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- 4 cups of ripe watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes - 1 cup of creamy feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 medium red onion, paper-thin sliced - 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon of high-quality extra virgin olive oil Watermelon is the star of this salad. Choose a ripe watermelon for the best taste. Look for a firm feel and a deep color. Feta cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast. I love using a quality brand for the best flavor. Red onion offers a sharp bite that balances the sweetness of the fruit. Fresh mint leaves bring a bright, herbal note. They make the salad refreshing. Balsamic glaze adds a rich sweetness, while olive oil gives a smooth finish. - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Optional garnishes such as extra mint leaves Seasoning is key to enhancing all the flavors. Use kosher salt and fresh black pepper to taste. These simple ingredients can really elevate the dish. You can also add extra mint leaves as a garnish. This makes the salad look beautiful and inviting. Consider drizzling more balsamic glaze right before serving for a stunning finish. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Washing and Cutting the Watermelon: Start by washing the watermelon well. This step is key to removing dirt and germs. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Aim for about 4 cups of cubes for your salad. Place the cubes into a big mixing bowl. - Crumbling the Feta Cheese: Next, take 1 cup of feta cheese. Crumble it gently with your hands or use a fork. Make sure the feta is spread out evenly. This way, each bite has a good mix of flavors. - Slicing the Red Onion: Now, grab half of a medium red onion. Slice it very thin. Use a sharp knife for easy cutting. Add the thin onion slices to the bowl. This will give the salad a nice crunch and flavor. - Layering the Ingredients: Begin by layering the crumbled feta over the watermelon. Then, sprinkle the red onion slices across the top. This helps keep the flavors balanced as you mix. - Preparing the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze and 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Mix until smooth. This dressing will add a rich flavor to your salad. - Mixing the Salad Gently: With a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the salad. Be careful not to break the feta. You want all the ingredients to blend, but stay intact. - Resting Time for Optimal Flavor: For the best taste, let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes. This time allows the flavors to mix well. When ready, serve it in a large, shallow bowl. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors! Choosing Ripe Watermelon To choose a ripe watermelon, look for a yellow spot on its skin. This spot shows where it sat on the ground and ripened. A ripe watermelon feels heavy for its size. Tap it; a deep sound means it's juicy inside. Avoid watermelons with dents or soft spots. Selecting Good-quality Feta Cheese When picking feta cheese, look for creamy texture and a fresh scent. If it comes in a brine, that’s best. Feta should be crumbly but hold its shape. Avoid feta that appears dry or has an off smell. Tips for Proper Seasoning Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a pinch, then add more if needed. Always mix gently to keep the feta intact. This salad needs just the right touch of salt to enhance its flavors. Rolling Fresh Mint Leaves for Easy Chopping To chop mint easily, stack and roll the leaves tightly. Then slice them thinly. This technique, called chiffonade, gives you smaller pieces without bruising the leaves. Fresh mint brings a bright flavor that balances the sweet watermelon and salty feta. Ideal Pairings with Other Dishes Watermelon feta salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken or lamb. It’s great alongside a simple fish dish. This salad also works nicely with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine. Presentation Tips for Serving Serve the salad in a large, shallow bowl to showcase its colors. Garnish with extra mint leaves for a pop of green. Just before serving, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze on top. This adds an eye-catching finish and boosts flavor. Pro Tips Choose the Right Watermelon: Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform shape. A yellow spot on one side indicates ripeness. Chill Your Ingredients: For the most refreshing experience, chill the watermelon, feta, and dressing before assembling the salad. Feta Cheese Variety: Opt for high-quality feta cheese; Greek feta tends to be creamier and adds a richer flavor to the salad. Layer Flavors: Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance the flavors and add a zesty kick. {{image_4}} You can switch things up by adding more fruits. Cucumber adds a nice crunch. Avocado brings creaminess and healthy fats. These fruits play well with the watermelon and feta. Another option is using different cheeses. Goat cheese has a tangy taste that pairs well with watermelon. It offers a new twist on the classic salad. Try a citrus-based dressing for a zesty kick. Lemon or lime juice brightens the flavors. You can mix it with olive oil for balance. Herb-infused oils also work great. A basil or rosemary oil can add depth. This brings in fresh notes that elevate the dish. Want a gluten-free version? This salad is naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set. For a vegan option, skip the feta and use a nut-based cheese. This keeps the salad fresh while meeting dietary needs. You still get great taste without dairy. Best Practices for Refrigeration To keep your leftover watermelon feta salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This will help maintain the salad's flavor and texture. Avoid mixing the salad again after storage to keep the feta intact. Duration for Freshness The salad stays good in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. Keep an eye on it, as watermelon can release water and affect the salad's taste. If you see excess liquid, it’s best to drain it before eating. Tips for Preparing to Freeze Freezing watermelon feta salad is not ideal due to the texture of the watermelon. If you must freeze it, consider storing the watermelon and feta separately. This way, you can enjoy them fresh later. Cut the watermelon into cubes and freeze them on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. How to Serve After Thawing When ready to serve, thaw the watermelon in the fridge overnight. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the watermelon mushy. Once thawed, mix the watermelon with fresh feta and mint for a quick salad. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil before serving for a refreshing meal. Can I make the salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make the salad ahead. Just store it in the fridge. However, the best flavor comes from serving it fresh. If you prepare it early, keep the dressing separate. Add it right before serving to keep the salad crisp. How long does watermelon feta salad last in the fridge? Watermelon feta salad lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Make sure you keep it in an airtight container. After that, the watermelon may get mushy, and the flavors might fade. Always check for freshness before eating. What can I use instead of feta cheese? If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese or ricotta. These cheeses give a creamy texture. You can also use tofu for a vegan option. It won’t taste the same, but it will still be good! Is it possible to use a different dressing? Yes! You can swap the balsamic glaze for a citrus dressing. A mix of lemon juice and olive oil works well. You could also use honey mustard for a sweeter flavor. Feel free to experiment! What are the calories in watermelon feta salad? A serving of watermelon feta salad has about 170 calories. This can vary based on the amount of cheese and dressing you use. It’s a light dish, making it a great option for a snack or side. Is this salad healthy? Yes, this salad is healthy! It includes fresh fruit, cheese, and herbs. Watermelon is hydrating and low in calories. Feta adds protein and calcium. Just watch the amount of dressing for lower calories. This blog post covered how to make a delicious watermelon feta salad. We discussed main ingredients like juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and fresh mint. I shared tips for selecting the best produce and perfecting your flavors. You can also explore variations, dressing options, and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Incorporating these ideas will help you create a tasty dish that impresses everyone. Enjoy experimenting and making this salad your own!

Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad

A light and refreshing salad combining sweet watermelon and creamy feta, perfect for summer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups ripe watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 medium red onion, paper-thin sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 1 tablespoon high-quality extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste Kosher salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Begin by thoroughly washing the watermelon to remove any surface contaminants. Cut it into bite-sized cubes and place them into a spacious mixing bowl.
  • Next, layer the crumbled feta cheese on top of the watermelon, ensuring to distribute it evenly for balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Take the red onion and slice it very thinly, then gently add the onion slices to the bowl, spreading them throughout the salad.
  • Finely chop the fresh mint leaves, and sprinkle them generously over the watermelon and feta for a burst of fresh flavor.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze and olive oil until they are completely combined into a smooth dressing.
  • Carefully drizzle the balsamic and olive oil mixture over the salad ingredients, taking care to coat them evenly.
  • Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, ensuring not to break the feta cheese.
  • Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors, mixing delicately to maintain the integrity of the feta.
  • For optimal flavor, allow the salad to rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving to let the ingredients meld together beautifully.

Notes

Serve in a large, shallow bowl and garnish with additional mint leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
Keyword feta, refreshing, salad, summer, watermelon