Description
This refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors. Featuring bite-sized watermelon, crisp cucumber, fragrant mint and basil, complemented by salty crumbled feta cheese, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil, it’s an ideal light and vibrant dish for warm days or as a palate-cleansing side.
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 1 mini watermelon (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1/2 English cucumber (or 2 Persian/mini cucumbers), chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, torn or finely chopped
Dairy
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (add more to taste)
Pantry
- 1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Cut the mini watermelon into bite-sized pieces, chop half the English cucumber (or use two Persian/mini cucumbers), finely chop the fresh mint, and tear or finely chop the fresh basil. Combine all these ingredients in a large salad bowl. Add about 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese to the bowl, adding more if you prefer a stronger feta flavor.
- Dress the salad: In a separate jar, combine 1-2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Shake well to emulsify. Alternatively, you can drizzle them directly over the salad. Toss gently to evenly coat the salad with the dressing, adjusting the amount to your taste preferences.
- Season and serve: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Since the feta cheese is naturally salty, use salt sparingly or omit it altogether. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Use a seedless mini watermelon for easier preparation and better texture.
- Adjust the amount of feta cheese and dressing to your liking for more or less saltiness and tang.
- Fresh herbs like mint and basil add brightness but can be substituted or omitted based on preference.
- This salad is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours for later serving.
- For a twist, consider adding a splash of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of black olives for extra flavor.
