I absolutely love this watermelon and feta salad because it’s the perfect blend of sweet, juicy watermelon and creamy, tangy feta that just screams summer in every bite. Plus, the addition of fresh mint and a zesty lime dressing makes it as refreshing as it is Instagram-worthy! 🌿🍉✨
I adore whipping up revitalizing recipes, and my Watermelon Summer Salad is a prime exemplar. The dish centers around the super-simple combination of juicy watermelon, cool cucumber, and crumbly feta, with fresh mint and red onion providing the necessary flavor accents to keep things interesting.
A drizzle of olive oil and some fresh lime juice round out the dish and serve to elevate it from simply delicious to downright irresistible.
Ingredients
- Watermelon: Hydrating and refreshing, rich in vitamins A and C, natural sweetness.
- Cucumber: Low in calories, hydrating, provides vitamins K and C, crisp texture.
- Feta Cheese: Rich in protein, calcium, and healthy fats, adds a savory touch.
- Mint Leaves: Fresh aroma, aids digestion, contains antioxidants and vitamins.
- Red Onion: Sharp flavor, antioxidant-rich, contains vitamin C and dietary fiber.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a big bowl, mix together the watermelon cut into cubes and the cucumber cut into slices.
2. In a bowl containing watermelon and cucumber, add crumbled feta cheese.
3. Fold in the freshly minced mint leaves.
4. Cut the red onion into very thin slices and then add the slices to the salad mixture.
5. In a tiny bowl, whisk the olive oil and the lime juice together until they are well mixed.
6. Pour the dressing of olive oil and lime juice over the salad.
7. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
8. Taste the salad for salt and pepper.
9. Allow the flavors to meld by chilling the salad in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes.
10. Present the salad in a cool state. If you wish, you may add some extra mint leaves to the garnish for this dish.
Equipment Needed
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Salad tongs or large spoon for tossing
9. Refrigerator (for chilling)
10. Serving bowl or platter
FAQ
- Q: Can I prepare this salad in advance?A: The parts can be made a few hours ahead of time, but you should put them together just before serving to keep everything fresh.
- Q: What type of watermelon should I use?Use any ripe watermelon, but for convenience, use a seedless watermelon.
- Q: Can I substitute the feta cheese?A: Yes, goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative can be used if preferred.
- Q: Is there an alternative to lime juice?A: One option is to use lemon juice. It will give you a flavor that is slightly different but still citrusy.
- Q: Can I add other fruits or vegetables?A: Of course, this salad would be excellent with strawberries or avocados. They make such pretty additions.
- Q: How should I store leftovers?To keep uneaten food fresh, place it in an airtight container and stow it in the main section of your refrigerator. It will be good there for two days and maybe longer, but I wouldn’t count on it.
- Q: Is it necessary to peel the cucumber?A: Peeling is optional; keep the skin on for added texture and nutrients, if you like.
Substitutions and Variations
Substitute watermelon with cantaloupe or honeydew melon for a different flavor.
Zucchini or jicama slices can provide a similar crunchy texture.
Feta cheese: For a creamy texture, try goat cheese or ricotta salata.
New mint leaves: Replace with new basil or cilantro for a different herbal sensory note.
Shallots or green onions can be used as substitutes when a milder onion flavor is desired in a recipe that calls for red onion.
Pro Tips
1. Use Seedless Watermelon: Opt for seedless watermelon to save time and enhance the eating experience without the hassle of removing seeds.
2. Chill Before Assembling: Refrigerate the watermelon, cucumber, and feta cheese before assembling the salad. This ensures the salad is refreshingly cold and helps retain its crispness.
3. Cut Uniform Pieces: Aim for uniformly sliced watermelon and cucumber to ensure even flavor distribution and a pleasing presentation.
4. Marinate Red Onion: Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will mellow the onion’s sharpness and enhance its sweetness.
5. Adjust Dressing to Taste: You can add a bit of honey to the lime-olive oil dressing if you prefer a touch of sweetness. Alternatively, adjust the lime juice and olive oil ratio according to your taste preference.
Watermelon Summer Salad Recipe
My favorite Watermelon Summer Salad Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Small mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Cutting board
5. Chef’s knife
6. Measuring cups
7. Measuring spoons
8. Salad tongs or large spoon for tossing
9. Refrigerator (for chilling)
10. Serving bowl or platter
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a big bowl, mix together the watermelon cut into cubes and the cucumber cut into slices.
2. In a bowl containing watermelon and cucumber, add crumbled feta cheese.
3. Fold in the freshly minced mint leaves.
4. Cut the red onion into very thin slices and then add the slices to the salad mixture.
5. In a tiny bowl, whisk the olive oil and the lime juice together until they are well mixed.
6. Pour the dressing of olive oil and lime juice over the salad.
7. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
8. Taste the salad for salt and pepper.
9. Allow the flavors to meld by chilling the salad in the fridge for a minimum of 30 minutes.
10. Present the salad in a cool state. If you wish, you may add some extra mint leaves to the garnish for this dish.
