Nothing says summer quite like a big bowl of Watermelon Salad with Feta. This spectacular salad, with its dazzling mix of sweet melon, salty cheese, fresh herbs, and zippy lime, is what I crave on the hottest days. It’s incredibly simple to make and every bite tastes like pure sunshine.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Refreshment: Every mouthful is a cooling burst of juicy watermelon and fresh mint, just what you need on a hot day.
- Sweet & Savory Magic: The combination of naturally sweet melon, salty feta, tart lime, and optional pickled onions hits every possible flavor note.
- Ready in Minutes: With just a handful of ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a vibrant, crowd-pleasing salad in no time.
- Completely Customizable: Whether you want to keep it classic or dress it up with extra fruits or veggies, this Watermelon Salad with Feta easily adapts to your mood—and your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Watermelon Salad with Feta is there for a reason, and together they weave an irresistible mix of flavors, textures, and vibrant colors. Here’s what you’ll need, and a few tips to make each one shine.
- Fresh cubed watermelon: Opt for seedless, super-ripe watermelon with deep red flesh—juicy and sweet is the goal here!
- Chiffonade mint: Fresh mint offers a cooling, herbal lift that sings alongside the fruit and cheese; cut it in thin ribbons to spread the flavor evenly.
- Crumbled feta: Tangy, creamy feta adds the perfect salty bite. Use a block and crumble it yourself, or try a dairy-free version if you prefer vegan.
- Lime zest & lime juice: Zesting adds intense lime aroma, while freshly squeezed lime juice brings brightness and balances the sweetness of the melon.
- Maple syrup: Just a touch boosts the natural sweetness and bridges all the flavors together.
- Olive oil: A drizzle helps meld the dressing, adding silkiness and body.
- Quick pickled red onions (optional): These springy, tangy onions lend zip and dramatic color—make them yourself or use store-bought.
- White vinegar, water, salt (for onions): The base for quick pickled onions; the maple syrup here mellows the sharpness for a mild, gentle tang.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Watermelon Salad with Feta is how endlessly customizable it is. You can tweak it to match your mood, dietary needs, or what you have on hand—and every version is equally delicious!
- Basil instead of mint: Try swapping in fresh basil or even adding both herbs for a summery, Mediterranean vibe.
- Berry boost: Toss in strawberries or blueberries to layer in even more juicy color and sweet-tart flavor.
- Veggie forward: Mix in crisp cucumber, peppery arugula, cherry tomatoes, or creamy avocado for extra crunch, green, and nutrition.
- Tajin sprinkle: For a little zing and heat, dust the salad with tajin seasoning—trust me, this takes it to another level!
How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta
Step 1: Quick Pickle the Onions (Optional)
If you want that punchy tang, start by slicing half a red onion as thinly as you can. Combine the slices in a jar with water, white vinegar, a little maple syrup, and salt. Give everything a shake or a stir and pop it in the fridge while you prep the rest. These pickled onions get pinker, milder, and more flavorful the longer they sit!
Step 2: Whisk the Simple Dressing
Zest one of your limes and juice both. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime zest and juice, maple syrup, and olive oil. This little combo packs a punch, and takes just seconds to prepare—fresh is best here, so squeeze away!
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
Place your watermelon cubes in a large bowl, then gently drizzle with the dressing and scatter in the mint. Use a soft spatula to combine everything, working carefully so you keep those beautiful cubes intact and evenly coated.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Top the salad with crumbled feta and as many pickled onion slices as you like. Give it one more gentle toss, then dive right in—or let it chill a bit longer to become even colder and more refreshing. Just make sure to stir again before serving if the salad sits awhile, so the dressing is evenly distributed.
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad with Feta
- Watermelon Picking Secrets: Look for a melon with a large, creamy-yellow field spot, brown webbing, and that feels heavy—these are all signs it’s ripe, extra-juicy, and full of flavor.
- Mint Chiffonade Made Easy: Stack several leaves, roll them tightly, then slice thinly with a sharp knife—this way every bite gets fresh mint without any big, overpowering leaves.
- Gentle Mixing Matters: Mix the salad with soft hands or a large spatula to avoid smashing the watermelon, keeping your presentation as gorgeous as your flavors.
- Serve Cold, Serve Fast: Watermelon Salad with Feta is best when icy-cold and just tossed—if you’re prepping in advance, keep the dressing separate until just before serving for maximum crunch.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta
Garnishes
Dazzle your guests (and your Instagram feed) with a bit of extra mint on top, a few extra crumbles of feta, or a final shower of finely grated lime zest. If you used pickled onions, scatter a few on top for a pretty pop of color and acidity—the finishing touch to make this Watermelon Salad with Feta irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad plays beautifully alongside grilled shrimp skewers, spicy BBQ chicken, or herby roasted potatoes. I even love it next to a crusty loaf of bread and a glass of chilled rosé for a super simple midsummer meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Watermelon Salad with Feta in chilled glass bowls for a refreshing starter, or pile it high on a large white platter for a showstopping centerpiece. You can even layer it in mason jars for easy, portable picnic servings—so fun and totally mess-free!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers—a rarity in my house!—store your Watermelon Salad with Feta in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed the day you make it, but will last up to 2 days. Before serving again, give it a gentle stir to recoat everything with the dressing, as the watermelon will release a bit of its lovely juices.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this salad as the texture of both the watermelon and feta drastically changes after thawing—everything gets mushy, and you lose the signature bite. This one truly shines fresh!
Reheating
No reheating needed! Watermelon Salad with Feta is meant to be enjoyed perfectly chilled. If needed, simply pop leftovers in the fridge for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make Watermelon Salad with Feta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep most of the components ahead—cut the watermelon, make the pickled onions, and whisk the dressing. For the freshest salad, wait to assemble and add the feta and mint until just before serving, so everything stays crisp and vibrant.
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Is there a vegan option for the feta?
Absolutely! Many brands offer delicious dairy-free feta alternatives (like Violife or Follow Your Heart). They crumble just as well as traditional feta and deliver the same salty goodness, making your salad both plant-based and fabulous.
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What else can I add to make this salad heartier?
Try tossing in chickpeas, avocado chunks, arugula, or even grilled shrimp if you want to transform Watermelon Salad with Feta into a main dish. Adding cooked grains like quinoa is another great option for extra staying power.
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Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
Technically yes, but the fresh citrus zest and juice make such a difference here—bottled can taste a bit flat and less aromatic. For the brightest, zingiest dressing, fresh lime is best!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that captures all the joy of sunny afternoons, you can’t go wrong with Watermelon Salad with Feta. I hope you give this bright, beautiful salad a place at your next table—you’ll be amazed how fast it disappears and how happy everyone is to see it return again and again. Enjoy every cool, juicy bite!
Print
Watermelon Salad with Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Watermelon Salad with Feta is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings. Sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and zesty lime come together to create a burst of flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Watermelon Salad:
- 5 cups fresh cubed watermelon (~1 inch cubes)
- 1/4 cup chiffonade mint
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta
Simple Dressing:
- 1 tsp fresh lime zest
- 2 fresh limes, juiced
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Quick Pickled Onions (optional):
- 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp regular table salt
Instructions
- Prepare Pickled Onions: Thinly slice red onion and place in a jar with water, white vinegar, maple syrup, and salt. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Whisk Dressing: Combine lime zest, lime juice, maple syrup, and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, mix watermelon cubes, mint, and dressing. Top with crumbled feta and pickled onions.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or chill for a few hours, stirring before serving if needed.
Notes
- Choose ripe watermelon with brown webbing, a heavy feel, and a large yellow field spot for sweetness.
- Variation Ideas:
- Try basil instead of mint or a mix of both.
- Add strawberries, blueberries, arugula, cucumbers, avocado, or tomatoes.
- Sprinkle tajin for a spicy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
