Name: Watermelon Feta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 cups watermelon, cubed; 1 cup cucumber, cubed; 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed; 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped; Flaky sea salt, to taste; 1/4 cup light olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This watermelon feta salad is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The combination of sweet watermelon, crunchy cucumber, and salty feta cheese offers a delightful balance of textures, while the marinated red onions add a flavorful kick. The fresh basil and mint bring an aromatic freshness that makes every bite feel like a burst of summer. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, this salad is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Ingredients

For the Watermelon Feta Salad:

3 cups watermelon, cubed
1 cup cucumber, cubed
8 ounces feta cheese, cubed
1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
Flaky sea salt, to taste

For the Marinated Red Onions:

1/4 cup light olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Marinated Onions: In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and olive oil until combined. Add the thinly sliced red onion and toss to coat. Let the onions marinate while you prep the other ingredients for the salad.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together the watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese, fresh basil, and mint.
Add the Marinated Onions: Add the marinated red onions (without their juices) to the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve: Top the salad with more fresh herbs and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for added flavor. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a bit before serving to chill.

For extra flavor, you can drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil or balsamic vinegar over the salad before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and there’s no cooking required, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.

Variations

Add protein: For a more filling salad, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Vegan version: If you prefer a vegan version, swap the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative, or use avocado for creaminess.
Extra crunch: Add some toasted nuts or seeds, such as almonds or sunflower seeds, for an added crunch.
Herb variations: Swap the basil and mint for other herbs like cilantro or parsley for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If storing leftovers, keep the marinated onions and salad separate, and toss them together just before serving to avoid sogginess.

FAQs

1. Can I make the marinated red onions ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the marinated onions up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can use goat cheese, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese for a variation of this salad.

3. How do I store leftover watermelon salad?

Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Just keep in mind that the watermelon may release some juice as it sits.

4. Can I add more veggies to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or avocado for more texture and flavor.

5. Can I serve this salad with a different dressing?

The marinated onions provide plenty of flavor, but you can also drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze or olive oil for added richness.

6. Can I make this salad spicier?

Yes! If you like spice, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the marinated onions or add some chopped fresh chili to the salad.

7. Can I serve this salad with grilled meat?

Yes, this salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats such as chicken, lamb, or beef.

8. How do I keep the watermelon from getting soggy in the salad?

It’s best to assemble the salad right before serving, as watermelon can release moisture. If you have leftovers, try to store the watermelon separately and combine it with the other ingredients before serving.

9. How can I make this salad sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter salad, drizzle a bit of honey or agave syrup over the salad, or add more watermelon and cucumber for natural sweetness.

10. Can I make this a more filling meal?

To make this salad more filling, you can add some quinoa, couscous, or even grilled chicken or chickpeas for added substance.

Conclusion

This Watermelon Feta Salad with Marinated Red Onions is a delicious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather. The sweet and juicy watermelon combined with the savory feta, fresh herbs, and tangy marinated onions makes for a well-balanced and satisfying meal or side dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a simple weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit!

Watermelon Feta Salad

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Watermelon Feta Salad with Marinated Red Onions is the ultimate refreshing dish for summer. With juicy watermelon, creamy feta, crunchy cucumber, and tangy marinated onions, this salad combines sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. It’s a perfect side dish or light meal, ideal for warm weather and gatherings.