Refreshing Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad: A Perfect Summer Dish

Elevate your summer dining with this delightful Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad. This recipe combines the sweet juiciness of watermelon with tangy feta cheese and aromatic mint, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a light lunch option, this salad is sure to impress!
The Secret to Selecting the Perfect Watermelon
The key to a mouthwatering watermelon salad starts with choosing the right melon. Here are some top tips for picking the juiciest, most flavorful watermelon:
- Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size – this indicates it’s packed with juicy goodness.
- Look for a yellow spot on the bottom – this is where the watermelon rested on the ground and shows it’s ripe.
- Give it a tap – a ripe watermelon should produce a deep, hollow sound.
- Opt for smaller melons when possible, as they often have more concentrated flavor.
Choosing the Best Feta for Your Salad
Not all feta cheeses are created equal! For the best taste and texture in your salad, look for sheep’s milk feta from Greece or Bulgaria. These varieties offer a creamier texture and a perfect balance of saltiness and tangy flavor that complements the sweet watermelon beautifully.
The Zesty Secret Ingredient
Want to take your watermelon salad to the next level? The secret is in the zest! Adding finely chopped lemon zest not only brings a bright citrusy note but also enhances the flavors of the watermelon and feta. It’s a simple addition that makes a world of difference.
Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds seedless watermelon (about 1 small or 1/4 large), rind removed, cut into 1-inch chunks (about 2 pounds/1kg chunks after rind is discarded)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) juice from 1 lemon, plus 4 (2-inch) strips zest, removed with a sharp vegetable peeler
- 1/4 cup (10g) roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- Up to 4 ounces (1 quart) arugula leaves (optional; see notes)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces (110g) feta cheese (see notes)
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine the watermelon chunks, finely chopped lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped mint, and olive oil. If using arugula, add it to the bowl. Gently toss all ingredients until the watermelon is evenly coated. Season lightly with salt and pepper, remembering that the feta will add saltiness later.
- Transfer the salad mixture to a wide, shallow bowl or a large plate, spreading it out evenly. Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad. Sprinkle with the remaining lemon zest, drizzle with a little extra olive oil, and add a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing summer salad!
Recipe Notes
The quality of feta cheese can make or break this dish. Opt for authentic Greek or Bulgarian sheep’s milk feta for the best flavor and creamiest texture. To make this salad more substantial, feel free to add arugula – it adds a peppery kick that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
176 | Calories |
13g | Fat |
12g | Carbs |
4g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 4 to 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 176 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 13g | 17% |
Saturated Fat 4g | 20% |
Cholesterol 17mg | 6% |
Sodium 225mg | 10% |
Total Carbohydrate 12g | 5% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 3% |
Total Sugars 10g | |
Protein 4g | |
Vitamin C 13mg | 64% |
Calcium 108mg | 8% |
Iron 1mg | 4% |
Potassium 192mg | 4% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |