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Watermelon Feta Salad
Serves 4
20 mins
177 Kcal
Watermelon feta salad is a refreshing salad with watermelon's sweetness and feta cheese's saltiness. It's great pick for the warm weather, as it's the time when people look for a refreshing salad. Try this refreshing watermelon feta salad recipe for a perfect appetiser. The watermelon is usually cut into small cubes or wedges that burst with natural sweetness in every bite. The sharp, creamy taste of crumbled or cubed feta cheese meets with the natural sweetness of the fruit in a most delicious combination. Adding lemon juice is a fresh and delightful surprise to the salad. Other versions add thinly sliced red onions for a spice or toasted seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower for crunch. A great combination of textures, the crisp watermelon and creamy feta are beautifully paired alongside bright, spicy dressing, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients required for Watermelon Feta Salad
- 1/2 chilled seedless watermelon
- 1 red onion
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1 cup cilantro
- 1/2 cup mint leaves
- 2 limes
- Crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
Cooking steps for Watermelon Feta Salad
- 1Start the recipe of watermelon feta salad by cutting half of a large chilled seedless watermelon into 1-inch cubes.
- 2Slice 1 small red onion thinly.
- 3Add to that 1 cup sliced fresh basil leaves, 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/2 cup minced fresh mint leaves for an extra herby and aromatic flavour.
- 4Then squeeze the juice of 2 limes over the salad.
- 5Toss the salad gently, letting everything combine: watermelon and herbs, onion, and lime juice.
- 6Finally, the most integral piece that will make it genuinely creamy and tangy, is one package of crumbled feta cheese.
- 7When blended with the other ingredients in this salad, the feta will add a taste to every bite you take.
- 8Drizzle three tablespoons of olive oil to bring the salad together.
- 9For extra depth of flavour, add two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar or more to taste.
- 10The balsamic brings a bright sweetness and acidity, opening up the salad's flavour. Use the quantity of vinegar to your taste; one may prefer a more robust balsamic flavour, while others just like a hint of tang.
- 11Finish with some seasonings: salt and ground black pepper to taste. Feta is salty enough in and of itself, so use caution not to add too much salt; a few grounds of fresh black pepper will undoubtedly enhance the flavours and add a slight peppery twinge.
- 12Once everything is mixed, toss the salad gently to coat everything with lime juice, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Serve it straight away, or chill it up in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to let all the flavours meld together.
- 13The watermelon feta salad recipe is refreshing, light, and colourful and so perfect to be a crowd-pleaser. The ideal side dish or main for hot summer days, with juicy watermelon, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and a citrusy dressing. Enjoy!
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FAQs
What are the critical ingredients in a watermelon feta salad?
A classic watermelon feta salad is prepared with fresh, juicy watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and a handful of fresh herbs like mint or basil. The sweetness of the watermelon blends well with the salty, creamy flavour of the feta- a perfect contrasting sweetness and saltiness. But if you want to add more flavour to the salad, you can also have chopped red onions, cucumber, or olives. Then drizzle olive oil with lime or lemon juice and add salt and pepper. Some add a little honey or balsamic glaze for that added sweetness.
Can this watermelon feta salad be prepared in advance?
While it's best to have the watermelon feta salad fresh to maintain the crunch of the watermelon and texture of the feta, some prep can still be done ahead of time. Chop up your watermelon, cucumber, and herbs a few hours before and store them in separate fridges. But it's much better to get it dressed and add the feta and dressing right before serving, lest the ingredients become soggy. If prepping ahead, add a splash of lime juice to keep its freshness and brightness, as well as those of the watermelon.
Can I substitute the feta cheese in the watermelon feta salad?
Yes, if you do not like feta or want to mix it a bit, you can substitute some excellent cheese alternatives. For instance, goat cheese is delightful with watermelon and provides the tanginess and creaminess necessary for the dish.