Description
This refreshing watermelon salad combines sweet, juicy watermelon cubes with tangy feta cheese, crisp red onion, fresh mint, and a zesty dressing of olive oil, balsamic glaze, and lime juice. Perfectly chilled and garnished with optional toasted pine nuts or pepitas, this salad is an ideal summer treat that balances sweet, salty, and savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups Seedless Watermelon (Cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (Crumbled)
- 1/2 cup Red Onion (Thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Mint (Chopped)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic Glaze or Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup Toasted Pine Nuts or Pepitas
Instructions
- Cube the Watermelon: Cut the seedless watermelon into 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl. Drain any excess juice to keep the salad from becoming watery.
- Prepare the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and soak the slices in ice water for about 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness. Afterward, drain the onion thoroughly.
- Chop the Fresh Herbs: Roll the mint leaves tightly and slice them thinly using the chiffonade technique to create delicate ribbons.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the watermelon cubes, drained red onion, chopped mint, and basil (if used).
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze or vinegar, and lime juice until well combined.
- Season the Dressing: Add sea salt and black pepper to the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary to balance the flavors.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Crumble the Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the dressed salad to add a tangy, salty element.
- Garnish (Optional): For added texture and crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or pepitas over the salad just before serving.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving chilled.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh, seedless watermelon and high-quality feta cheese.
- Soaking the red onion in ice water helps reduce its pungency, making it milder and more palatable.
- Chiffonade slicing of mint preserves the delicate texture and releases fresh aroma.
- Adjust balsamic glaze or vinegar quantity to taste for desired acidity and sweetness.
- Chilling the salad enhances its refreshing qualities and helps the flavors meld.
- Pine nuts or pepitas add a nice crunchy contrast but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
