Quick Summer Joy: Feta Watermelon Salad Recipe

Cool summer days call for a refreshing feta watermelon salad that dances with unexpected flavors and textures.

Mediterranean ingredients blend perfectly in this vibrant dish.

Crisp watermelon cubes meet salty cheese crumbles, creating a delightful contrast that surprises the palate.

Mint leaves add a bright, aromatic touch to every delectable bite.

Crunchy nuts sprinkled across the top provide a satisfying crunch that complements the soft fruit.

Spectacular color combinations make this salad a stunning centerpiece for casual gatherings.

Jump into this simple yet sophisticated recipe that promises to delight you from the first forkful.

Feta Watermelon Salad That Refreshes With Every Bite

• Whip Up Summer Simplicity: Quick and Easy Salad Creation
• Minimal Prep Magic: Chop watermelon and onion, then whisk dressing – this salad comes together in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving something fresh.
• Flavor Explosion Guaranteed: Combine sweet watermelon, tangy feta, peppery arugula, and zesty balsamic for a mouthwatering taste profile that surprises and delights every single bite.
• Health-Conscious Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with nutrients, low in calories, and bursting with vibrant ingredients, this salad works beautifully as a light lunch, refreshing side dish, or stunning summer potluck contribution.
• No-Stress Entertaining Option: Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for weeknight dinners, this recipe requires zero cooking skills and delivers maximum wow factor with minimal effort.

Feta and Watermelon Salad Essentials

Main Ingredients:

• Arugula: Peppery green that forms the crisp foundation of the salad, adds a sharp flavor contrast.
• Watermelon: Sweet and juicy fruit that provides refreshing summer coolness, best when ripe and chilled.
• Red Onion: Sharp and colorful vegetable that adds a mild bite and vibrant color to the salad.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly Greek cheese that provides a salty and creamy element.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Rich and slightly sweet vinegar that creates a glossy and flavorful dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Smooth and zesty mustard that helps emulsify the dressing and adds depth.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the vinegar's acidity and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Fresh Mint: Aromatic herb that brings a fresh and cooling finish to the salad.

• Sea Salt: Enhances overall flavor and adds a delicate mineral taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper that provides a warm, spicy note to the salad.

Feta Watermelon Salad Method of Preparation

Step 1: Whip Up the Tangy Dressing

In a compact mixing bowl, energetically blend balsamic vinegar, zesty Dijon mustard, and sweet honey until the ingredients merge into a smooth, glossy mixture.

Let the dressing rest momentarily while preparing the salad components.

Step 2: Create the Leafy Base

Spread a generous layer of peppery arugula across a wide, elegant serving platter, ensuring an even, vibrant green foundation for the salad.

Step 3: Scatter Summer’s Bounty

Artfully distribute juicy watermelon chunks and thinly sliced red onion across the arugula, creating a colorful landscape of contrasting textures and flavors.

Step 4: Sprinkle Creamy Goodness

Crumble rich, tangy feta cheese over the salad, allowing the white chunks to peek through the red and green backdrop like delightful culinary jewels.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the prepared balsamic glaze over the salad, then gently toss all ingredients to ensure each bite captures the harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Season with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of sea salt.

Garnish with delicate, torn mint leaves to add a refreshing herbal note.

Step 7: Serve with Excitement

Present the salad immediately, celebrating the vibrant summer flavors and colorful presentation.

Watermelon Feta Salad Finishing Tips

• Refrigerate watermelon and arugula for crisp, refreshing texture and enhanced flavor profile.
• Choose ripe, vibrant red watermelon with minimal white sections for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
• Adjust honey and balsamic vinegar ratios to create personalized tangy-sweet dressing that complements salad ingredients.
• Use sharp knife to cut red onions into delicate, translucent rings for balanced flavor and elegant presentation.
• Roughly tear fresh mint leaves instead of chopping to release more aromatic oils and enhance overall salad fragrance.

Watermelon Feta Salad That Keeps Its Chill

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy greens.
• Before serving leftover salad, drain any excess water released by watermelon to maintain crisp texture.
• Add fresh arugula and a sprinkle of crumbled feta just before serving to revive the salad's appearance and taste.
• Never freeze this salad, as watermelon and arugula will become mushy and lose their delightful crunch.

Summer Sides For Watermelon Salad

• Pair Sparkling Rosé Wine: Light, crisp rosé complements the sweet watermelon and tangy feta perfectly, creating a refreshing summer drink experience.
• Serve with Grilled Chicken Skewers: Herb-seasoned chicken provides a protein-rich companion that balances the salad's bright, fresh flavors and adds a savory contrast.
• Add Crusty Sourdough Bread: Warm, rustic bread helps soak up the balsamic glaze and offers a delightful textural element to the light, vibrant salad.
• Chill Mediterranean Lager: A cold, light beer with subtle maltiness cuts through the salad's acidity and enhances the overall Mediterranean-inspired profile.

Feta Watermelon Salad Combinations

• Vegan Delight: Replace feta with dairy-free almond cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version.
• Greek-Inspired Salad: Swap arugula for mixed greens, add cucumber and kalamata olives for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute watermelon with roasted bell peppers and zucchini, keeping the same dressing and cheese components for a lighter meal.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform the salad into a complete main course with extra nutritional value.

FAQs

• What makes the dressing unique?

The dressing combines balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey, creating a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the watermelon and feta.

• Can I substitute the arugula?

Yes, you can use baby spinach or mixed greens if you prefer. Arugula adds a peppery kick, but other leafy greens work well too.

• How do I choose the best watermelon for this salad?

Look for a watermelon that’s heavy for its size, with a creamy yellow spot where it rested on the ground. It should sound hollow when tapped and have a sweet, fresh aroma.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrients. Watermelon is hydrating and rich in vitamins, arugula provides antioxidants, and feta offers protein and calcium.

Feta Watermelon Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean summer calls for a refreshing Feta Watermelon Salad that dances with sweet and salty notes. Cool cubes of juicy watermelon mingle with crumbled feta, creating a light, crisp dish you’ll crave on warm afternoons.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, cut into 1 inch cubes and chilled
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, julienned (for garnish)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) balsamic vinegar (high-quality, thick, sweet)
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) honey
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey into a smooth, glossy emulsion.
2. Create a lush green foundation using fresh, peppery arugula spread evenly across a shallow serving platter.
3. Artfully distribute juicy watermelon cubes and thinly sliced red onion over the verdant greens for a striking color contrast.
4. Crumble tangy feta cheese generously across the salad, allowing white cheese fragments to cascade over the colorful layers.
5. Delicately drizzle the prepared balsamic glaze, ensuring an even distribution of the rich, sweet-tart dressing.
6. Gently toss the ingredients to integrate flavors while maintaining the salad’s visual appeal and texture.
7. Enhance the dish with a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper and a subtle sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the taste profile.
8. Garnish with fragrant, torn mint leaves to introduce a refreshing aromatic element.
9. Present the salad immediately to preserve the crisp texture of the arugula and watermelon’s peak freshness.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet watermelon for the best flavor and juiciness in this refreshing summer salad.
• Use high-quality feta cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet watermelon and peppery arugula.
• Slice red onions paper-thin to prevent overpowering the delicate flavors of the other ingredients.
• Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the arugula and prevent wilting.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg