Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just one bowl and a few simple steps, this salad comes together in minutes, making it ideal for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.
- Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the watermelon pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the feta and the acidity of the vinaigrette, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Versatile Side Dish: This salad complements a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to seafood, enhancing any meal with its vibrant taste and appearance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Kosher salt
- Seedless watermelon
- Cucumber (English or Persian varieties work best)
- Feta cheese
- Fresh basil
- Fresh mint (for garnish)
- Sea salt (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: Add the cubed watermelon, sliced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss all the ingredients to ensure they are evenly coated with the vinaigrette.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint and a pinch of sea salt. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Prep Time: About 10 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
Variations
- Add Avocado: Incorporate sliced avocado for a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.
- Include Olives: Toss in some pitted olives to introduce a briny, salty element to the salad.
- Spice It Up: For a hint of heat, add diced serrano or jalapeño peppers.
- Citrus Twist: Replace the red wine vinegar with fresh lime or lemon juice to enhance the fruity flavors.
- Balsamic Drizzle: Finish the salad with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for added sweetness and tang.
Storage/Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the watermelon may release juices over time, which can make the salad more watery. It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the watermelon and cucumber will change upon thawing.
FAQs
How do I choose a ripe watermelon for this salad?
Look for a watermelon that has a uniform shape, a deep hollow sound when tapped, and a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground to ripen.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them just before serving to maintain the freshness and texture.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese or ricotta salata can be good substitutes for feta, offering a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.
Is there a way to prevent the salad from becoming too watery?
To minimize excess liquid, you can sprinkle the cucumber slices with a bit of salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes, then pat them dry before adding to the salad.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Absolutely! Adding fruits like strawberries or blueberries can introduce additional flavors and textures.
What main dishes pair well with this salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or steak, as well as seafood dishes such as grilled shrimp or salmon.
How can I make this salad vegan?
To make the salad vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English or Persian?
Yes, but it’s advisable to peel and seed regular cucumbers to reduce bitterness and excess water content.
What herbs can I use if I don’t have basil or mint?
Fresh parsley or cilantro can be used as alternatives, though they will impart a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use seedless watermelon?
While seedless watermelon is more convenient, you can use regular watermelon; just be sure to remove the seeds before adding to the salad.
Conclusion
This Watermelon and Feta Salad is a quintessential summer dish that combines sweet, salty, and tangy flavors in a refreshing medley. Its simplicity and versatility make it a go-to recipe for picnics, barbecues, or light meals. Enjoy the vibrant tastes and the ease of preparation that this delightful salad offers.
Print
Watermelon and Feta Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Watermelon and Feta Salad is the ultimate summer side dish—refreshing, quick, and bursting with flavor. Juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and salty feta are tossed in a tangy vinaigrette and garnished with fresh herbs for a light, crowd-pleasing recipe. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, and weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Kosher salt
Seedless watermelon, cubed
Cucumber (English or Persian), sliced
Feta cheese, crumbled
Fresh basil, chopped
Fresh mint, chopped (for garnish)
Sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt.
-
Assemble the Salad: Add watermelon, cucumber, feta, and basil. Gently toss until evenly coated with dressing.
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Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a serving dish. Top with fresh mint and a pinch of sea salt. Serve immediately.
Notes
Add avocado for a creamy twist.
For a citrus zing, swap red wine vinegar with lemon or lime juice.
Make ahead tip: prep all ingredients separately and toss before serving to maintain freshness.
Optional: Drizzle with balsamic glaze or add olives or spicy peppers for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
