Watermelon feta salad combines juicy sweetness with tangy saltiness for a refreshing summer dish. This simple yet sophisticated salad pairs cubed watermelon with crumbled feta cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The addition of fresh herbs like mint or basil elevates the taste profile, while a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or honey-lime dressing adds depth.

Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or light meals on hot days, watermelon feta salad offers a cool and hydrating option. Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, and the unexpected combination of ingredients often surprises and delights guests. The salad can be customized with additional elements like cucumber, red onion, or Kalamata olives to suit individual preferences.

Preparation is quick and easy, requiring minimal cooking skills. The key lies in selecting ripe, sweet watermelon and quality feta cheese. This salad not only tastes great but also provides a nutritious mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious eaters.

Ingredients Breakdown

The key components of a watermelon feta salad provide a balance of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Choosing the Right Watermelon

Selecting a ripe, seedless watermelon is essential for a delicious salad. Look for a watermelon with a deep, hollow sound when tapped and a creamy yellow spot on the bottom. This indicates it’s ripe and ready to eat.

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and potassium. It’s naturally sweet and hydrating, making it perfect for summer salads.

For best results, choose watermelons during their peak season from May to September. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, discarding the rind.

The Role of Feta Cheese

Feta cheese adds a salty, tangy contrast to the sweet watermelon. Greek feta, made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk, offers the most authentic flavor.

Crumbled feta is convenient, but cutting a block into small cubes can provide better texture. Feta is rich in calcium and protein, complementing the nutritional profile of the salad.

Use about 250g (9 oz) of feta for every kilogram (35 oz) of watermelon. This ratio ensures a good balance of flavors without overpowering the other ingredients.

Fresh Herbs for Flavoring

Fresh herbs elevate the salad’s flavor profile. Mint is the classic choice, providing a cool, refreshing taste that complements the watermelon.

Use fresh mint leaves, chopped or torn, to release their essential oils. For variety, consider adding fresh basil, which offers a slightly peppery note.

A bunch of mint or a combination of mint and basil is sufficient for a large salad. Add the herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and aroma.

Complementary Vegetables and Fruits

Additional vegetables and fruits add texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Cucumber is a popular choice, providing crunch and a subtle coolness. Peel and dice one small cucumber for a standard recipe.

Thinly sliced red onion offers a sharp contrast to the sweet watermelon. Use about 1/4 of a small red onion, adjusting to taste.

For a Mediterranean twist, include Kalamata olives. Their rich, briny flavor pairs well with feta and watermelon. Add about 100g (4 oz) of pitted olives to the salad.

These complementary ingredients enhance the salad’s complexity and provide additional vitamins and minerals, such as iron from the red onion.

Creating the Perfect Dressing

The key to an exceptional watermelon feta salad lies in its dressing. A well-crafted dressing balances flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the melon while complementing the salty feta.

Vinegar Selection

Choosing the right vinegar is crucial for the dressing. Balsamic vinegar offers a rich, sweet-tart flavor that pairs beautifully with watermelon. White balsamic vinegar provides a milder taste and won’t discolor the salad.

For a lighter option, red wine vinegar adds a crisp acidity. Apple cider vinegar brings a fruity note that complements the melon. Experiment with different vinegars to find your preferred flavor profile.

Measure vinegar carefully – too much can overpower the delicate flavors of the salad. Start with 1-2 tablespoons per cup of dressing and adjust to taste.

Oil Choices

Extra-virgin olive oil is the go-to choice for watermelon feta salad dressings. Its fruity notes enhance the melon’s sweetness and provide a smooth mouthfeel. Select a high-quality oil for the best flavor.

For a neutral taste, use light olive oil or grapeseed oil. These allow the watermelon and feta flavors to shine through. Avocado oil offers a buttery texture and mild flavor.

Whisk the oil into the vinegar slowly to create an emulsion. This ensures the dressing coats the salad evenly. A typical ratio is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar.

Enhancing with Citrus

Fresh citrus juice brightens the dressing and complements the sweet melon. Lime juice is a popular choice, adding a zesty kick. Lemon juice provides a classic, tart flavor that pairs well with feta.

For a honey-lime dressing, combine lime juice with a touch of honey. This creates a sweet-tart balance that elevates the salad. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey per 1/4 cup of lime juice.

Add finely grated citrus zest for extra flavor. A pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper rounds out the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Preparation Steps

Creating a watermelon feta salad is quick and straightforward. The key is using fresh ingredients and balancing flavors. Follow these steps for a delicious summer side dish.

Prepping the Ingredients

Start by cutting a seedless watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Aim for about 1-inch pieces. Slice a small red onion thinly. If using cucumber, peel and dice it into small chunks. Crumble or cube feta cheese. Wash and chop fresh mint leaves.

For the dressing, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar or lime juice, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl. Whisk until well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Prepare any additional ingredients like sliced Kalamata olives or chopped basil if desired.

Assembling the Salad

In a large serving bowl, add the watermelon cubes. Sprinkle the sliced red onion and cucumber (if using) over the watermelon. Add the crumbled feta cheese.

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss to coat evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as the watermelon can break down.

Sprinkle chopped mint leaves over the salad. Add a final pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Cook Mode Techniques

While this salad doesn’t require cooking, there are ways to elevate it. Grill watermelon slices for 1-2 minutes per side before cubing for a smoky flavor. This technique adds depth to the refreshing combination.

Consider serving the salad alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal. Chill the serving bowl before assembling to keep the salad crisp and cool.

For best results, prepare the salad just before serving. If needed, you can cube the watermelon and prepare the dressing in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

Watermelon feta salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to complement different meals and occasions. Its refreshing flavors make it an ideal choice for summer gatherings and light dining.

Pairing with Proteins

This salad pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats and fish. Serve it alongside grilled chicken for a balanced meal that combines savory and sweet flavors. The salty feta in the salad complements the smoky taste of grilled meats perfectly.

For seafood lovers, pair the watermelon feta salad with grilled salmon. The light, refreshing nature of the salad contrasts nicely with the rich, oily fish. It also works well with shrimp or scallops for a summery seafood feast.

Vegetarian options include serving the salad with grilled halloumi cheese or a chickpea patty for added protein. The cool salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to these warm, savory options.

Potluck and Party Ideas

Watermelon feta salad is an excellent choice for summer potlucks and BBQs. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a standout dish on any buffet table. Prepare it in a large, clear bowl to showcase its appealing appearance.

For outdoor events, consider serving individual portions in small mason jars or clear plastic cups. This makes it easy for guests to grab and enjoy while mingling. Add a sprinkle of fresh mint on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Pair the salad with other summer favorites like grilled corn on the cob, pasta salads, and fresh fruit platters. It also complements heartier dishes like pulled pork or grilled sausages at BBQs.

Alternative Serving Options

Transform the watermelon feta salad into a unique appetizer by serving it on small crostini or endive leaves. This creates an elegant finger food perfect for cocktail parties or as a starter course.

For a fun twist, turn the salad into a refreshing summer beverage. Blend the watermelon with mint and strain, then add small cubes of feta and cucumber for a watermelon feta mocktail. For adults, this can be turned into watermelon sangria or margaritas.

Create a watermelon salsa by finely dicing the ingredients and adding some jalapeño for heat. Serve this with grilled fish tacos or as a dip with pita chips for a unique summer snack.

Nutritional Information

Watermelon feta salad offers a balance of nutrients and flavors. This refreshing dish combines the hydrating properties of watermelon with protein-rich feta cheese.

Caloric Content

A typical serving of watermelon feta salad contains approximately 130-150 calories. The calorie count can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. Watermelon, the main component, is low in calories, with about 30 calories per 100 grams. Feta cheese adds protein and flavor but also increases the caloric content.

The salad typically includes:

• Watermelon: 30 calories per 100g
• Feta cheese: 260 calories per 100g
• Cucumber: 15 calories per 100g
• Olive oil dressing: 120 calories per tablespoon

Adjusting the ratio of watermelon to feta can significantly impact the overall calorie count.

Health Benefits

Watermelon feta salad offers several nutritional advantages. Watermelon is rich in vitamins A and C, providing antioxidants that support immune function. It also contains lycopene, linked to heart health and cancer prevention.

Feta cheese contributes calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle function. Cucumbers, often included, add dietary fiber and aid in hydration. The combination of sweet watermelon and salty feta creates a satisfying flavor profile without excessive calories.

Key nutrients in watermelon feta salad:

• Vitamin C: Boosts immune system
• Calcium: Promotes strong bones
• Potassium: Supports heart health
• Iron: Aids in oxygen transport

This salad is particularly beneficial for summer hydration due to watermelon’s high water content.