Hello, friends! Chef Bin Jaoe here, and today I’m excited to share one of my absolute favorite summer salads: Watermelon Feta Salad. If you’ve never tried the sweet, juicy combination of watermelon and feta, you’re missing out. This salad is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a refreshing crunch and creamy finish. It’s simple to make, and with just a few ingredients, you can elevate any summer meal.

As a chef, I’m always looking for ways to blend fresh, in-season ingredients to create something special. The watermelon feta combo is a classic—refreshing, vibrant, and oh-so-delicious. Let me take you through why this salad is such a hit and how you can make it a showstopper at your next barbecue or family gathering.

Why Watermelon Feta Salad is the Perfect Summer Dish

Summer is all about enjoying the best of what the season has to offer, and watermelon is one of the highlights. It’s hydrating, sweet, and packed with vitamins, making it the perfect ingredient for a light, refreshing salad. When paired with feta cheese, it creates the ultimate balance of sweet and salty flavors.

The Sweet and Salty Harmony

The combination of sweet watermelon and briny feta is a flavor pairing that works wonders. The saltiness of the feta contrasts beautifully with the watermelon’s sweetness, making each bite an explosion of flavor. The feta adds creaminess, while the watermelon gives a refreshing crunch.

Perfect for Hot Days

What makes this salad so perfect for summer is how refreshing it is. On a hot day, there’s nothing better than a chilled, light salad like watermelon feta. It’s hydrating, energizing, and easy to make ahead of time, which makes it perfect for picnics or a quick lunch.

How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad

Making watermelon feta salad is as simple as it gets. With only a few ingredients, you’ll be able to create a salad that not only looks beautiful but tastes even better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this delicious watermelon feta salad:

• 4 cups of fresh, seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for an added touch of sweetness or tang

The Simple Steps

1. Prepare the Watermelon: Start by cutting the watermelon into small cubes. Try to use a seedless watermelon for ease of preparation.
2. Add the Feta: Gently crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon cubes. The feta should be spread out so it can melt into the salad and not just sit in one spot.
3. Mint and Dressing: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness. Then, drizzle with olive oil and a squeeze of lime juice. If you like a little sweetness, a light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze adds a nice touch.
4. Season: Toss everything gently, and finish with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Variations on the Classic Watermelon Feta Salad

While the classic watermelon feta salad is delicious on its own, there are so many ways to customize it based on your preferences or what’s available at your local market. As a chef, I’m all about experimenting with new ingredients and combinations.

Adding Fruits for Extra Flavor

Want to take your watermelon feta salad to the next level? Try adding some extra fruits for a more tropical twist. You can mix in some juicy strawberries, blueberries, or even peaches. These fruits will add extra sweetness and vibrant color to the salad.

Adding Protein for a Complete Meal

If you want to turn this salad into a more filling meal, consider adding some protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas will do the trick. It turns your simple watermelon feta salad into a satisfying and complete dish.

Tips for the Best Watermelon Feta Salad

To make sure your watermelon feta salad is always a hit, here are some tips I swear by.

Use Fresh, In-Season Watermelon

Fresh, ripe watermelon is key to making this salad truly delicious. The watermelon should be sweet, juicy, and perfectly ripe. You can usually tell a good watermelon by giving it a gentle tap—it should sound hollow. Always choose watermelon when it’s in season for the best flavor.

Don’t Overdo the Dressing

The beauty of watermelon feta salad is in its simplicity, so don’t overdo it with the dressing. A light drizzle of olive oil and lime juice is all you need to enhance the flavors without overpowering the fresh ingredients.

Chill Before Serving

Let the salad chill for a bit in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, and it makes the salad even more refreshing when you serve it cold.

Why Watermelon Feta Salad is a Crowd-Pleaser

Watermelon feta salad is perfect for any summer gathering. It’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying your guests and less time in the kitchen.

Great for BBQs and Picnics

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or bringing a dish to a potluck, this salad will impress your guests. It’s a beautiful and colorful dish that stands out at any event. And the best part? It pairs well with almost anything!

Healthy and Delicious

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Watermelon is hydrating and full of vitamins A and C, while feta provides a creamy richness and protein. The mint adds a burst of freshness, making every bite a delightful experience.

FAQs About Watermelon Feta Salad

What is the best way to cut watermelon for salad?

To cut watermelon for salad, start by slicing the watermelon in half, then into quarters. Cut out the rind, and finally, slice the watermelon into cubes. You want the pieces to be bite-sized and easy to toss into the salad.

Can I make watermelon feta salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the watermelon feta salad ahead of time! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. This salad stays fresh for a few hours, but it’s best when served within a few hours of making it.

Can I add other fruits to watermelon feta salad?

Absolutely! You can add fruits like strawberries, blueberries, peaches, or even a handful of grapes to give your salad more depth and flavor.

Conclusion

Watermelon feta salad is a perfect, refreshing dish to enjoy during the summer months. With its simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and versatility, it’s sure to be a favorite at your next gathering. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or serving it at a barbecue, this salad is guaranteed to impress. As Chef Bin Jaoe, I recommend you give it a try and see how this sweet and savory combo can elevate your summer meals.

Enjoy your watermelon feta salad, and as always, happy cooking from Chef Bin Jaoe!

Watermelon Feta Salad

Recipe by Bin recipesCourse: homeCuisine: americainDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

15

minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups watermelon, cubed

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• Pinch of sea salt

• For Garnish:

• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

• 1 tsp black pepper

Directions

• Prep: Cube watermelon, tear basil.
• Cook: In a large bowl, combine watermelon, feta, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with salt, toss gently.
• Combine: Divide salad among 4 plates.
• Finish: Sprinkle with mint and black pepper.

Notes

• Serve: Enjoy fresh for a sweet, savory summer salad!