Summer Watermelon Feta Salad

$For this vibrant Summer Watermelon Feta Salad, you’ll need: - 4 cups watermelon, cubed - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Selecting the right watermelon is key to a great salad. Look for watermelons that feel heavy for their size. A good watermelon should have a smooth, firm skin. Check for a creamy yellow spot on the bottom; this shows it ripened on the vine. Tap on the melon; a deep sound often means it’s ripe. If you can't find feta cheese, don’t worry! You can use goat cheese or queso fresco. Both add a tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, try crumbled tofu or a nut cheese. These alternatives keep the salad fresh and tasty while adding a different twist. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with fresh watermelon. Cut it into small cubes. You need about 4 cups. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Avoid crushing the fruit. Place the watermelon cubes in a large mixing bowl. Make sure they are evenly spaced. This helps the other flavors mix well. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze and olive oil. Use 2 tablespoons of each. This mix adds a sweet and tangy flavor. Whisk until the two are well blended. Set the dressing aside for now. Add crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with watermelon. Use 1 cup of feta for a rich taste. Next, add 1/4 cup of chopped mint leaves. Then, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion. Pour the dressing over this mixture. Gently toss everything with a large spoon. Be careful not to smash the watermelon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors as needed. Serve right away for the best taste, or chill for 15-20 minutes. This lets the flavors blend more. To toss the salad well, be gentle. Start with the watermelon and feta. Use a large bowl to give you space. Add the mint and onion next. Pour the dressing over the top. Now, use a large spoon to mix it. Lift ingredients from the bottom and fold them over. This way, you keep the cubes intact. A soft touch helps everything stay fresh. You can boost flavors in this salad easily. Try adding a squeeze of lime juice. This adds a nice zing. You can mix in chopped jalapeños for some heat. For a sweet touch, add honey to the dressing. You might also try fresh basil instead of mint. Each option brings a new taste to the dish. Experiment to find what you love best. Serve this salad cold for the best taste. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch. Adding crusty bread makes a great side. For drinks, consider a chilled white wine. Lemonade or iced tea also works well. This salad is perfect for summer picnics or barbecues. Enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors any time! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Watermelon: Select a watermelon that is heavy for its size and has a uniform shape. A yellow spot on one side indicates ripeness. Fresh Mint Leaves: Use fresh mint instead of dried for a vibrant flavor. Gently bruise the leaves before adding to release more essential oils. Customizable Dressing: Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing for an extra tang or use flavored olive oil for additional depth. Chill for Flavor: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and allow them to meld. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even better by adding other fruits. Try mixing in strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. These fruits add bright colors and flavors. They also boost the vitamins. If you use berries, slice them in half. For peaches, cut them into thin slices. Each fruit gives a new taste to every bite. Nuts or seeds add a nice crunch. I suggest using toasted walnuts or almonds. You can also try sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They bring healthy fats and protein. Just sprinkle a handful on top before serving. This small change can make your salad even more filling and tasty. If you want to make this salad even healthier, consider some swaps. You can use low-fat feta cheese instead of regular feta. This lowers the calories while keeping the flavor. You can also add more mint for a fresh taste. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can work too. They give a new twist to the salad while keeping it light. To store leftover watermelon feta salad, place it in a bowl. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents it from drying out. If you have a lot of salad, divide it into smaller portions. This makes it easier to grab when you're hungry. A glass container with a lid works best for storing this salad. Glass helps maintain the salad's flavor and texture. If you use plastic, make sure it's BPA-free. Always choose a container that seals well. This keeps air out and helps the salad stay fresh longer. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the watermelon may get mushy. The feta could lose its nice texture too. If you notice any changes in smell or look, it's best to toss it out. Eating fresh is always the best choice! Yes, you can make this salad ahead. I suggest preparing it no more than 2 hours before serving. Watermelon can lose its crunch if it sits too long. To keep it fresh, store it in the fridge. Toss the salad just before serving. This helps keep the flavors bright and fresh. You can add many tasty items to this salad. Here are a few ideas: - Cucumber for a cool crunch - Avocado for creaminess - Arugula for a peppery kick - Cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness - Nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch These options can make your salad even better! Choosing feta cheese is simple. Look for these tips: - Go for a block of feta instead of crumbles. This keeps it fresh. - Check for a creamy texture. It should not be dry or too crumbly. - Taste it! Good feta has a tangy, salty flavor. - Buy from a store with high turnover for the freshest cheese. Using good feta will make your salad really shine! You learned about the best ingredients for a tasty salad. We covered picking fresh watermelon, making a simple dressing, and combining everything perfectly. Plus, we shared tips for enhancing flavors and serving this dish. Try adding fruits or nuts to give it a twist. Remember, store leftovers properly for the best taste. Enjoy making this salad your way, and don't hesitate to ask questions if you need help!$

Summer Watermelon Feta Salad

A refreshing salad combining juicy watermelon and creamy feta cheese, perfect for summer.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

4 cups watermelon, cubed
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
0.25 cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint leaves, and sliced red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil until combined.
Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon and feta mixture.
Gently toss everything together to avoid smashing the watermelon while ensuring the ingredients are well coated in the dressing.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or let it chill for enhanced taste.

Keyword feta, refreshing, salad, summer, watermelon