Capture the essence of a perfect summer day in a single bowl with this vibrant and refreshing salad. Imagine the delightful contrast of sweet, juicy watermelon, salty and creamy feta, crisp cucumber, and savory Kalamata olives, all brought together with a hint of sharp red onion and cooling fresh mint. This salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, making it an absolute must-have for barbecues, picnics, or any warm-weather gathering.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1 large English cucumber, sliced or cubed
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped or torn
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- Flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Red Onion: If you find raw red onion too sharp, you can mellow its flavor. Place the thinly sliced onion in a small bowl of ice water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, gently combine the cubed watermelon, cucumber, halved Kalamata olives, and drained red onion slices.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and the fresh mint leaves.
- Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
- Season and Serve: Season with a pinch of flaky sea salt and some freshly cracked black pepper. Toss very gently one last time to combine everything.
- Enjoy Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the salad immediately.
Recipe Notes:
- Chill Your Ingredients: For the most refreshing salad, make sure your watermelon and cucumber are well-chilled before you begin.
- Choosing Feta: Using a block of feta packed in brine and crumbling it yourself will give you a creamier texture and better flavor than pre-crumbled varieties.
- Herb Variations: While mint is classic, fresh basil also pairs beautifully with these ingredients. You can even use a combination of both!
- Make it a Meal: To turn this side salad into a light main course, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or a handful of chickpeas for extra protein.
- Serving Tip: Assemble this salad just before serving to keep the watermelon crisp and prevent the feta from making the salad too watery. If you need to prep ahead, you can chop all the ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator.
There you have it—a salad that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. This Watermelon Feta Salad is the ultimate celebration of summer’s fresh flavors, guaranteed to be a showstopper at any table. We hope this bright and easy recipe becomes a staple in your summer repertoire! Enjoy!
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories:Â 215;Â Protein:Â 7g;Â Fat:Â 16g (Saturated Fat: 6g);Â Carbohydrates:Â 13g;Â Fiber:Â 2g;Â Sugar:Â 9g;Â Sodium:Â 480mg.
Disclaimer:Â Nutritional information is estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredients, brands, and serving sizes used. This information is provided for guidance only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice.
