Watermelon Feta Salad

You’ll love this easy and refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad! It takes just 15 minutes to make and is the perfect side dish for any summer cookout. Bursting with juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and fresh herbs, this salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sweet watermelon, tart blueberries, and creamy feta creates a taste explosion that is perfect for hot days.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a light lunch option.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from fresh fruits and herbs, this salad is both delicious and healthy.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors make it an attractive addition to any table setting.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on your Watermelon Feta Salad, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Mason jar
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy tossing of all ingredients without spilling.
• Mason jar: Perfect for shaking up the honey lime dressing quickly and efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts when preparing your watermelon and herbs.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 7 to 8 cups seedless watermelon (cut into ¾ inch cubes)
• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (plus more to taste)
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (plus more to taste)
• Fresh mint and basil leaves, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)

For the Dressing

• Juice of 1 ½ limes
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 to 2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
• A pinch of salt

How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a mason jar, combine the lime juice, olive oil, honey, and salt. Shake vigorously until well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust sweetness if necessary.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, blueberries, sliced mint, sliced basil, and ¾ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Pour the honey lime dressing over the salad ingredients.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the watermelon.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Transfer the salad to a serving platter. Top with the remaining crumbled feta cheese and garnish with additional mint and basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor. Enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad!

How to Serve Watermelon Feta Salad

This refreshing watermelon feta salad is a delightful addition to any meal. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy it.

As a Standalone Dish

• Serve it chilled as a light lunch or snack on hot summer days.
• Pair with grilled chicken or turkey for a balanced meal.

At a Summer Cookout

• Add this salad to your buffet spread for a colorful and flavorful option.
• Serve alongside other fresh salads to create a vibrant picnic feast.

On a Bed of Greens

• Lay the salad over mixed greens like arugula or spinach for added nutrition.
• Drizzle with additional olive oil and lemon juice for an extra kick.

With Grilled Seafood

• Accompany grilled shrimp or fish dishes for a refreshing contrast.
• The flavors of watermelon and feta enhance the dish beautifully.

How to Perfect Watermelon Feta Salad

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your watermelon feta salad, consider these tips.

• Choose ripe watermelon: Select a melon that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform shape. A ripe watermelon will be sweet and juicy.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh mint and basil add vibrant flavor. Be sure to use them just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Adjust dressing to taste: Start with less honey in the dressing, then add more based on your preference for sweetness.
• Serve immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If made in advance, store dressing separately until serving time to maintain texture.
• Experiment with cheese: If you’d like variety, try using crumbled goat cheese instead of feta for a tangy twist.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon feta salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here’s a list of excellent options.

1. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions bring smoky flavors that balance the sweetness of the salad.
2. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes adds heartiness without overpowering the lightness of the watermelon feta salad.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create another refreshing option that echoes the bright flavors in the watermelon feta salad.
4. Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas seasoned with spices provide an excellent contrast in texture while adding protein.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled or boiled makes for an iconic summer side that complements any cookout dish.
6. Cucumber Raita: This yogurt-based sauce is cooling and pairs wonderfully with spicy main dishes while offering creaminess similar to feta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious Watermelon Feta Salad is easy, but some common mistakes can affect the flavor and presentation.

• Using Overripe Watermelon: Selecting watermelon that is too ripe can lead to a mushy salad. Choose firm, seedless watermelon for the best texture.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint and basil enhance the flavor significantly. Don’t skip them; instead, use plenty of herbs for a vibrant taste.
• Not Adjusting the Dressing: A bland dressing can dull the salad’s flavor. Taste and adjust the lime juice and honey to find your perfect balance.
• Adding Ingredients Too Early: Mixing all ingredients ahead of time can make the salad watery. Combine just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
• Ignoring Portion Sizes: Serving too much or too little can affect enjoyment. Measure out servings to ensure everyone gets a fair share.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container to keep ingredients fresh.
• The salad will stay good for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Watermelon Feta Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it alters the texture of watermelon and feta.
• If needed, freeze components separately, but expect changes in quality.

Reheating Watermelon Feta Salad

• Oven: Not suitable for reheating as this salad is best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid using a microwave; it may make the ingredients soggy.
• Stovetop: Not applicable; this salad should be enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Watermelon Feta Salad.

What makes a great Watermelon Feta Salad?

A great Watermelon Feta Salad balances sweet watermelon with tangy feta cheese and fresh herbs. The honey-lime dressing adds brightness that elevates the flavors.

Can I substitute feta cheese in my Watermelon Feta Salad?

Yes! You can use crumbled goat cheese or a plant-based feta alternative if you prefer. Both options will give a unique twist to your salad.

How do I customize my Watermelon Feta Salad?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or toss in additional fruits such as strawberries or cucumbers for added freshness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components separately ahead of time. Combine them right before serving for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Watermelon Feta Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile, making it an excellent choice for summer cookouts or picnics. You can easily customize it with your favorite fruits and herbs. Give this delightful salad a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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Watermelon Feta Salad

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Enjoy a refreshing twist on summer salads with this delightful Watermelon Feta Salad. Bursting with the sweetness of ripe watermelon and the tanginess of feta cheese, this dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch. With fresh blueberries and aromatic herbs like mint and basil, each bite offers a vibrant explosion of flavors and textures. The simple honey-lime dressing brings everything together for a quick preparation that takes just 15 minutes. This salad not only looks beautiful on your table but also packs a nutritious punch, making it an ideal side dish for any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 7 to 8 cups seedless watermelon (cut into ¾ inch cubes)
• 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (plus more to taste)
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (plus more to taste)
• Fresh mint and basil leaves, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
• Juice of 1 ½ limes
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 to 2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
• A pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing by combining lime juice, olive oil, honey, and salt in a mason jar. Shake until well mixed.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cubed watermelon, blueberries, sliced mint, sliced basil, and ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat without mashing the watermelon.
4. Transfer to a serving platter and top with remaining feta cheese and additional herbs as desired. Serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg