When the sun blazes and you’re craving something crisp and wildly refreshing, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of Watermelon Salad with Feta. It’s a juicy, sweet, and salty mix that brings a burst of summer to your table—every single bite feels like a mini-vacation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Summer Refresher: The juicy watermelon and tangy feta make every bite feel extra cool and hydrating, perfect for hot days.
- Vivid Colors & Textures: With bright pink watermelon, leafy green mint, and creamy white feta, this salad looks as beautiful as it tastes.
- Lightning Fast to Prep: From cutting the fruit to whisking the zingy lime dressing, you’ll have this salad on the table in just minutes.
- Easy to Customize: Whether you swap the herbs, add pickled onions, or toss in extra fruit, this watermelon salad adapts to every mood and occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the pure joys of Watermelon Salad with Feta is how few ingredients you need to make a dish with such big flavors. Each element is thoughtfully chosen—juicy watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and a bright, simple dressing—to let summer’s best shine in every forkful.
- Fresh Watermelon (5 cups, cubed): Opt for a ripe, heavy watermelon with a deep yellow field spot for maximum juiciness and sweetness.
- Chiffonade Mint (1/4 cup): This herby touch gives the salad its signature cooling kick—cut it into fine ribbons for even flavor in every bite.
- Crumbled Feta (1/3 cup): Feta’s saltiness balances the watermelon’s sweetness—go for a creamy block or your favorite dairy-free version.
- Lime Zest (1 tsp) & Fresh Lime Juice (2 limes): These add a burst of zippy citrus that livens up all the flavors.
- Maple Syrup (1 tbsp): A touch of natural sweetness in the dressing to complement the fruit.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Adds a silky richness and helps carry all those bright flavors.
- Red Onion (1/2 medium, optional quick pickled): Thinly sliced and quick-pickled for a subtle tangy crunch—or use raw for a sharper bite.
- White Vinegar (3 tbsp), Water (1/4 cup), Maple Syrup (2 tsp), Salt (1/2 tsp): For the pickling solution to mellow and brighten the onions—totally optional, but so good!
Variations
Half the fun of making Watermelon Salad with Feta is putting your own spin on it! This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to mix in your favorite seasonal fruits, switch up the herbs, or even add a spicy kick if that’s your style.
- Basil Instead of Mint: Try swapping classic mint for fragrant basil—or, for a flavor adventure, mix both together!
- Fresh Fruit Medley: Add extra pops of sweetness with strawberries or blueberries tossed right in with the watermelon.
- Veggie-Packed: Stir in sliced cucumbers, peppery arugula, creamy avocado, or sun-ripened tomatoes for more texture and nutrition.
- Spiced-Up Topper: Give a sprinkle of Tajín or chili flakes for a perfectly surprising, zesty finish.
How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta
Step 1: Quick Pickle Your Onions (Optional)
If you love the tang and bright crunch of pickled red onions, make these first! Thinly slice half a medium red onion and pop the slices into a jar. Pour in water, vinegar, maple syrup, and salt, shake or stir well, and let them chill in the fridge for about an hour while you prep everything else. No time? Store-bought pickled onions or even raw slices work just as well in a pinch.
Step 2: Whisk the Zesty Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the fragrant lime zest, freshly squeezed lime juice, maple syrup, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth and glossy—the citrusy zing sets the entire salad aglow! Adjust the lime or maple for your ideal tang-sweetness balance.
Step 3: Combine Watermelon, Mint, and Dressing
Grab a large bowl and add your juicy watermelon cubes. Scatter in the chiffonade mint and drizzle all that zippy dressing right over the top. Gently toss everything together so the fruit is deliciously coated but stays intact and vibrant.
Step 4: Add Feta and Pickled Onions
Finish with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta and (if you made them) some quick-pickled onions. Not only do they add flavor, but they make the dish absolutely stunning. You can serve it up right away, or chill for a more infused, ultra-refreshing experience.
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad with Feta
- Peak Sweetness Watermelon: Always check for a golden field spot and heavy weight—this means your watermelon will be juicy, sweet, and perfect for salad.
- Gentle Tossing Matters: Use a soft hand when mixing to keep your watermelon cubes looking gorgeous and prevent them from turning mushy.
- Dress Just Before Serving: For maximum freshness, toss with dressing right before bringing it to the table if making ahead—this keeps the watermelon from releasing too much juice.
- Pickled Onion Punch: The optional quick-pickled onions add brightness and beautiful color, but if you’re in a hurry, raw onion or even store-bought works well too!
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta
Garnishes
This salad already looks like a celebration! For extra flair, sprinkle with a few whole mint leaves, a final crumble of feta, or a scatter of black sesame seeds or toasted pepitas for contrast. A quick grind of black pepper right before serving truly makes the flavors pop.
Side Dishes
Watermelon Salad with Feta is brilliantly versatile—pair it with grilled fish, skewers of chicken, or a smoky veggie platter at your backyard barbecue. It brightens up potlucks, picnics, and any meal where you want something cooling to balance the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping effect, serve this salad in hollowed-out watermelon halves for a dramatic centerpiece. You can also plate it in individual mason jars for picnics or skewer cubes of watermelon, feta, and mint for fun party bites—endless ways to wow your crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (hard to believe!), transfer Watermelon Salad with Feta to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. The watermelon will release more juice as it sits, but a little stir will bring the flavors back together. Best enjoyed within two days for peak freshness.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as watermelon’s texture becomes mushy and watery after thawing. Enjoy this dish fresh, as it simply doesn’t get better than crisp, juicy watermelon and crumbly feta.
Reheating
This is truly a cold salad! There’s no need—or benefit—to reheating. If your Watermelon Salad with Feta has chilled for a while, just give it a quick toss to reincorporate the dressing before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Watermelon Salad with Feta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can chop the watermelon, prep your mint, and whisk the dressing a few hours ahead. For the best texture, wait to add the dressing and feta until just before serving. This keeps the salad ultra-fresh and lively.
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What’s the best type of feta for this salad?
Block feta in brine is ideal for its creamy, rich texture and tang; simply crumble it over the salad. For dairy-free versions, try brands like Follow Your Heart or Violife for a similar punch of flavor.
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Can I add other fruits or veggies?
Definitely! Sliced strawberries, blueberries, cucumber, arugula, and even avocado make delicious additions. This Watermelon Salad with Feta loves a little personalization—feel free to get creative.
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Is Watermelon Salad with Feta gluten-free and vegan-friendly?
It’s naturally gluten-free. For a vegan version, simply use a dairy-free feta (like Violife or Follow Your Heart), and enjoy all the vibrant flavors plant-based!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that instantly brightens any summer day, Watermelon Salad with Feta is it—sweet, salty, vibrant, and so simple to make. I hope you adore every bite and have as much fun sharing it as I always do. Give it a try and bring a little sunshine to your next meal!
Print
Watermelon Salad with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Refreshing and vibrant, this Watermelon Salad with Feta is a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. Juicy watermelon, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing come together to create a perfect summer dish.
Ingredients
Watermelon Salad:
- 5 cups fresh cubed watermelon (~1 inch cubes)
- 1/4 cup chiffonade mint
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta
Simple Dressing:
- 1 tsp fresh lime zest
- 2 fresh limes, juiced (3–4 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Quick Pickled Onions (optional):
- 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp regular table salt
Instructions
- Prepare Pickled Onions: Thinly slice red onion, place in a jar with other ingredients, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Whisk Dressing: Combine lime zest, lime juice, maple syrup, and olive oil in a bowl.
- Combine Salad: Mix watermelon cubes, mint, and dressing in a large bowl.
- Top and Serve: Add feta and pickled onions. Enjoy immediately or chill.
Notes
- Choose a watermelon with brown webbing, feels heavy, and has a large yellow field spot for ripeness.
- Variation ideas: try basil instead of mint, add strawberries or blueberries, include arugula, cucumbers, avocado, tomatoes, or sprinkle tajin on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
