Name: Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups of watermelon (diced into bite-sized pieces); 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup of fresh blueberries; 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

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Watermelon Feta Salad is that perfect summer combination you never realized you needed until you’ve taken your first bite. Juicy watermelon mingles with creamy, tangy feta while pops of fresh mint and sweet blueberries round out every spoonful. With every refreshing mouthful, you’ll taste sweet, salty, and herbaceous notes that feel like a celebration in a bowl. Whether you’re serving this at a picnic, barbecue, or just as a light lunch at home, Watermelon Feta Salad is a showstopper that brings smiles at first glance and “wow” at first taste.

Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients work together in perfect harmony to make this vibrant salad. Each one plays its part, delivering flavor, texture, and that irresistible pop of color that makes Watermelon Feta Salad instantly inviting.

Watermelon: The star of the salad; choose a ripe, sweet variety for juicy, refreshing bites in every forkful.
Feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, its saltiness balances the watermelon’s sweetness beautifully.
Fresh mint leaves: Roughly chopped, these leaves add a burst of cool, herbal flavor and a pop of green.
Extra virgin olive oil: A light drizzle ties all the ingredients together with subtle richness.
Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild, sharp crunch that keeps the salad from tasting one-note.
Fresh blueberries: Juicy and sweet, they provide a fun pop of color and extra burst of summer flavor.

How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad

Step 1: Prep the Watermelon

Start by cutting your watermelon into bite-sized cubes. If you want to take your presentation to the next level, go ahead and carefully hollow out the watermelon—saving the shell for a stunning salad bowl. This approach always earns you a few “oohs” at any gathering!

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the diced watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion. Scatter the fresh blueberries on top. The mixture of colors and shapes is already gorgeous at this point, and you can almost taste those juicy, salty, tangy bites already.

Step 3: Dress & Toss

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad ingredients. Using a soft hand, gently toss everything together so the watermelon doesn’t break down too much. The feta may melt into the melon just a little, adding creaminess and a bit of briny flair to the entire Watermelon Feta Salad.

Step 4: Chill the Salad

Pop the bowl of salad into the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes. This brief chilling time lets the flavors mingle and helps the whole dish become even more refreshing. It’s truly worth the wait—especially on a hot day!

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Right before serving, spoon the Watermelon Feta Salad into your reserved watermelon rind bowl or a large, shallow platter. Top with more fresh mint leaves for a fragrant, eye-catching finish. If you want to get creative, consider adding extra touches like cucumbers for crunch or a splash of lime juice for a zesty upgrade.

How to Serve Watermelon Feta Salad

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh mint leaves really takes Watermelon Feta Salad over the top. If you love a little extra visual flair, add a handful of edible flowers or even a light dusting of cracked black pepper. For an elegant dinner, try threading small salad cubes onto skewers and topping each with a mint leaf.

Side Dishes

This salad shines beautifully as a side for grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or even an herby couscous. The sweet-salty flavor pairs especially well with savory barbecue or anything sizzling hot off the grill. Add fresh bread or pita on the side for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special gathering, arrange your Watermelon Feta Salad in the hollowed watermelon shell for an instant centerpiece. Alternatively, use cookie cutters to shape the melon and feta into stars or hearts—perfect for summer holidays or kids’ parties. For a patriotic twist, scatter blueberries and add diced strawberries to create a festive flag pattern.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Watermelon Feta Salad, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay crisp and tasty for up to two days, though you may notice a bit more liquid as the watermelon releases juices over time. Give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Watermelon Feta Salad, as the watermelon can become watery and lose its delightful texture after thawing. Both the feta and fresh mint also tend to fare poorly in the freezer, so enjoy this salad fresh for the best experience.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating would break down the watermelon and feta, losing that refreshing crunch and creamy bite. If you want a cool dish, just pull it from the fridge a few minutes before serving to take off the chill.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While creamy feta is classic to Watermelon Feta Salad, you can swap in goat cheese for a tangier flavor, or use a vegan feta if you need a dairy-free option. Just make sure your choice is crumbly and brined for that signature contrast.

Do I have to use red onion?

Red onion brings a sharpness that lifts this salad, but if you find it too strong, try soaking the slices in cold water for ten minutes to mellow the bite—or skip them entirely for a milder taste. Thinly sliced shallots or chives also work well.

Will the salad get soggy if I make it ahead?

Over time, watermelon releases water, so the salad can become juicier as it sits. To avoid this, prep all ingredients and store them separately, then combine just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.

What’s the best way to cube watermelon neatly?

Start by slicing off both ends of the watermelon for stability. Then stand it upright and use a sharp knife to cut away the rind. Once peeled, slice into rounds and then into tidy cubes. If presentation matters, take your time—the extra effort is worth it!

Can I add other fruits or veggies?

Definitely! Seedless cucumber, diced strawberries, or even avocado make wonderful additions for extra texture and color. Just make sure new additions are mild enough to let the bright flavors of Watermelon Feta Salad shine through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bold, refreshing, and unforgettable, you can’t go wrong with Watermelon Feta Salad. There’s just something about the contrast of flavors and the vibrant colors that makes every mealtime feel like a summer celebration. Don’t wait for a party—invite this fantastic salad to your table and see just how quickly it disappears!

Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for summer gatherings or as a light, vibrant side dish. The juicy watermelon pairs beautifully with creamy feta cheese, fresh mint, and a hint of tangy red onion, creating a delightful combination that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Watermelon Salad:

3 cups of watermelon (diced into bite-sized pieces)
1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup of fresh blueberries

Garnish:

1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Cut the Watermelon: Begin by cutting the watermelon into bite-sized cubes or consider using the rind as a serving bowl for a creative presentation.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the watermelon, feta cheese, red onion, and blueberries.
Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and gently toss to coat.
Chill: Refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Serve: Present the salad in the watermelon rind or on a platter, garnishing with mint leaves.
Optional Additions: Consider adding cucumbers or lime juice for extra flavor. For a festive look, create an American flag design using blueberries and strawberries.