Watermelon Feta Salad Summer

This light and vibrant Watermelon Feta Salad is my go-to when heatwaves hit and appetites dip. Juicy watermelon mingles with tangy feta and aromatic herbs, all tossed in a zesty honey citrus dressing. It takes just fifteen minutes, making it a lifesaver when you need a quick side for any summer meal.

Even my salad-wary friends love this combination of sweet and salty. The first time I served it, nobody guessed how simple it was. Now it is on repeat at every summer gathering.

Ingredients

• Watermelon cubed: Look for deep red seedless watermelon with a firm texture and no bruise spots It is the sweet juicy foundation of the salad
• Cucumber thinly sliced: Choose crisp cucumbers like Persian or English for extra crunch and mildness They bring a cooling contrast
• Red onion thinly sliced: Adds bite and color Use fresh onion and slice very thin for balanced flavor
• Fresh mint leaves chopped: A bright punch of flavor I always opt for perky unbruised leaves for maximum aroma
• Fresh basil leaves chopped optional: Offers herbal depth Use only if leaves look green and vibrant Not essential but wonderful if available
• Feta cheese crumbled: Buy good quality block feta and crumble it yourself It tastes creamier than precrumbled and adds creamy tang
• Extra virgin olive oil: Good Mediterranean olive oil brings fruity depth and richness
• Fresh lime or lemon juice: Squeeze fresh citrus for vibrancy Avoid bottled juice if possible
• Honey: Brings gentle sweetness and rounds out any acidity Go for pure mild honey
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: enhances the flavors Use flaked sea salt for the best results

Instructions

Prep the Produce:

Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes Discard any seeds Slice the cucumber thinly with a sharp knife For the onion slice as finely as possible to avoid overpowering each bite Chop your herbs using a rocking motion to avoid bruising

Mix the Salad Base:

Combine the watermelon cucumber red onion mint and basil in a roomy salad bowl Gently toss the ingredients with your hands or salad spoons to keep the watermelon cubes intact

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl whisk the olive oil lime or lemon juice honey salt and pepper Whisk with energy until slightly thickened and glossy This helps the ingredients fully emulsify

Dress the Salad:

Pour the dressing evenly over the salad Use gentle hands or wide spoons to toss to avoid mashing the watermelon Toss just until everything looks shiny and coated not longer

Finish and Serve:

Just before serving sprinkle the crumbled feta evenly over the top This keeps the cheese from dissolving into the dressing Serve immediately for peak crispness and a burst of flavors

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A staple at our family’s Fourth of July picnic My son always ends up sneaking the cucumber and feta out first while I promise the leftovers will taste just as good for lunch

Storage Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh right after assembling The watermelon will release more liquid as the salad sits which can dilute flavors If you must store leftovers transfer everything to an airtight container and refrigerate for no more than one day For make ahead prep all components separately then toss just before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find good watermelon try ripe cantaloupe or honeydew Goat cheese or vegan feta are good swaps for classic feta For those who dislike raw onion skip it or use mild shallots instead If you want extra greens arugula adds a peppery note without overpowering

Serving Suggestions

Pile the salad onto a big platter for sharing Sprinkle extra toasted nuts for crunch A drizzle of balsamic glaze over individual portions is lovely This salad pairs perfectly with grilled shrimp fish or any Mediterranean entree Serve chilled rosé or lemonade to complete the meal

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This refreshing salad is sure to steal the spotlight at any summer gathering Serve immediately for best texture and flavor

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What herbs work best with watermelon and feta?

Fresh mint and basil are traditional, adding brightness and complexity. You can also include parsley for a milder touch.

→ Can I make this in advance?

It's best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients and dressing separately, then combine just before serving.

→ How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?

Toss just before eating, and use firm, chilled watermelon. Avoid leaving dressed melon to sit too long.

→ What proteins can I add?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas blend well, adding heartiness while complementing the other flavors.

→ Is there a vegan option?

Use dairy-free feta alternatives or substitute with marinated tofu cubes for a plant-based variation.

→ What drinks pair well with this dish?

Chilled rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or sparkling water with lime are all excellent choices.