Can I make watermelon feta salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time, but I recommend assembling the watermelon feta salad no more than 30 minutes before serving for optimal freshness. If you need to prepare further in advance, keep the watermelon, feta, and dressing separate, combining them just before serving.

What's the best feta cheese to use for watermelon salad?

Traditional Greek sheep's milk feta provides the most authentic flavor for watermelon feta salad . Look for feta sold in brine rather than pre-crumbled versions, as it will have a creamier texture and more robust flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, a cow's milk feta or even a French feta would work well.

Can I substitute the herbs in watermelon feta salad?

Absolutely! While mint and basil are traditional in watermelon feta salad , you can experiment with other herbs. Cilantro adds a unique flavor profile, while oregano brings a more pronounced Mediterranean character. Fresh thyme or dill can also work well, though use them more sparingly as their flavors are stronger.

How do I pick the perfect watermelon for this salad?

For the best watermelon feta salad , look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, has a deep hollow sound when tapped, and displays a creamy yellow (not white) spot where it rested on the ground. The rind should be dull rather than shiny, and the melon should feel firm but not rock-hard.

Is watermelon feta salad keto-friendly?

Standard watermelon feta salad is not keto-friendly due to the high natural sugar content of watermelon. However, you could create a low-carb version by using a much smaller amount of watermelon with increased cucumber, adding avocado, and emphasizing the feta, olive oil, and nuts to maintain the sweet-salty contrast while reducing carbs.

What main dishes pair well with watermelon feta salad?

Watermelon feta salad pairs beautifully with grilled proteins like chicken, fish, or lamb. Its refreshing qualities complement spicier dishes particularly well. It also works wonderfully alongside Mediterranean favorites like hummus, grilled vegetables, or as part of a mezze spread.

Watermelon Feta Salad: Easy Summer Refreshment in 15 Minute

Name: Refreshing Summer Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe
Prep time: PT-487352H2M47S
Cook time: PT-487352H2M47S
Total time: PT-487352H2M47S
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 cups cubed watermelon (about half a medium watermelon), chilled; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably sheep’s milk feta for authenticity); 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn or roughly chopped; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped; 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional); 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey (optional); Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or pistachios for garnish (optional)

Description

A refreshing summer salad featuring sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

- 8 cups cubed watermelon (about half a medium watermelon), chilled

- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably sheep’s milk feta for authenticity)

- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn or roughly chopped

- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped

- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)

- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

- Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or pistachios for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1: Prepare the Watermelon
Choose a ripe watermelon, cut it into 1-inch cubes (or use a melon baller), and remove the seeds. Let it drain in a colander for 10 minutes to reduce excess moisture.

2: Prepare the Other Ingredients
Thinly slice red onion (soak in ice water for a milder taste), and gently tear or chop mint and basil leaves to release their aroma and flavor.

3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and optional honey. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Keep it light to enhance, not overpower, the salad.

4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine drained watermelon, half the feta, sliced onion, optional olives, and herbs. Gently toss with the dressing to avoid breaking the watermelon.

5: Final Presentation
Transfer to a serving platter. Top with the remaining feta, toasted nuts, extra herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, cracked black pepper, and flaky sea salt for a refined finish.

Notes

This Mediterranean-inspired dish balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly with minimal effort.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean