If you’re looking for a salad that is vibrant, refreshing, and downright irresistible, the Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe is a fantastic choice to brighten up any meal. This delightful dish combines the juicy sweetness of watermelon with the salty tang of feta cheese, all perfectly balanced by fresh herbs and a simple, zesty dressing. It’s the kind of salad that feels like a celebration of summer in every bite, effortlessly blending colors, textures, and flavors into one heavenly experience. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite go-to for hot days or anytime you crave something light yet satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this salad just right is all about quality and simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in bringing the Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe to life. From the crisp cucumbers to the fragrant herbs, every addition enhances the flavor, texture, or color in its own special way.
- 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld the dressing ingredients together smoothly.
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar: Brings a tangy kick that brightens the salad and balances sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors subtly without overpowering.
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star ingredient, juicy and sweet for that refreshing burst.
- ½ cup cucumber, seeded and cut into ½-inch pieces: Adds a crisp, cooling crunch to contrast the soft watermelon.
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled: Provides creamy saltiness that perfectly complements the sweetness.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, roughly chopped: Infuses a sweet, herbal aroma that elevates the salad.
- ¼ cup chopped mint: Offers a cool, lively freshness to finish off the dish.
- 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for texture and a final flavor boost just before serving.
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 simple but essential because it ties all the flavors of the salad together while adding a subtle zing that wakes up your palate.
Step 2: Add Main Ingredients
Gently fold in the watermelon cubes, cucumber pieces, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh basil into the bowl with the dressing. Each ingredient complements the others — the juicy watermelon and crisp cucumber bring freshness, while the creamy feta and aromatic basil deliver savory and herbal notes that make this salad truly special.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Carefully toss everything together, ensuring each bite will be perfectly coated in the delicious dressing. Be gentle to keep the watermelon cubes from turning mushy because you want that perfect balance of textures where every piece stays intact but fully flavored.
Step 4: Transfer and Garnish
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, then sprinkle chopped mint and flaky sea salt over the top. These finishing touches lift the dish by adding a burst of freshness and a delightful crunch, making every mouthful even more enjoyable.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This salad shines best when served right away. The crisp textures, vibrant colors, and fresh flavors are at their peak just after tossing and garnishing. Waiting too long can cause the ingredients to release water and lose their texture, so dig in quickly to enjoy the full experience.
How to Serve Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
While the chopped mint and flaky sea salt sprinkled on top are ideal garnishes, you can also add a few lemon zest shavings or a handful of toasted pine nuts to introduce additional layers of flavor and texture. These little extras make the salad feel even more festive and special, perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Side Dishes
This watermelon and feta medley pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb because its refreshing qualities contrast beautifully with smoky, hearty flavors. It’s also a fantastic companion to light sandwiches or as part of a larger summer picnic spread that invites relaxed, joyful eating.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe in hollowed-out watermelon bowls or on bed of mixed greens to add variety and height to your presentation. Layer in edible flowers or extras like avocado slices for a touch of elegance that will impress your guests visually as much as in taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover the salad tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that watermelon releases a lot of juice over time, so the salad is best enjoyed within a day to maintain its texture and avoid becoming soggy.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because watermelon and cucumbers contain high water content that will make them mushy and unpleasant once thawed. For best results, prepare only what you plan to eat fresh.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold and fresh, so reheating is not advisable. Reheating would destroy the crisp textures and fresh flavor profile that make the Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use regular table salt instead of kosher salt?
Yes, you can substitute table salt if that’s what you have on hand. Just use slightly less since table salt grains are finer and can taste saltier by volume.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh basil or mint?
If fresh herbs are unavailable, try using a small amount of dried herbs, but add them sparingly and let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Fresh herbs, however, really elevate the dish’s brightness.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the feta cheese for a plant-based cheese or cubed creamy tofu to maintain that salty, rich component without animal products.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Because watermelon releases juice quickly, it’s best made fresh when possible. However, you can prep the dressing and chop the ingredients in advance, then combine just before serving to save time.
What other fruits could I add to this salad?
Try adding fresh strawberries, blueberries, or even a few pomegranate seeds for extra bursts of sweetness and color. They pair beautifully with the existing ingredients and add exciting new layers of flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe is a true celebration of freshness, texture, and vibrant flavors that can brighten up any meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick, healthy lunch, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—we promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for a refreshing, delicious treat.
Print
Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Watermelon and Feta Salad combines juicy watermelon cubes with crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect for a light summer dish or a vibrant side, this no-cook salad bursts with contrasting textures and bright flavors.
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 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. Each ingredient adds a distinct texture and flavor to the salad.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients to ensure the dressing coats every piece evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, so the watermelon cubes maintain their shape.
- Transfer and Garnish: Transfer the tossed salad into a serving bowl. Sprinkle chopped mint and flaky sea salt over the top for an extra burst of freshness and flavor right before serving.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away to enjoy the ingredients at their freshest and most vibrant.
Notes
- For best results, use chilled watermelon and cucumbers to keep the salad refreshing.
- If you prefer a less tangy salad, reduce the amount of red wine vinegar slightly.
- This salad is best enjoyed immediately to prevent the watermelon from releasing too much juice.
- Can be customized by adding a handful of toasted nuts like pistachios or walnuts for extra crunch.
