Watermelon Salad with Feta

There's something about a juicy cubed watermelon that just screams summer, and it's perfect for making a watermelon salad. The refreshing sweetness of sweet ripe watermelon, combined with crisp cucumber, crumbly slices of feta, and a drizzle of honey lime dressing, has me drooling.

I first stumbled upon this recipe on a particularly hot summer day when all I wanted was something light and easy to make. In the fridge sat some freshly sliced chilled watermelon, and I was craving something a bit different.

So, I tossed it with a few ingredients I had on hand—cucumber, mango, and feta—and after a little tweaking, the result was magical. The homemade lime juice dressing added a tangy sweetness that was just perfect with the creamy feta and fresh herbs.

According to experts at Bon Appétit and other culinary sites, watermelon and feta are a classic pairing, and for good reason. The refreshing combination of sweet watermelon and salty feta works beautifully, creating a dish that's both refreshing and satisfying.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

If you've never tried a watermelon feta salad, you're in for a treat:

• So refreshing: The sweetness of the juicy watermelon paired with the cooling cucumber makes this the perfect side salad for hot weather.
• Simple and quick: It's an easy-to-make salad that comes together in no time with minimal prep.
• Versatile: This salad is great as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a refreshing snack.
• Healthy and light: Packed with fresh herbs and freshly sliced chilled watermelon, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE WATERMELON SALAD RECIPE

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• A pinch of salt

For the Salad:

• 5 cups cubed watermelon
• 2 cups diced mango
• 1 cup diced English cucumber
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ⅓ cup torn fresh mint leaves

HOW TO MAKE WATERMELON SALAD

In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt until the dressing is fully combined.

Next, arrange the watermelon and cucumber on a large serving platter. I like to make sure there's a good amount of watermelon in each bite, so don't skimp on the juicy cubes

Drizzle about half of the dressing over the fruit and gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Top the salad with the diced mango, crumbled feta cheese, and torn mint leaves.

Drizzle the remaining dressing over the salad and give it another gentle toss to make sure everything is coated with that delicious dressing.

Finally, season to taste, and serve immediately. It's that easy!

EXPERT TIPS FROM MY EXPERIENCE

I've made this salad so many times that it's become second nature to me. Here are some tips I've picked up along the way:

• Use ripe seedless watermelons: The sweet ripe watermelon is the star of the show, so make sure it's perfectly ripe for the best flavor.
• Cube the watermelon large enough: You want each piece to have enough substance so it doesn't get lost in the dressing and other ingredients.
• Chill the watermelon first: I recommend refrigerating the watermelon before serving to make the salad extra refreshing.
• Don't skip the mint: Freshmint leaves are a must. Their aroma complements the sweetness of the watermelon and the saltiness of the feta.
• Adjust the dressing to taste: If you like a sweeter dressing, feel free to add a bit more honey. Likewise, if you prefer a tangier salad, add a little more lime juice.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THE WATERMELON FETA MINT SALAD

This salad is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Grilled meats: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a light and balanced meal.
• Tacos: The refreshing flavor of the watermelon salad is a great complement to the bold flavors of tacos, especially fish tacos.
• Quinoa or couscous: For a more filling meal, serve it alongside a grain like quinoa or couscous.
• Cheese platter: Since this salad already has crumbled feta cheese, why not serve it with a cheese board featuring other soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta?

HOW TO STORE WATERMELON FETA SALAD

If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it can happen), here's how to store them:

• Refrigeration: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The salad is best eaten fresh, but it will hold up for a little while.
• Freezing: Freezing isn't recommended due to the texture of the watermelon after it's frozen and thawed.
• Reheating: If you like to eat your salads at room temperature, let them sit out for a bit before serving. Don't microwave—serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.

VARIATIONS OF WATERMELON SALAD WITH FETA

This simple summer salad is so versatile, and you can mix it up with different ingredients. Here are a few variations:

• Add avocado: For a creamy element, toss in some cubed avocado.
• Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and some extra flavor.
• Swap the mango: If you're not a fan of mango, try peach or nectarine for a slightly different fruit flavor.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar: A little balsamic glaze can add some sweetness and acidity to balance out the flavors.

FAQs

MORE SALAD RECIPES TO TRY THIS SUMMER

• Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
• Easy Greek Salad
• Mango Avocado Salad
• Mexican Chicken Salad
• Roast Pumpkin and Chickpea Salad

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear how you enjoyed it! Pop a comment and a star rating below! 

You can also follow me on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to keep up to date with more delicious recipes.