Description
This 5-Minute Watermelon Feta Salad is a light, refreshing, and colorful dish perfect for hot weather. Sweet, juicy watermelon pairs beautifully with salty feta, fresh mint, and a simple olive oil and citrus dressing. It comes together quickly and makes an ideal summer appetizer, side, or picnic salad.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (or cubed block feta)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn or chopped
Dressing
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup arugula or baby spinach
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Chopped cucumber
- Toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds
- Fresh basil leaves (as a substitute or addition to mint)
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the seedless watermelon into bite-sized cubes, removing any seeds if present. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Feta and Mint: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped or torn mint leaves over the watermelon pieces in the bowl.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime or lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the watermelon, feta, and mint. Gently toss everything together, taking care not to break up the watermelon cubes or crumble the feta too much.
- Chill or Serve: You can serve the salad right away, or cover and chill it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become extra refreshing.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Just before serving, add any optional garnishes such as a drizzle of balsamic glaze, extra mint leaves, or any other preferred add-ins for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best texture and flavor, use sweet, seedless watermelon and add feta and dressing just before serving.
- Fresh mint provides a cooling flavor contrast to the sweet melon—try basil for a different twist.
- Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving for maximum refreshment.
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze not only adds flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation.
- The salad is highly customizable—feel free to add greens, onions, cucumber, or seeds based on your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: —
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: —
- Unsaturated Fat: —
- Trans Fat: —
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: —
