As the long, lazy days of summer roll in, we look forward to all the bounty this vibrant season has to offer. Juicy, sweet watermelon and fresh, aromatic mint seem to capture the essence of summer in each refreshing bite. When paired with the creamy saltiness of feta and a splash of glistening balsamic glaze, these summer flavors transform into a salad that’s both sweet and savory, simple yet elegant.
Watermelon Feta Salad
The star ingredient of this bright salad is, without a doubt, watermelon. Few things embody the carefree sunny days of summer better than a wedge of cool, pink watermelon. It’s no wonder why Americans consume over 15 pounds of watermelon annually—it’s just that irresistible! The sweet juice and tender flesh are good enough to enjoy on their own, but watermelon also pairs beautifully with other ingredients. In this salad, we cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces that mingle with the other components in perfect harmony. Leave some rind on the watermelon cubes for a pop of color.
Making up the savory side of things is salty, crumbled feta cheese. Feta is a staple in Greek cuisine that offers a distinctive creamy and tangy flavor profile. The saltiness of feta forms a lovely contrast to the sweet watermelon in this salad, creating more complex flavors. Other salty cheeses like goat cheese or halloumi would also pair nicely.
No summer salad would be complete without fresh herbs. We use aromatic mint, which has cooling and soothing properties that evoke memories of all the mint tea or mojitos we sipped on vacation. Chopped fresh mint gives this salad a burst of freshness and plays up the sweetness of the fruit.
Crunchy sliced red onions offer a sharp, pungent bite that cuts through the richness of the cheese. We also add diced cucumber for more refreshing crispness and green color. Feel free to swap in any other alliums or vegetables you have on hand, like scallions or peppers.
The ingredients are bound together by a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and thick balsamic glaze. Olive oil has a fresh, grassy flavor that allows the flavors of everything else shine through. Meanwhile, balsamic glaze infuses this salad with sweetness and acidity. The glaze is thicker and sweeter than regular balsamic vinegar, with notes of oak that pair beautifully with summer stone fruits and tomatoes. A little goes a long way in coating each component.
We finish this salad off with some flaky sea salt, cracked black pepper, and toasted nuts. The nuts, like pine nuts or almonds, provide a tasty crunch and texture contrast. But feel free to leave them off for a lighter salad.
Everything is gently tossed together just before serving, so the watermelon cubes don’t get mushy and the feta stays crumbled. Chilling it for an hour allows time for the flavors to mingle, taking this summery salad over the top.
This Watermelon Feta Salad may sound unconventional, but trust us when we say sweet and salty were made for each other. The interplay between the ingredients creates a symphony of flavors and textures in one bowl. It’s satisfying enough to be eaten as a light summer meal, especially when paired with a hearty grain like farro or crusty bread. But its refreshing qualities also make it an awesome starter salad or side dish to precede any main.
We love serving this salad at summer barbecues and picnics when watermelon is at its juicy peak. It always garneres rave reviews for being creative and craveable. The vibrant colors and flavors instantly put everyone in a sunny state of mind. It’s been a go-to summer staple we make every year when hot and humid days hit.
True to its seasonal nature, the ingredients for this Watermelon Feta Salad can be easily picked up at summer farmers markets or grocery stores. Watermelon can be found already cubed and ready to toss. Feta cheese keeps for a while when stored properly. The fresh herbs and produce lend themselves well to modification too. Try swapping in different summer fruits or herbs like peaches, arugula, or basil. You could even add fresh juicy tomatoes or olives for variation.
No matter how you mix and match, this sweet and savory salad always hits the spot on steaming summer days. The refreshing and satisfying combo is perfect for backyard barbecues, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. We love that it comes together quickly while still tasting gourmet. It transports our tastebuds to sunny Mediterranean shores no matter where we live.
So next time you fire up the grill or just want an easy but impressive salad, look no further. This Watermelon Feta Salad brings the bright, vibrant flavors of high summer right to your table. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that even novice cooks can master. We know that with one bite of the sweet and savory flavor medley, this will become your new favorite summer staple. So get out there and sink your teeth into the season with this sensational salad!
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Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic
This vibrant Watermelon Feta Salad captures all the best flavors of summer in one bowl!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups of cubed watermelon (about 1 inch cubes)
- 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for crunch
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Cube the watermelon and place it in a large salad bowl.
Thinly slice the red onion and dice the cucumber. Add both to the bowl with the watermelon.
Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon mixture.
2. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle olive oil over the salad.
Add a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. This will give a nice sweet and tangy flavor that complements the freshness of the watermelon and mint.
3. Add Herbs and Season:
Chop the mint leaves finely and sprinkle them over the salad.
Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Be cautious with salt since feta is already quite salty.
4. Optional Add-ins:
For a bit of extra crunch and nuttiness, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the top of the salad.
5. Mix and Serve:
Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients without breaking up the watermelon too much.
Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
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