Watermelon Feta Salad

Name: Watermelon Feta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487197H29M15S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 to 8 cups seedless watermelon (cubed); 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; Fresh mint and basil leaves (sliced); Juice of 1 ½ limes; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; Honey (to taste); A pinch of salt

Published: July 11, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes needed, you can whip up this salad in no time.
Refreshing Flavor: The sweetness of watermelon combined with the salty feta offers a delicious contrast.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own; it fits various occasions.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants from fresh fruits and herbs.
Customizable: Adjust ingredients like honey or herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

To create this vibrant salad, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will make preparation easy and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mason jar
Large serving bowl
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mason jar: Ideal for shaking the dressing thoroughly, ensuring all flavors blend well.
Large serving bowl: Provides enough space to mix all ingredients without spilling.
Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cutting watermelon into uniform cubes quickly.
Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping.

Ingredients

For the Salad

7 to 8 cups seedless watermelon (cut into ¾ inch cubes)
1 ½ cups fresh blueberries (plus more to taste)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (plus more to taste)
Fresh mint and basil leaves, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)

For the Dressing

Juice of 1 ½ limes
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 to 2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
A pinch of salt

How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad

Step 1: Make the Honey Lime Dressing

In a mason jar, combine the juice of 1 ½ limes, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt. Shake vigorously until well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

In a large serving bowl, add the cubed watermelon, fresh blueberries, sliced mint, sliced basil leaves, and ¾ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Toss these ingredients together gently.

Step 3: Combine with Dressing

Pour the honey lime dressing over the salad mixture. Toss again to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top your salad with the remaining ¼ cup feta cheese. Add additional mint and basil leaves for garnish if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy its freshness!

How to Serve Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its refreshing taste makes it perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light snack. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

As a Standalone Dish

This salad is delicious on its own, making it a great light lunch or snack option.

With Grilled Proteins

Pair the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal that balances flavors beautifully.

On a Bed of Greens

Serve the watermelon feta salad atop mixed greens for added texture and nutrients.

As a Topping for Tacos

Use this salad as a vibrant topping for tacos, giving them a fresh and fruity twist.

In Lettuce Wraps

Spoon the salad into lettuce leaves for a fun and low-carb way to enjoy it.

With Crusty Bread

Serve alongside slices of crusty bread or pita chips to complement the creamy feta and juicy watermelon.

How to Perfect Watermelon Feta Salad

To make your Watermelon Feta Salad even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

Choose ripe watermelon: Look for watermelons that feel heavy and have a uniform shape for the best flavor.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh mint and basil will enhance the flavor profile; dried herbs won’t provide the same freshness.
Mix textures: Consider adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch and extra nutrition.
Adjust sweetness: Taste the honey lime dressing to find the right balance between sweet and tangy based on your preference.
Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Garnish generously: A sprinkle of extra feta and fresh herbs not only enhances presentation but adds more flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Feta Salad

Pairing side dishes with your Watermelon Feta Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky corn complements the salad’s sweetness perfectly.
Classic Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances out the soft watermelon and feta.
Caprese Skewers: These skewers combine tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil for an Italian twist that pairs well with fresh salads.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides added protein while keeping things healthy.
Pasta Salad: A refreshing pasta salad with veggies can serve as an excellent contrast to the fruits.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa offer a hearty complement without overpowering the main dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring warmth and earthiness that balance out the freshness of your watermelon feta salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Watermelon Feta Salad can be simple, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for. Here are a few tips to ensure your salad is perfect every time.

Using underripe watermelon: Always choose a ripe watermelon for the best flavor. Look for a symmetrical shape and a yellow spot where it rested on the ground.
Skipping the dressing: The honey lime dressing is essential for balancing flavors. Don’t skip it; instead, make sure to mix it well before adding to the salad.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with less and add more if needed after tossing.
Not chilling the salad: For maximum freshness, chill your salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Ignoring garnish options: Fresh herbs not only enhance flavor but also add visual appeal. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra mint and basil on top before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep extra dressing separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

Freezing Watermelon Feta Salad

Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture of watermelon and feta when thawed.
If you must freeze, consider only freezing cubed watermelon separately for smoothies later.

Reheating Watermelon Feta Salad

Oven: Not suitable for this salad as it’s best served cold.
Microwave: Avoid using a microwave; this salad is meant to be enjoyed fresh.
Stovetop: Not applicable; this dish should remain cold and crunchy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a Watermelon Feta Salad that you might find helpful.

Can I use other fruits in my Watermelon Feta Salad?

Yes! You can easily substitute or add fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or peaches for different flavors and textures.

How do I make my Watermelon Feta Salad vegan?

To make this dish vegan, simply replace feta cheese with vegan feta or omit it altogether and add nuts for crunch.

How long does Watermelon Feta Salad last in the fridge?

If stored properly in an airtight container, your Watermelon Feta Salad will last about 3 days in the refrigerator.

What can I serve with Watermelon Feta Salad?

This refreshing salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a larger picnic spread. It’s perfect alongside summer dishes!

Can I prepare my Watermelon Feta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

The Watermelon Feta Salad is not only easy to make but also incredibly refreshing and versatile. Its sweet and savory combination makes it an ideal side dish for any summer gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or nuts for added texture and flavor. Give it a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together!

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