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Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad

This vibrant and refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad combines sweet watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint with a light olive oil and lime dressing. It's a quick, easy, and satisfying dish perfect for hot summer days, serving as a light lunch, side, or appetizer that transforms a hot day into a culinary delight.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Seedless Watermelon, 8 cups, cubed
  • Feta Cheese, 8 ounces, crumbled
  • Fresh Mint Leaves, 1/2 cup, chopped
  • Red Onion, 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 tablespoons
  • Lime Juice, 2 tablespoons
  • Salt, 1/2 teaspoo
  • Black Pepper, 1/4 teaspoo
  • Balsamic Glaze (optional), 1-2 tablespoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Watermelon: First, carefully cut your seedless watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces roughly 1-inch in size, ensuring they are easy to fork and hold their shape. Place the cubed watermelon into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the Feta and Mint: Next, crumble the feta cheese directly over the watermelon cubes. Then, chop your fresh mint leaves and scatter them generously into the bowl.
  3. Slice the Red Onion (Optional): If you are using red onion, thinly slice it. You can use a mandoline for super thin slices, or simply use a sharp knife. Add the onion slices to the bowl with the watermelon, feta, and mint.
  4. Whisk the Dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the salt dissolves.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the watermelon mixture in the large bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together. Use a large spoon or your hands to ensure the dressing evenly coats everything without crushing the watermelon.
  6. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Watermelon Feta Salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making it even more refreshing.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Just before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an added layer of sweetness and tang. Garnish with a few extra mint leaves for a beautiful presentation. Present your finished Watermelon Feta Salad to eager diners!

Notes

Pro Tips:
- Choose a ripe watermelon: It should feel heavy for its size and have a dull, creamy yellow spot on one side. A hollow sound when knocked indicates ripeness.
- Use fresh, high-quality feta cheese: Opt for a block of feta in brine and crumble it yourself for superior flavor and texture.
- Don't over-dress the salad: Use a light hand with olive oil and lime juice to enhance, not overpower, the watermelon's natural sweetness.
- Chill the salad: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to an hour) to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
- Add dressing and feta just before serving: This prevents the watermelon from becoming watery and keeps the feta from getting soft.
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh on the day it's made.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Be aware that the watermelon will release more juice, and the feta may soften.
- To minimize wateriness in leftovers, store the dressing separately from the watermelon and feta and combine just before serving.
- Reheating is not recommended as it will alter the refreshing texture and flavors. Serve cool or slightly below room temperature.