Description
The Watermelon and Feta Summer Salad is a simple, vibrant dish that pairs the natural sweetness of watermelon with the tangy, creamy saltiness of feta cheese. It typically contains fresh ingredients like cucumbers, red onions, mint leaves, and a light olive oil dressing to bring everything together. It’s the perfect combination of flavors: sweet, salty, and refreshing, ideal for those hot summer months.
Ingredients
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4 cups of watermelon, cubed
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1 cup of cucumber, sliced or cubed
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1/2 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
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1/4 cup of red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
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2 tablespoons of olive oil
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1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional, but recommended for a slight tanginess)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
The first step is to prepare all of your ingredients. Start by cutting your watermelon into cubes, removing the rind. Then, slice the cucumber into either rounds or small cubes, depending on your preference. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh mint leaves into fine pieces. These ingredients will form the base of the salad, giving you that perfect blend of fresh flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed watermelon, cucumber, sliced red onion, and chopped mint leaves. Stir them together gently to combine, making sure the watermelon remains intact and doesn’t become mushy.
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese. This ingredient is essential for providing that rich, salty contrast to the sweet watermelon. Be careful not to break the watermelon cubes too much as you mix. The feta should be scattered throughout the salad.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), salt, and pepper. This dressing is light but flavorful, enhancing the salad without overpowering the fresh ingredients. You can also adjust the amount of olive oil or balsamic vinegar to your personal taste.
Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon, feta, cucumber, onion, and mint mixture. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Be cautious when tossing, as you don’t want to break up the watermelon too much.
Serve immediately or, if you prefer a cooler salad, place it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving. This extra chill time will allow the flavors to meld and give you an even more refreshing experience.
Notes
For the best flavor, use chilled watermelon and serve immediately after assembling. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a handful of arugula for an extra twist. Perfect for summer picnics or light lunches!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Watermelon and Feta Summer Salad