Watermelon Feta Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Watermelon Feta Salad is a refreshing twist on summer salads, combining sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate. Perfect for picnics or a light lunch, this dish is a must-try for any warm-weather gathering.

Ingredients for Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon is the star of the show, offering juicy sweetness and a refreshing bite. Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast that complements the melon perfectly. The fresh mint leaves provide an aromatic freshness that elevates the entire dish. Extra-virgin olive oil brings a subtle richness, while balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang. A pinch of salt and pepper enhances all the flavors, and sliced red onions give a sharp, flavorful kick. Lastly, a touch of lime juice brightens everything up, tying the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill the watermelon before preparation for an extra refreshing salad.
  • Use high-quality feta and olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Prepare just before serving to maintain the salad's crispness.
  • If you're not a fan of raw onions, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, making it a perfect side dish for a barbecue. It also works well as a standalone dish for a light lunch, especially when served with a crusty baguette or pita bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp. However, you can prep ingredients like the watermelon and mint in advance and assemble just before serving.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese is a great substitute, offering a similar tangy flavor profile.

Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cubing your watermelon into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniformity so that each bite is a perfect balance of flavors. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the watermelon cubes with the crumbled feta cheese. The feta can be crumbled directly from a block or bought pre-crumbled for convenience.

Next, add the freshly chopped mint leaves and the thinly sliced red onions to the bowl. The mint should be finely chopped to release its full aromatic potential without overwhelming the dish. The red onions should be sliced as thinly as possible to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and lime juice over the mixture. The olive oil should be added sparingly to avoid weighing down the salad, while the lime juice can be adjusted to taste. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly mixed, taking care not to mash the watermelon.

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed, tasting as you go. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
  • Uses fresh, seasonal ingredients that are vibrant and flavorful.
  • Balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors harmoniously.
  • Beautiful presentation that impresses guests.

Ingredients

4 cups watermelon, cubed
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup sliced red onions
1 tablespoon lime juice

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine watermelon cubes and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Add chopped mint leaves and sliced red onions to the bowl.
3. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and lime juice over the salad.
4. Gently toss all ingredients together until well mixed.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.

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