Welcome to the vibrant world of Watermelon Feta Salad—a refreshing symphony of flavors and textures. This delightful salad combines the sweet, juicy essence of watermelon with the tangy and creamy notes of feta cheese, creating an irresistible dish perfect for summer gatherings. The simplicity of this recipe ensures that anyone can whip it up quickly, making it an ideal choice for both casual meals and elegant parties.

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Ingredients

The magic of this Watermelon Feta Salad lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the overall flavor profile. The thinly sliced red onion adds a mild yet sharp contrast to the sweet watermelon, while the crumbled feta provides a salty and creamy counterpoint. Freshly chopped mint infuses the salad with a burst of freshness, complementing the crisp cucumber perfectly. The extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar create a simple yet flavorful dressing, enhanced by a touch of kosher salt. Optional flaky sea salt can be added for an extra layer of texture and taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Dressing

Begin by preparing the dressing that will elevate your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. This blend of oil and vinegar, with a hint of salt, forms a classic vinaigrette that ties all the salad elements together seamlessly.

Step 2: Mixing the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of cubed seedless watermelon, 1 cup of chopped cucumber, 1 cup of crumbled feta, 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped mint, and 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure that each piece is evenly coated with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The key is to mix delicately to maintain the integrity of the watermelon and feta.

Step 3: Final Touches

For the finishing touch, garnish your salad with additional chopped mint and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, if desired. This final flourish not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra burst of flavor. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the crisp, fresh textures and vibrant tastes at their peak.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Selecting the Best Watermelon: Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a deep, uniform color. Look for a creamy yellow spot on its underside, indicating ripeness.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance: To save time, you can slice the red onion and chop the cucumber and mint ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated in separate containers until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
Substituting Ingredients: If feta isn’t your favorite, try using goat cheese for a similarly tangy but slightly milder flavor. You can also swap mint with basil for a different herbal note.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair this Watermelon Feta Salad with grilled chicken or fish for a light and refreshing meal. It also complements Mediterranean dishes like hummus and pita bread, or a chilled glass of white wine. For a summer-themed menu, consider serving it alongside other fresh salads and a variety of cold beverages.

Detailed Instructions on Proper Storage Methods

Store any leftover Watermelon Feta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within a day to maintain its fresh and crisp quality.

Tips on Preparing the Salad in Advance

If you plan to make this salad ahead of time, combine the watermelon, cucumber, mint, and red onion but wait to add the feta and dressing until just before serving. This will prevent the salad from becoming too soggy.

Alternative Cheese Options

For a different taste experience, try using blue cheese or a mild ricotta salata. Each alternative brings its own unique flavor and texture to the salad.

Scaling Tips for Serving More People

To serve a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredient quantities while keeping the proportions consistent. This ensures that the balance of flavors remains intact, making it easy to enjoy this delightful salad at gatherings of any size.

Ingredients

1/2 c. thinly sliced red onion
1 c. crumbled feta (about 6 oz.)
1/2 c. coarsely chopped mint, plus more for garnish
1 c. chopped cucumber
3 c. cubed seedless watermelon
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
Kosher salt
Flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, feta, mint, and red onion. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is well-coated.

For a final touch, sprinkle more mint on top and, if desired, add a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.