Watermelon Feta Salad a simple yet unusual, easy to make side that packs a huge flavor. Sweet, salty, sour, and also bitter flavors come together in perfect combination. It is the most refreshing salad you will be making all summer long. Additionally it is healthy and hydrating. A great side, especially when serving with grilled and smoked meats.
Uncommon Mix of Ingredients
My immediate thought before making it for the first time was “Is this really going to work?“. Obviously feta cheese and black olives can be found in many Mediterranean salads. With or without lettuce with tomatoes and cucumbers are a staple side dish in the Eastern Mediterranean. But watermelon? really? This salad truly surprised me and how well the watermelon’s juicy sweetness is elevated by the salty feta and briny olives. So yes it all does work together. It works so well that I crave on a weekly basis.
Watermelon Feta Salad Variations
As with many of our recipes on this site we believe in experimentation. Customizing the recipe to suit your own taste. We love this salad as is so there isn’t much I would change. Here are a few options.
Arugula
Arugula can add a lovely bitterness and add more of a “leafy green” bite. The slight spicy notes play well with the other ingredients.
Cucumber
Cucumber adds a nice textural element. Also the flavor will not compete with the watermelon.
Pickled Jalapeno or Pepperoncini Peppers
A perfect compliment to the sweetness is a touch of spicy heat. 1 or 2 pickled peppers diced is a good amount to start with. I wouldn’t suggest adding anymore as they can easily overtake the balance of flavors.
Finally, one item I would not add is tomatoes, they will compete with the watermelon.
Finding a Ripe Melon for the Watermelon Feta Salad
Ripe Melons should feel heavy. They should sound hollow when tapped on. A yellow spot known as a field spot should be on the bottom or one side of the fruit. An indicator the watermelon is ripe.
Further information regarding ripeness and some health benefits see the link below. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-pick-a-watermelon
Watermelon Feta Summer Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubed
- 6 oz kalamata olives pitted.
- 8 oz feta cheese cubed
- 1 red onion diced
- ⅓ cup basil leaves chopped
- ¼ cup mint chopped
- 1 lemon juiced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- black pepper to taste
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Add cubed watermelon and diced red onion into a large serving bowl
- Add kalamata olives lemon juice, olive oil and red wine vinegar,
- Top with Basil mint and feta, gently toss all ingredients to coat watermelon and feta, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve chilled.
Nutrition
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