Refreshing Summer Watermelon Feta Salad

$- 4 cups of juicy watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes - 1 cup of creamy feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces - 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped - 1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced for a mild bite - 2 tablespoons of rich balsamic glaze for sweetness - 2 tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for depth - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Alternatives for Watermelon You can swap watermelon with cantaloupe or honeydew for a fresh twist. Options for Feta Cheese If you prefer a different flavor, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both add unique taste. Other Herbs and Dressings Instead of mint, use basil or parsley. A lemon vinaigrette can also brighten the salad. Calories per Serving This salad has around 150 calories per serving, making it a light choice. Macronutrients Breakdown - Protein: 5g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fat: 9g Health Benefits of Ingredients Watermelon hydrates, feta adds protein, and mint aids digestion. Together, they create a balanced dish. {{ingredient_image_2}} Cutting Watermelon Start by cutting the watermelon. Use a sharp knife to slice the fruit. Cut the watermelon in half, then make long slices. Next, chop these into bite-sized cubes. Aim for about 4 cups of cubes to fill your bowl. Crumbling Feta Cheese Now, grab your feta cheese. Take 1 cup of it and crumble it into small pieces. Use your fingers or a fork for this. Try to break it into even, small chunks for a nice texture in the salad. Chopping Mint Leaves Next, take 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves. Wash them well to remove any dirt. Stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice them thinly. This will give you finely chopped mint, adding a fresh taste to your salad. Combining Ingredients in a Bowl In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon, crumbled feta, chopped mint, and 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Be gentle when mixing. You want to keep the watermelon cubes intact while mixing all the flavors. Preparing the Dressing In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Mix until the two ingredients blend well. This dressing will add a rich, sweet flavor to your salad. How to Gently Toss the Salad Now, drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together. Be careful not to break apart the watermelon cubes. You want every piece to get coated in that tasty dressing. Adjusting Seasoning to Taste Finally, season your salad with a pinch of sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt or pepper if you like. Serve immediately for the best flavor, or chill it for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy your tasty summer salad! - Maintaining Watermelon Texture Keep the watermelon cubes large. This helps them stay firm. Avoid over-mixing. Gentle hands keep the cubes intact. - Mixing Without Breaking Ingredients Use a large spoon or spatula. Carefully fold the ingredients together. This keeps everything whole and beautiful. - Adding Extra Ingredients for Flavor Consider adding cucumber for crunch. A sprinkle of chili flakes adds heat too. You can also try olives for a briny touch. - Adjusting Dressing Proportions Taste the dressing before adding. If you want it sweeter, add more balsamic glaze. For a stronger flavor, increase the olive oil. - Presentation Ideas Serve in a flat bowl. This shows off the bright colors. Garnish with mint leaves and drizzle balsamic glaze on top. - Pairing with Other Dishes Serve with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with crusty bread. This salad can brighten up any meal. Pro Tips Use Seedless Watermelon: Choosing a seedless watermelon will enhance the texture of your salad and make for a more enjoyable eating experience. Chill Ingredients: For an extra refreshing salad, chill the watermelon and feta cheese before mixing. This allows all the flavors to shine in a cool, crisp dish. Fresh Mint Matters: Always use fresh mint instead of dried for a vibrant flavor profile. Fresh herbs elevate the dish significantly. Adjust to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning, especially the salt and pepper. Taste as you go to ensure the perfect balance for your palate. {{image_4}} You can make this salad even more fun by adding seasonal fruits. Try diced strawberries or peaches in summer. They add a sweet touch that pairs well with watermelon. You can also use berries for a burst of color and taste. Exploring diverse cheeses can elevate your dish. If you want a different flavor, use goat cheese. It gives a tangy kick that works great with the sweet watermelon. You could also try blue cheese for a bold twist. For a vegan option, swap out the feta cheese. Use a plant-based feta instead. You can also try avocado for creaminess. This keeps your salad rich without dairy. If you need a gluten-free adaptation, you are in luck. All the ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy it without worry! Want some spice? Add diced jalapeños for a fiery kick. They bring heat that contrasts nicely with the cool watermelon. Just be careful with the amount; a little goes a long way. For a zesty twist, enhance your salad with lime juice. This brightens the flavors and adds a fresh kick. A sprinkle of lime zest can also make it pop! To keep your watermelon feta salad fresh, store it properly. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact and prevents drying out. Choose containers that are just the right size for your salad. Too much space can let air in, which might spoil the taste. In the fridge, the salad lasts about 2 to 3 days. After that, the quality may drop. Look for signs of spoilage. If the watermelon starts to look mushy or the feta smells off, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your nose and eyes when checking freshness. You can transform leftover salad into new meals. Mix it into a wrap with grilled chicken or fish. This adds protein and flavor. You can also blend it into a smoothie for a refreshing drink. Add yogurt to create a creamy dip. Adding your leftovers to new dishes can be fun and tasty! Yes, you can use other cheeses. Goat cheese is a great choice. It adds a tangy flavor. Mozzarella also works well for a milder taste. Both options blend nicely with watermelon. You can prep this salad in advance. Cut the watermelon and onion early. Store them in separate containers. Combine them with feta and mint just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy. This salad pairs well with grilled chicken. It also goes great with fish tacos. For a light meal, serve it with crusty bread. The salad's flavors enhance many summer dishes. This blog post covered a delicious watermelon salad made from simple, fresh ingredients. We looked at the main components like watermelon, feta, and mint. I shared how to prepare and mix the salad, along with tips for flavor and presentation. We discussed variations to fit your taste and storage methods to keep it fresh. Cooking should be fun and easy. Enjoy exploring different ingredients and creating your own version of this salad! It’s a great dish for any meal.$

Refreshing Summer Watermelon Feta Salad

A light and refreshing salad featuring juicy watermelon, creamy feta, and fresh mint, perfect for summer.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups juicy watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 cup creamy feta cheese, crumbled into small pieces
1 4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
1 4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons rich balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
to taste sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh mint leaves, and the thinly sliced red onion.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil until well blended and emulsified.
Drizzle the homemade dressing evenly over the watermelon and feta mixture.
Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss the salad together to ensure each piece is coated with the dressing.
Season the salad with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Serve immediately or let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes for a chilled option.

Notes

Serve in a large, shallow bowl and garnish with additional mint leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Keyword feta, refreshing, salad, summer, watermelon