How to Make Greek Watermelon Feta Cheese Salad
Watermelon is one of my favorite fruits, and I love to serve it in salads. This Greek watermelon feta cheese salad is a fresh spin on the classic summertime dish—and it’s even easier to make than you might think!
Watermelon cubes are tossed with lime-pickled red onions and topped with creamy feta and fresh mint after being lightly seasoned with a drizzle of olive oil and a bit each of salt and pepper.
1/2 medium watermelon, cut into chunks
Watermelon should be cut into 1/2-inch cubes, but if you have a melon baller, that will work too.
You can use any type of cheese for this salad: feta and goat cheese are my favorite options because they’re milder than cheddar or Parmesan. If you’re planning on serving it as an appetizer at a party or barbecue, I recommend cutting the watermelon into 1/2-inch cubes before adding the other ingredients so that it’s easier to eat with your fingers—but this works equally well as an entrée!
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which can help protect your heart from disease. It’s also rich in vitamin E, which plays an important role in cell growth, immune system function and tissue repair.
1/4 tsp. sea salt, plus more to taste
Salt is a preservative and flavor enhancer. When you’re using salt in your cooking or baking, it’s important to use the right kind for the job at hand—and that means looking at what kinds of salts are available in stores near you.
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
To make the salad dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil and 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste; set aside until needed.
Feta Cheese
5 oz. feta cheese (about 1 cup), crumbled
5 Tbsp. fresh mint or parsley leaves, torn into small pieces
Mint is a fragrant herb that is often used in desserts, though it can be used as a flavoring for other foods too. Mint has a fresh, light flavor that goes well with the sweetness of watermelon and feta cheese.
This refreshing Greek salad is delicious and easy to make.
This refreshing Greek salad is delicious and easy to make. You can use any combination of ingredients you have on hand, but I recommend using leftover watermelon or feta cheese as well as mint or parsley. The olive oil will add extra flavor to your dish, but if you don’t have any on hand, feel free to substitute another type of oil in its place—just be sure that it’s not too heavy!
Tips
Purchasing a seedless watermelon will spare you the hassle of having to remove the seeds before slicing it up.
Use cubed feta cheese if you prefer the cheese to stay hard and separate from the dressing rather than crumbled feta if you wish the cheese to become somewhat creamy and blend into the vinaigrette.
When choosing a watermelon, look for one that is symmetrical in shape, dark in color, and free of shine. A watermelon with shiny skin may be underripe, and one with uneven bumps likely did not get enough sun and water while it was developing.
Watermelon, cucumber, olives, and feta may not seem like an obvious pairing, but after just one tasting, you’ll be persuaded that this savory-sweet summer salad is something truly exceptional. The aqueous mellowness of the melon and cucumber is elegantly contrasted by the astringent punch of the olives and feta. It makes a beautiful light lunch when paired with a chunk of bread, and a delicious summer dinner when paired with virtually any grilled meat or fish.
Although it may seem strange to pair salty feta cheese with sweet watermelon, the two are actually incredibly pleasant and energizing together. As a snack or light supper, it is also a summertime favorite in Greece. This variant transforms this amazing flavor combination into something absolutely memorable by adding paper-thin slices of red onion and a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar.
Since there is no lettuce in this salad that may become soggy, it is the ideal item to bring to a barbecue or picnic. It is also a little unusual and will add color to any buffet table while providing guests with a unique and delectable dish.
This Greek salad is a delicious way to bring some sunshine into your life! It’s easy enough for anyone to make, but still tastes great when served at your next dinner party.
