Watermelon & Feta Salad

This Watermelon & Feta Salad is the ultimate summer dish—light, refreshing, and full of vibrant flavor. Juicy watermelon chunks pair beautifully with salty feta cheese, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs for a salad that’s both simple and elegant. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick lunch, this salad is a delicious way to stay cool and hydrated.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Refreshing – Ready in under 15 minutes, with no cooking required.
Flavor Explosion – Sweet, salty, tangy, and fresh all in one bite.
Perfect for Summer – Ideal for hot days, picnics, and outdoor gatherings.
Nutrient-Rich – Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration.
Beautiful Presentation – Eye-catching colors and textures make this salad a standout on any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed and chilled
• 1½ cups cucumber, thinly sliced (preferably English cucumber)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Tools You’ll Need
Large salad bowl
Sharp knife and cutting board
Small whisk or fork
Measuring spoons
Serving platter or bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon and Cucumber

1. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, removing any seeds if needed.
2. Thinly slice the cucumber; if using a standard cucumber, peel it and remove seeds before slicing.
3. Place the watermelon and cucumber in a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Add the Fresh Ingredients
4. Add the crumbled feta cheese, thinly sliced red onion, chopped mint, and torn basil to the bowl.
5. If using seeds for added crunch, sprinkle them over the top.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve
8. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
9. Gently toss everything together until well combined, being careful not to crush the watermelon.
10. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes before serving for extra refreshment.

Tips for the Best Watermelon & Feta Salad
Choose a Ripe Watermelon – It should feel heavy and sound hollow when tapped.
Use Fresh Herbs – Mint and basil add aromatic freshness that balances the sweetness.
Chill Before Serving – Keep ingredients cold for the most refreshing flavor.
Add Nuts or Seeds – Toasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds add texture.
Slice Ingredients Evenly – Helps with presentation and makes every bite balanced.

Serving Suggestions
Grilled Chicken – Add grilled chicken breast slices for a light yet filling meal.
Toasted Pita or Flatbread – Great for scooping or serving on the side.
Quinoa – Toss in some cooked quinoa for a hearty twist.
Avocado – Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Berries – Try adding strawberries or blueberries for extra sweetness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best texture, store dressing separately.
Avoid Freezing: The watermelon will lose its texture when thawed.

Reheating:
No reheating needed—this salad is best enjoyed chilled!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Yes, just keep the watermelon and dressing separate until ready to serve.
2. What’s a good feta alternative?
   Try crumbled goat cheese or a vegan feta-style cheese if preferred.
3. Can I use a different dressing?
   Absolutely! Balsamic reduction or a citrus vinaigrette work well too.
4. Is this salad kid-friendly?
   Definitely. Kids often enjoy the sweet watermelon, and you can omit onions for a milder flavor.

Final Thoughts
This Watermelon & Feta Salad is the epitome of summer eating—cool, crisp, and absolutely delicious. It’s a breeze to make and endlessly customizable. The contrast of sweet watermelon with tangy feta and fresh herbs creates a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is flavorful. Bring it to your next potluck, picnic, or weeknight dinner and watch it disappear!

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 350mg

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