Watermelon Feta Salad

Updated. Originally 9th July 2021

This refreshing, delicious watermelon feta salad recipe is meant for hot summer days. Loaded with juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber and creamy tangy feta with a lemony mint dressing - it’s the perfect mix of savory & sweet. We love watermelon salads - they are light and healthy, while still being satisfying. With a few simple chops and a quick toss, watermelon salads are quick and easy to make. Thanks to their vibrant colors and deliciously fresh flavors, they look and taste just like summer. Great for all your summer events or hosting: BBQ, potlucks and picnics!

There is nothing like slicing through a good watermelon - you know what I mean. Perfectly crisp, bright red, and oh so sweet with no mealy spongy parts. As soon as I spot a good one I know that part of it will go into this salad and the other part/half enjoyed as is. Summer fruits are the best In my opinion and I always look forward to enjoying them as they are but also in salads, pies, galettes and savory meals as well. I can’t resist a good sweet & savory combination, and this watermelon salad with feta, mint, cucumber and a simple tangy lemony dressing is exactly that. Before we get into the ingredients and the how to - I do have to say there is nothing Greek about this salad apart from the feta and Kalamata olives - well at least I never grew up eating watermelon like this. My mom always serves it sliced on a platter and feta on the side - no dressing no nothing - just as it is and not as a salad but more of a snack. That being said - this is a great salad version and is quite addictive.

Watermelon Salad Recipe Ingredients:

If you haven’t tried watermelon with a savoury spin like this, I definitely recommend it! It’s so fresh and juicy and perfectly paired with the rest of the savoury, briny and tangy, components in this salad. Here’s is what you will need:

• SHALLOT: or red onion for mild bit of flavor and crispy texture
• CUCUMBER: for a cool, crisp addition
• FETA CHEESE: for a creamy, tangy component. Adds contrasting creaminess and saltiness to the sweet, juicy watermelon. Feta Cheese + Watermelon + match made in heaven I think.
• FRESH HERBS: Mint & or fresh basil, for fresh herbal notes
• LEMON JUICE: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives this watermelon salad some zip and life. Of course lime juice would work really well too.
• OLIVE OIL: We use extra virgin olive oil for the simple dressing.
• WATERMELON: the star ingredient. Succulent and sweet, hydrating, low on calories, and contains ample amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. We like to use seedless in this salad. If you would like to substitute some of the watermelon with other varieties of melon you can. Some tips for picking good watermelon: pick a firm, round-to-oval watermelon that feels unusually heavy for its size. Look for a dark & dull or matte rind (not shiny) and a large, deep-yellow or orange “field spot” underneath. When in doubt grab some of the pre- cut halves or quarters so you know exactly what you are getting.
  
  

How to Make Watermelon Salad:

1. Simply CHOP up all your veggies and fruit and place in a bowl.
2. WHISK together your dressing/vinaigrette ingredients
3. Drizzle dressing over salad and then gently toss to COMBINE.
   
   

Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe Variations

This watermelon feta salad is a great one to play with. It’s so versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to change it up:

• Want a spicy kick to it? Slice up a chili and add it to the dressing for a little heat/ spice or add some chili flakes or I also love to sprinkle over some Tajin
• Add a little crunch with a handful of toasted walnuts, cashews, almonds or pine nuts.
• Make this salad a full meal by serving it on a bed of arugula, baby kale or baby spinach with some quinoa or wild rice mixed in.
• Add protein - sliced or chopped grilled chicken or shrimp or white beans and chickpeas.
• Try adding chopped avocado for a creamy component
• Try adding extra fruit to it like chopped kiwi or segmented citrus slices (orange or grapefruit)
• Or change up the fruit and substitute berries, cherries or sliced stone fruit for the watermelon.
• You can use any dressing you like for this salad. A balsamic dressing goes well and so does this super simple one with the lemon or lime juice
  
  

Watermelon Salad Storage & Make Ahead

• MAKE AHEAD: Watermelon salad can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance. Add the feta just before serving. It is best enjoyed the day it’s made though. If you would like to prepare anything ahead of time you could make the dressing and store in the fridge days in advance, or slice or chop your watermelon. Store cut or sliced watermelon, in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
• STORAGE: This watermelon feta salad is best enjoyed within a few hours after it is fully dressed and assembled. But leftover dressed watermelon salad can be stored in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The watermelon release significant liquid as it sits especially after it is dressed. Gently stir and use a slotted spoon to serve so the excess dressing/juice is left behind.
  
  

It’s that simple. Enjoy as a full meal or as a side to all your grilled food this summer! If you like this salad you will also loves these ones:

More Cooling Simple Fresh Summer Salads You Will Love:

• Greek Cucumber Salad
• Marinated Tomato Salad (Italian Tomato Salad)
• Watermelon Feta Salad
• Cucumber Chickpea Salad
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Peach and Tomato Salad
• Chickpea Avocado Salad
• Classic Greek Lettuce Salad (Maroulosalata)
• Classic Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki)