Watermelon Salad

One of my favorite summer dishes is a refreshing Watermelon Salad. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, making it a delightful treat during those hot days. I remember the first time I made it for a picnic with friends; we were surrounded by laughter and sunshine, and this salad stole the show. The vibrant colors of the juicy watermelon mixed with the creamy feta cheese and the fresh mint leaves created a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate. Every bite was a burst of flavor that balanced beautifully against the salty feta and the zing of the lemon juice. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of summer itself.

Watermelon Salad Shopping List

When it comes to the ingredients for the Watermelon Salad, each one plays a vital role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The star ingredient, watermelon, adds natural sweetness and a hydrating quality, perfect for summer. The feta cheese brings a creamy texture and salty bite, while the mint leaves provide a refreshing finish. Together, these ingredients create a delightful salad that embodies the essence of summer.

• 1/3 cup olive oil – This healthy fat adds richness and depth to the dressing.
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice – Provides a zesty brightness that balances the sweetness of the watermelon.
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco – A little heat to kick things up an extra notch.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors.
• 1 small seedless watermelon – The main star, this should be chilled and cut into 1-inch chunks.
• 8 ounces feta cheese – Crumbled for a creamy, salty touch.
• 1 small red onion – Thinly sliced for a sharp contrast in flavor.
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves – Chopped, with more for garnish, adding freshness and aroma.

Putting Together Watermelon Salad

Making this Watermelon Salad is an absolute breeze, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Follow these detailed steps to ensure every component shines. Let’s dive into the preparation!

1. Start by making the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and Tabasco. The goal here is to create a smooth, emulsified dressing that coats the salad perfectly. Season it to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. I usually go for about 1 teaspoon of salt and a good pinch of pepper. Taste it once you’re done; it should be balanced with a hint of zing that complements the sweetness of the watermelon.
2. Next, take a large mixing bowl and add the chilled chunks of watermelon. Make sure to choose a ripe one for the best sweetness. This will serve as the base of your salad. You want to aim for about 10 cups, so if you have a smaller watermelon, you might need two!
3. Once the watermelon is in the bowl, add in the crumbled feta cheese. The creaminess of the feta will contrast beautifully with the juicy watermelon. It’s important to use fresh feta for the best flavor.
4. Now, thinly slice your red onion and toss it into the bowl. This step adds a sharp, savory bite that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the watermelon. If you find the flavor of the red onion too strong, you can soak them in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad, which will mellow their taste.
5. Don’t forget the mint leaves! Chop them roughly and add them to the bowl. The fresh aroma of mint brings the salad together, adding a refreshing note.
6. Drizzle the dressing you made earlier over the salad. You don’t want to drown the salad; just enough to coat the ingredients lightly. Gently toss everything together. Be careful not to crush the watermelon or the feta cheese; you want everything to remain intact as much as possible.
7. Once everything is mixed, taste it one last time to adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you feel like it needs a little more zing, you can add a splash more of lemon juice or a dash more of Tabasco.
8. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional mint leaves. This adds a beautiful touch and signals freshness to your guests!
9. Finally, serve the salad chilled. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, so try to serve it within a couple of hours after preparing for maximum flavor and texture.

Substitutions and Tips

While this Watermelon Salad is delightful as is, here are some tips and substitutions that might help you customize it to your liking.

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within two days as the watermelon will release water, making the salad soupy.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to the high water content of the watermelon. It will lose its texture when thawed.
• Pairing: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish. It also complements any summer barbecue perfectly.
• Herb Variations: If you’re not a fan of mint, try using basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
• Onion Alternatives: If red onion is too strong for you, opt for sweet Vidalia onion or leave it out entirely for a milder taste.

What to Pair With Watermelon Salad

Pairing your Watermelon Salad with the right dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delicious suggestions:

• Grilled Chicken: The lightness of the salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken perfectly. A simple lemon-herb marinade works wonders.
• Fish Tacos: The sweetness of the watermelon provides a great contrast to spicy fish tacos, making for a refreshing side.
• Quinoa Salad: Serve with a hearty quinoa salad for a wholesome meal. The protein from the quinoa will balance the carbs from the watermelon.
• Picnic Favorite: This salad is wonderful at picnics or potlucks. It’s easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Summer Brunch: Serve as part of a summer brunch spread alongside pastries and fresh fruit for a delightful experience.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Watermelon Salad is truly a standout dish for summer gatherings. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, it captures the essence of the season. I highly encourage you to try making it for your next barbecue or picnic; it’s sure to impress your friends and family!

Watermelon Salad

This Watermelon Salad is the ultimate summer dish! Bursting with refreshing flavors, it combines sweet watermelon, creamy feta, and fresh mint. Perfect for barbecues or picnics, this salad will have everyone asking for seconds!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco or to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small seedless watermelon cut into 1-inch chunks, chilled (about 10 cups)
• 8 ounces feta cheese crumbled (about 2 cups)
• 1 small red onion thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves chopped, plus more for garnish

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Whisk

Method

 

1. To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and Tabasco. Season to taste with salt and pepper (I like 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper).
2. In a large bowl, add the watermelon, feta, onion, and mint. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss to combine. Garnish with mint and serve chilled.

Notes

• Red onion: Thin slices of sweet Vidalia onion would be delicious here, too.
• Mint: substitute 1 cup chopped fresh basil for the mint, if desired.
• Yield: This Watermelon Salad makes about 16 cups, enough for eight generous 2-cup servings.
• Storage: Watermelon Salad is best within the first two hours after it is made. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Make ahead: The salad dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance; just whisk to re-combine before adding to salad.

Previous PostLemon Cheesecake Bars

Next Post Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.