If you’re looking for a light, refreshing dish that screams summer, watermelon feta salad is the way to go! This sweet and salty combo is perfect for backyard BBQs, picnics, or honestly, just when you want something fresh and delicious!
Serve this sweet and salty salad with a frozen whipped lemonade or a frozen strawberry lemonade!
When the weather heats up, there’s nothing my family craves more than watermelon feta salad! It’s that perfect mix of cold, juicy watermelon, creamy feta, fresh mint, and a light tangy dressing, basically summer in a bowl! We make it all season long for backyard barbecues, family picnics, or just lazy weeknight dinners when nobody wants to turn on the oven! And even though we live in New England, those summer days can get HOT!
What I love most is how fast it comes together (seriously, 10 minutes tops) and how much everyone raves about it. Whether we’re pairing it with grilled chicken, fish tacos, just a big platter of hummus and dips along with some pita, this salad always disappears fast! It’s colorful, refreshing, and surprisingly satisfying, the kind of dish that makes you want to sit outside with a big glass of iced tea and soak up every bit of summer!
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How to Choose the Perfect Watermelon
First things first, you can’t have a great watermelon salad without a ripe, juicy watermelon! Here’s what to look for at the store or farmer’s market when you want a great tasting watermelon.
Check the field spot. That yellow spot on the bottom shows where it sat on the ground. The darker yellow it is, the riper it should be.
Tap it. A ripe watermelon sounds deep and hollow when you give it a knock.
Feel the weight. Pick it up. It should feel heavy for its size, which means it’s loaded with juice.
Look for dull skin. Shiny watermelons might look pretty, but they’re usually under-ripe. Go for one with a matte finish.
What You’ll Need (Simple Ingredients!)
- Watermelon. You'll need four cups which is about half of a large watermelon or one small watermelon. Remove the skin and any seeds.
- Feta. Block feta is best so it does not fall apart in the salad. Stay away from the crumbled feta as it will melt into the salad.
- Mint leaves. Fresh mint is best. You can usually find it in the grocery store by the herbs.
- Red onion. For a little bit of spice. You can use chives, scallions (green onions, or white onions if you would like or you can leave them out completely if you aren't an onion fan.
- Dressing. We'll be using olive oil and lime juice. Red wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice can work too.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your watermelon salad with feta:
- Swap mint for fresh basil or cilantro for a new twist. This is especially good when you've got a lot of basil growing in your Summer garden.
- Add strawberries, blueberries, or even peaches for more sweetness. You can even use pineapple if you've got some leftover from making a mango pineapple salsa.
- Heat it up! Thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes will add a little heat.
- Add some crunch! Toss in some toasted pistachios, walnuts, or pepitas. You can add some veggies for crunch too! Cucumbers, red bell peppers, and celery are all great options.
- Change the dressing! Try balsamic glaze, lime juice, or a honey-lime dressing instead of the red wine vinegar.
How To Make a Watermelon Feta Salad
Step 1
In a large bowl, add the cubed watermelon and cubed feta.
Step 2
Slice the onions thinly and add them to the watermelon and feta. Mince the mint leaves and add them as well.
Step 3
Pour the olive oil and lime juice onto the salad.
Step 4
Season with salt and pepper and mix well. This salad is best served immediately!
What to Serve with Watermelon and Feta Salad
This salad pairs so well with all kinds of summer dishes! Here are some tasty ideas:
- Grilled chicken, steak, or lamb
- Grilled shrimp or baked fish
- Veggie-packed grain bowls or quinoa salad
- Pita bread, hummus, caprese skewers, and 7 layer bean dip.
- Grilled corn on the cob or roasted veggies
It’s honestly the perfect side dish for any summer meal!
Storage Instructions
You can cube the watermelon and mix the dressing a day or two ahead. Keep them separate in the fridge and toss everything together just before serving.
Leftover salad will keep in the fridge for about 1–2 days. Just know that the watermelon releases a lot of juice over time, so it’ll get a bit watery. I recommend draining off extra liquid before serving leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Block feta is usually creamier and fresher than the pre-crumbled kind. Just crumble it yourself, it’s worth it!
About 1–2 days. The watermelon will get softer and release liquid, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Definitely! Strawberries, blueberries, or even mango would be delicious.
Easy Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint
Equipment
- Knives
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 4 cups Watermelon Seedless, cubed
- 1 cup Feta cheese Cubed
- ½ cup Mint Leaves Fresh
- ¼ Red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice Freshly squeezed
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, chopped mint, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Toss everything together to coat.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Bottled lime juice can be used if you don't have any fresh limes on hand.
- This salad is best made, mixed, and served. If you need to make it ahead of time, cut the watermelon and make the dressing. Keep them separate until you are ready to serve the salad.
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