Print

Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe with Mint and Balsamic Dressing

Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and a syrupy balsamic dressing for a quick and easy dish perfect for warm days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes or chunks
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped or torn
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Pinch of salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, a few grinds

Instructions

  1. Cut about 4 cups (560g) of watermelon into bite-sized cubes, aiming for firm pieces that hold shape but are still juicy.
  2. In a small saucepan, pour 1 tablespoon (15ml) of aged balsamic vinegar and simmer gently over medium heat for about 5 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons (30ml) of extra virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of honey or maple syrup. Let dressing cool. Alternatively, whisk ingredients cold without reducing.
  3. Rinse and pat dry fresh mint leaves. Tear or chop about 1/4 cup (10g) roughly to release aroma.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine watermelon cubes, crumbled feta (about 1 cup or 150g), and chopped mint. Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad.
  5. Using clean hands or two large spoons, gently toss the salad to distribute dressing and ingredients evenly without mashing the watermelon.
  6. Add a pinch of salt and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Toss lightly again and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour. Avoid letting it sit too long to prevent watermelon from releasing excess water.

Notes

If you don’t have a saucepan, whisk balsamic vinegar with olive oil and honey without reducing. Drain excess watermelon juice if very juicy to avoid soggy salad. Toss salad just before serving to keep feta texture intact. For vegan option, substitute feta with marinated tofu or plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, summer salad, mint, balsamic dressing, quick salad, easy salad, refreshing salad

Find it online: https://lirafood.com/fresh-watermelon-feta-salad-recipe-with-mint-and-balsamic-dressing/