Watermelon Feta Salad
When the temperatures soar and the BBQs fire up, there's nothing quite like a cool, juicy salad to balance the heat. This Watermelon Feta Salad with Summer Add-Ons has become a warm-weather staple in my kitchen. It’s sweet, salty, tangy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Whether you're hosting friends or just need a quick side to perk up a weekday dinner, this dish delivers every time.
Ingredients
Base Salad:
1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced (optional)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional Summer Add-Ons:
1/2 cup avocado, diced
1/4 cup toasted pistachios or sunflower seeds
1/2 cup arugula
1/4 cup balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
Chili flakes or tajín (for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Chop & Chill
Cube the watermelon and slice the cucumber, onion, and herbs. Keep ingredients chilled for extra refreshment.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, gently toss watermelon, cucumber, onion, mint, and basil.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add Feta
Top with crumbled feta—don’t overmix or it may become too soft.
Step 5: Toss in Add-Ons
Add avocado, arugula, seeds, or drizzle with balsamic for more flavor.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Best served cold and fresh, especially on hot summer days!
Tips & Variations:
Make it vegan with plant-based feta or skip the cheese altogether.
Add grilled shrimp or chicken to make it a full meal.
Substitute yellow watermelon or cantaloupe for a fun twist.
Serve in a hollowed-out watermelon for an eye-catching summer party dish.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s quick and requires zero cooking.
It’s naturally gluten-free and easy to make vegetarian or vegan.
The combination of flavors is light but satisfying.
It makes an impressive dish for potlucks, picnics, or poolside lunches.
Free Recipe Card:
📎Want to keep this handy on the fridge or in your Summer Recipe binder?
Download the FREE PDF recipe card here: Watermelon_Feta_Salad_Recipe_Card.pdf
Final Thoughts:
There’s something magical about how watermelon and feta play off each other — one’s juicy and sweet, the other’s creamy and salty. This salad is a love letter to summer: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and no heat required. Let me know how you make it your own!
