HOW TO STORE Watermelon Feta Salad

If you have leftover Watermelon Feta Salad, you can store it in the fridge. It’s best to keep the salad in an airtight container. This way, it will stay fresh for a day or two.

However, be aware that the watermelon may release some juice, and the herbs may wilt after a day. If you’re making it ahead of time, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it right before serving. This will help maintain the quality of the salad.

Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of watermelon and cucumber may not hold up well. Freezing will make them mushy when thawed, affecting the salad’s overall appeal.

TIPS TO MAKE Watermelon Feta Salad

Here are some tips to make your Watermelon Feta Salad even better:

  1. Choose the Right Watermelon: Look for a seedless watermelon that feels heavy for its size. This is usually a sign it’s juicy and sweet.

  2. Mint and Basil Prep: To make chopping the herbs easier, stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice them thinly. This method, known as chiffonade, will help you get uniform pieces.

  3. Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta is great, but you can also try using feta blocks. Just break it up with your hands for larger chunks, which add a different texture.

  4. Add Other Ingredients: Feel free to add other fruits like strawberries or blueberries for extra color and flavor. You could also add red onions or bell peppers for crunch.

  5. Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together wonderfully.

VARIATIONS

While the classic Watermelon Feta Salad is delightful on its own, there are numerous ways to customize it:

  • Add Nuts: Some toasted walnuts or pistachios can add a beautiful crunch and a nutty flavor to the salad.

  • Spicy Touch: If you enjoy spice, consider adding a sprinkle of chili flakes or diced jalapeños to give it a little kick.

  • Different Cheeses: Try using goat cheese or ricotta instead of feta for a different but equally tasty flavor profile.

  • Balsamic Drizzle: For a tangy twist, a balsamic glaze drizzled over the finished salad can create a new layer of flavor.

  • Fruit Fusion: Mix in other fruits like peaches, mangoes, or blueberries to add variety and make the salad even fruitier.

FAQs

1. Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Yes, you can. Fruits like peaches, strawberries, and blueberries pair well with watermelon and can add even more flavor and color to your salad.

2. How can I make this salad vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a cashew cheese or tofu feta, both of which can provide a creamy base without using dairy.

3. Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, but it is best to prepare the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

4. What can I serve with Watermelon Feta Salad?
This salad pairs well with grilled meats, fish, or as part of a summer buffet. It makes an excellent side dish or a light main course.

5. How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad can last up to 2 days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s best to consume it fresh for optimal taste and texture.