If you’re craving something that screams summer freshness and combines sweet, salty, and herbal flavors in one vibrant bowl, you’ll absolutely love this Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and fragrant herbs that come together to create a refreshing dish perfect for warm days, picnics, or as a stunning side. Every bite melts in your mouth with crisp textures and bright, balanced flavors that never get old.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe relies on just a handful of simple ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring out the best in the dish. From juicy watermelon to creamy feta and fresh herbs, every component plays a vital role in making this salad a crowd-pleaser.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base that gently coats and complements the salad ingredients.
- Red wine vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the natural sweetness of the watermelon.
- Kosher salt: Balances flavors without overpowering, ensuring each bite bursts with taste.
- Seedless watermelon: The star of the dish, juicy and refreshing with perfect sweetness.
- Cucumber: Adds a crisp, cool crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the watermelon.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled for a creamy, salty punch that makes the salad irresistible.
- Fresh basil: Provides a sweet, aromatic note that lifts the overall flavor.
- Chopped mint: Sprinkled on top for an extra burst of freshness and color.
- Flaky sea salt: A finishing touch to enhance texture and deepen flavor complexity.
How to Make Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt in a large mixing bowl. This tangy dressing is the magic ingredient that elevates the salad, marrying the sweetness of the watermelon with the savory notes of feta and herbs.
Step 2: Add Main Ingredients
Gently fold in the watermelon cubes, cucumber pieces, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Each ingredient contributes a unique texture and flavor—from the juicy bite of watermelon to the salty creaminess of feta, and the fragrant earthiness of basil.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Toss everything carefully to ensure the dressing evenly coats each piece. Be gentle so the watermelon cubes keep their shape and the salad remains visually appealing. This step is key to balancing flavors without turning the salad into a mushy mess.
Step 4: Transfer and Garnish
Move your beautifully dressed salad to a serving bowl. Now sprinkle chopped mint and flaky sea salt on top—these finishing touches add a refreshing brightness and a delightful texture that brings the dish to life just before serving.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Serve immediately to savor the crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their peak, making every bite a celebration of summer in a bowl.
How to Serve Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the chopped mint and flaky sea salt, you could elevate the presentation with a few edible flowers or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness and an elegant look. Freshly cracked black pepper also pairs nicely to add subtle spice.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish, making it an ideal light and colorful side dish. It also stands on its own as a refreshing appetizer or a healthy snack, perfect for hot afternoons and casual get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors, or layer it over arugula or baby spinach for an added peppery bite and extra greens. Another fun idea is to skewer watermelon and feta cubes with fresh basil leaves for individual bite-sized portions at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that watermelon will release some juice, so drain excess liquid before serving again to maintain the texture and flavor balance.
Freezing
Since watermelon contains a high water content, freezing is not recommended for this Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe. Freezing would alter its crispness and texture, making it mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature and does not require reheating. Warming it would compromise the fresh, crisp qualities that make it so delightful.
FAQs
Can I substitute feta with another cheese?
Absolutely! While feta’s tangy, salty flavor complements watermelon beautifully, you could experiment with crumbly goat cheese or even halloumi for a slightly different but equally delicious twist.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
The classic recipe includes feta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can swap feta for a plant-based cheese alternative or simply omit it and add extra herbs or nuts for protein.
How far ahead can I prepare this salad?
For best texture and flavor, prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately a few hours in advance. Toss the salad just before serving to keep the watermelon fresh and crisp.
Can I add nuts or seeds for crunch?
Definitely! Toasted pine nuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds can add a lovely crunch and extra dimension to the salad, making it even more satisfying.
What other fruits pair well with this salad?
Try adding blueberries, strawberries, or even peach slices for a more complex fruit medley that keeps the salad sweet and refreshing without overpowering the core ingredients.
Final Thoughts
If you want to bring a burst of summer freshness and a perfect blend of flavors to your table, this Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe is your new go-to. Its simplicity, speed, and vibrant taste make it a joy to prepare and even more fun to eat. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such few ingredients can create something so wonderfully delicious!
Print
Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad that combines juicy, sweet watermelon cubes with crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Tossed in a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, this salad is perfect for a light appetizer or side dish on warm days.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Salad
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup cucumber, seeded and cut into ½-inch pieces
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup chopped mint
- 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt until well combined. This dressing forms a tangy base that enhances the salad’s flavors.
- Add Main Ingredients: Gently add the watermelon cubes, cucumber pieces, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the dressing. These ingredients lend a mix of juicy, crisp, creamy, and aromatic textures and flavors to the salad.
- Toss the Salad: Carefully toss all ingredients together to ensure the dressing coats everything evenly. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the watermelon chunks, preserving their shape.
- Transfer and Garnish: Transfer the tossed salad into a serving bowl. Sprinkle the chopped mint and flaky sea salt evenly on top for extra freshness and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad right after preparation to experience the freshest and most vibrant taste and texture.
Notes
- For added crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Use fresh herbs as specified for the best flavor contrast.
- Adjust the salt to taste, especially if your feta is particularly salty.
- This salad is best served immediately, but can be refrigerated for up to 1 hour before serving.
- Seedless watermelon simplifies preparation and makes eating easier.
