This colorful watermelon salad is a perfect mix of sweet and salty! Juicy watermelon, creamy feta cheese, and fresh mint create a refreshing treat that’s great for hot days.
Honestly, it feels like summer in a bowl! I love serving this salad at picnics or barbecues. It’s super easy to make, and everyone always wants seconds—who can resist that juicy goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Watermelon: Fresh, ripe watermelon is key for this salad. Look for a heavy, symmetrical melon with a creamy yellow spot, indicating ripeness. If you can’t find watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew can work as substitutes, but they will alter the flavor.
Feta Cheese: I love using crumbled feta for its salty and creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using almond or cashew-based feta, which is becoming more available in stores.
Fresh Mint: Mint adds a refreshing burst. If you don’t have mint, you can use fresh basil for a different, yet pleasant flavor. Just tear it into smaller pieces for best results.
Olive Oil & Lemon Juice: Extra virgin olive oil gives richness, while lemon juice adds brightness. You can use lime juice instead for a slightly different taste.
How Do I Properly Toss the Salad Without Mushing the Watermelon?
The key to a successful watermelon salad is gentle handling. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a large bowl to give ingredients room to move.
- Start by adding the watermelon, then gently sprinkle feta and mint on top.
- When drizzling olive oil and lemon juice, aim for even coverage without too much pouring.
- Using two large spoons, gently lift and fold the ingredients instead of stirring vigorously. This will help keep the watermelon cubes intact.
- Letting it chill for a short time allows flavors to meld, making it even yummier!
Refreshing Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 6 cups watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing watermelon salad will take you about 15 minutes to prepare. Just a quick chopping of fruits and some gentle mixing! After that, let it chill for about 15-20 minutes to blend the flavors together before serving. Total time is about 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Watermelon:
First, grab a large salad bowl and place the bite-sized watermelon cubes into it. Make sure they are evenly distributed to give you a colorful base!
2. Add the Feta:
Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese generously over the watermelon. The combination of textures and flavors is going to be delightful!
3. Sprinkle the Mint:
Now, take your fresh mint leaves and thinly slice them. Scatter the mint evenly across the salad. This adds freshness and a lovely aroma!
4. Add the Dressing:
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice over your salad. The olive oil will bring a nice richness, while the lemon juice gives that pleasant zing!
5. Zest it Up:
Next, add the lemon zest to the mix. This will enhance the flavor and brighten the entire salad!
6. Season It:
Finally, season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. A little salt will enhance all those flavors!
7. Gently Toss:
Now it’s time to combine everything. Toss the salad gently, taking care not to break up the beautiful watermelon cubes. You want everything to be mixed but still look pretty!
8. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and chill it for about 15-20 minutes in the fridge. This will meld the flavors together beautifully. Once ready, serve it cold and enjoy every bite of this crisp, sweet, and tangy salad!
FAQ for Refreshing Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the amount of salt, as feta tends to be saltier than other cheeses!
How Do I Choose a Ripe Watermelon?
Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot on its underside, which indicates ripeness. A hollow sound when you tap it can also signal it’s good to go!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Just mix the watermelon, feta, and mint and store it covered in the fridge. For best results, add the dressing and seasonings right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days as watermelon can become mushy over time, but it will still taste delicious!
