Sweet and savory, this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint is a light and refreshing side salad that comes together in just minutes. It’s perfect for summer picnics and potlucks or just grilling out at home.
An Easy & Healthy Summer Salad
With cubes of watermelon and crumbled feta, this watermelon salad is sweet, savory, and salty, all in one bite. Watermelon and feta may seem like a strange combination – I definitely raised my eyebrow at first – but it works. Perfectly! When I think back to picnics at the beach when we were little, Watermelon and Feta cheese is what my parents would bring with them every time.
Then again, when you consider many people add salt to their watermelon, I suppose watermelon and salty feta aren’t too far of a stretch. Add in some fresh mint leaves, and you have the trifecta of bold, mouthwatering flavors.
While you can turn this watermelon salad into a meal, I most often serve it as a side dish. It’s perfect for potlucks and picnics, as it adds a pop of color to any table and is a nice alternative to heavier mayo-based salads or pasta salads.
Ingredients for Watermelon Salad
This feta and watermelon salad is made with just a handful of fresh ingredients. Most can be purchased fresh at the grocery store or farmer’s market.
- Salad Greens: Pick up a pre-made mix or choose your favorite lettuces.
- Watermelon: Seedless and cut into small cubes.
- Blueberries: Fresh ones are the best.
- Red Onion: Skip yellow ones; they don’t mix well with the rest.
- Feta Cheese: Adds a salty touch.
- Pepper: Freshly ground for a flavor kick.
- Mint Leaves: Fresh ones for garnish.
- Olive Oil: Choose a good-quality olive oil.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed.
- Chopped Mint: Adds a fresh taste to the salad and goes well with watermelon.
- Garlic: Gives more depth to the overall flavor.
How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad
This easy watermelon feta salad comes together in just a few minutes with minimal prep. All you need is about 20 minutes to prepare and assemble the ingredients.
- Combine the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, toss together the greens, watermelon, blueberries, and onions.
- Prepare the vinaigrette. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the vinaigrette ingredients.
- Garnish and serve. When you’re ready to serve, add the vinaigrette to the salad. Then garnish with the feta, cracked black pepper, and mint leaves. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
Are you looking forward to making this watermelon salad? I don’t blame you! Keep these tips in mind to help you make the best salad.
- Make the vinaigrette ahead of time. The vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and I often recommend making it at least a few hours in advance, for the best flavor.
- Add the vinaigrette only to the salad you’re serving. If you’re going to be enjoying the entire salad, go ahead and toss it with the vinaigrette, but otherwise, I recommend drizzling the vinaigrette directly into the individual bowls of salads.
- Use chilled fruit. I find this salad is most refreshing when the watermelon and blueberries are chilled. If they’re not chilled before making the salad, you can always put the salad in the fridge for a an hour or two before serving.
- Switch up the herbs. While I love the light and refreshing flavor of mint, you can swap it out for other fresh herbs. Basil is another great option.
- Use balsamic vinegar in a pinch. If you don’t have the time or the ingredients for the homemade vinaigrette, or you just want a different flavor, balsamic vinegar or glaze will work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
This watermelon and mint salad is great for summer BBQs and potlucks and goes exceptionally well with these grilled chicken thighs or this honey mustard chicken. A perfectly grilled steak is also a great pairing, as are these easy shrimp skewers. Grilled pizza, too!
ENJOY!
Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 cups torn mixed salad greens
- 4 cups watermelon cubes, seeds removed
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onions
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, for garnish
- freshly cracked black pepper, for garnish
- mint leaves, for garnish
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, you can also use lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine salad greens, watermelon, blueberries, and red onion; toss to combine.
- In a small mixing bowl combine olive oil, lime juice, minced mint, garlic, salt, and pepper; whisk to incorporate.
- Just before serving, gently toss the salad with the vinaigrette. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Garnish with crumbled feta, cracked black pepper, and mint leaves.
- Serve.
Notes
- Storing Leftovers: Due to the high water content of the watermelon, this watermelon feta salad is best enjoyed the same day it’s made. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep the vinaigrette separate.
- Make Ahead: If you need to prepare your watermelon salad more than a few hours in advance, you can prepare each ingredient individually and store them in the fridge, then quickly toss them together right before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
