Pin it
On hot summer days, nothing beats a juicy watermelon feta salad that brings together sweet melon and salty cheese in one refreshing dish you can whip up in minutes. The vivid colors and taste contrasts make this salad stand out at any summer party, and it's become my favorite thing to make when the weather gets hot.
I stumbled upon this combo during an awful summer heat spell when I couldn't bear turning on my stove. What started as just trying to cool down has turned into the dish everyone asks me to bring to summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- Seedless watermelon: Pick one that's extra sweet and juicy, and sounds empty when you knock on it
- Feta cheese: Go for the kind in brine blocks instead of pre-crumbled stuff for way better taste
- Red onion: Gives a nice sharp bite against the melon's sweetness, cut it super thin
- Fresh mint leaves: They add that cool, refreshing touch that pulls everything together
- Lime juice: Always use fresh squeezed for the best zingy flavor
- Olive oil: Don't skimp here - grab a nice one as you'll really taste it
- Sea salt: Just a tiny bit brings out all the other flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the watermelon:
- Slice your watermelon into even 1-inch chunks for perfect bites. Make sure it's cold from the fridge before cutting – that temperature difference between cool melon and tangy feta really makes this dish special. Pick out any stray seeds you spot while cutting.
- Slice the onion:
- Cut the red onion into super-thin slices. If you find the onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for about 5 minutes, then dry them off. This takes away some bite but keeps them nice and crunchy.
- Assemble the salad:
- Mix the watermelon pieces and onion slices in a big bowl, being careful not to mush the melon. Break the feta into chunks over the top, keeping some bigger pieces to make it look nice.
- Add the dressing:
- Pour fresh lime juice and olive oil all over the salad. The lime's tanginess balances the watermelon's sweetness, and the oil adds a richness that brings everything together.
- Finish with herbs and salt:
- Rip up the mint leaves right before adding them to release their smell. Sprinkle them on top with just a tiny bit of sea salt. The mint gives a cool contrast to the sweet melon and salty feta.
Pin it
The first time I brought this to a family party, my uncle who always said he hated watermelon and feta came back for extra helpings. That's when I knew how amazing simple, good ingredients can be when they're matched up right.
Make Ahead Tips
This salad tastes best when you put it together right before eating, but you can get everything ready ahead of time. Cut up the watermelon and keep it in a sealed container in your fridge. Slice the onion and let it sit in cold water in the fridge to soften its taste. When you're ready to eat, just drain the onion, throw everything together, and add the dressing.
Variations To Try
You can play around with this salad while keeping its cool, refreshing vibe. Try throwing in some cucumber for extra crunch, arugula for a peppery flavor, or black olives for more saltiness. Want some heat? Add a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes. If you like things tangier, swap the feta for some creamy goat cheese instead.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this bright salad by itself for a light lunch or next to grilled chicken, fish, or lamb. It goes great with Mediterranean foods and tastes amazing alongside any simple grilled protein. For a fancy touch, serve it in scooped-out watermelon halves or in little mason jars if you're having a picnic.
Pin it
Give this simple but fancy summer dish a try to brighten up your meals!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I get it ready earlier?
It tastes better fresh, but prepping ahead helps. Dice the watermelon and slice the onions earlier—just mix and dress before eating.
- → What’s a good feta substitute?
Goat cheese or plant-based vegan feta works great if you’re looking for a similar, tangy flavor profile.
- → Can I toss extra toppings in?
Of course! You can mix in cucumber, arugula, or even some crunchy nuts like pistachios or almonds for variety.
- → How can I make it a meal?
Bulk it up by adding a scoop of quinoa, some grilled chicken, or a handful of chickpeas for an easy protein boost.
- → What’s the way to pick a good watermelon?
Look for one that feels heavy for its size with a yellow spot on the rind. When you tap it, a hollow sound means it’s ripe.