This Watermelon Feta Salad is going to be your go-to Summer salad! It's fresh and colorful and always hits the spot, it's also great to serve as an appetizer for summer gatherings.
I make this Watermelon Feta Salad on repeat every Summer. It's made with my favorite Persian ingredients and flavors, instantly cooling me down on a hot day. It's vibrant, crunchy and so refreshing, and keeps you going back for more. The pairing of juicy watermelon and feta is the perfect mix of sweet and salty, with mint and walnuts adding extra freshness and crunch. Serve it alongside a bbq, picnic or gathering - trust me when I say it wont last long on the table!
A classic Persian combo is feta cheese, mint, cucumber and walnuts which we enjoy wrapped in Persian flatbread. We call this “noon panir sabzi” and it's usually served as an appetizer, snack or part of a traditional Persian breakfast. In summer when watermelons are at their peak, we also enjoy a slice on the side or even add it in the bread...yep in the bread! Here I've taken those classic flavors and turned them into a fresh Watermelon Feta Salad for hot summer days and it tastes like heaven!
Table of Contents
Recipe Highlights
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 15 minutes with simple ingredients and steps
- Fresh & Delicious: Combination of juicy watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese and fresh mint. Nothing better on a hot day!
- Versatile: Great for bbqs, picnics, potlucks or as an easy side or appetizer
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Watermelon is the star of the salad, I prefer picking seedless watermelons for this recipe. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot, as this usually indicates a sweeter, juicer and crisp watermelon
- Cucumber adds a crisp, refreshing bite and crunchy veggies to the salad. Persian or Lebanese cucumbers work best, but English cucumber is also a good swap
- Feta cheese provides a creamy, salty flavor to balance the sweetness of the watermelon. I've used Greek feta for its rich flavor, but other types of feta can also be used
- Walnuts are a traditional ingredient which we use a lot in Persian cuisine. Adding chopped walnuts works so well with the feta and mint for a little crunch and texture. You can swap with almonds, cashews or even pine nuts if needed
- Mint leaves bring freshness that pairs beautifully with watermelon. Fresh basil is another great option, or you could use a combination of both fresh herbs
- Extra virgin olive oil forms the base of the simple dressing, adding richness and helps bring everything together
- Lime juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that balances the sweetness of the watermelon. Lemon juice can be substituted if needed
- Salt balances the flavors of the salad. Start with a pinch then taste and adjust as you prefer
- Other additions - feel free to serve on a bed of arugula, add some other fresh melon cubes, red onion or shallots, and even some tajin or chilli peppers for a little heat
How to make Watermelon Feta Salad
This Watermelon Feta Salad is one of my favorite ways to enjoy watermelon. It uses just a handful of fresh ingredients and a simple homemade dressing. Follow my simple steps below (note quantities are listed in the recipe card below)
Step 1: Cut the watermelon into cubes and add to a large salad bowl
Step 2: Slice the cucumber into thin half moons, cube the feta and add both to the bowl
Step 3: Sprinkle over chopped walnuts and tear in the mint leaves - I prefer to keep the smaller leaves whole
Step 4: Make the dressing by combining olive oil, lime zest, lime juice and a good pinch of salt in a mason jar or small bowl. Stir to combine
Step 5: Just before serving, drizzle over the dressing
Step 6: Gently toss and enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad!
Tips and Tricks
- Serve in a deep salad bowl or platter rather than the usual salad bowl as the watermelon releases a lot of water once left and dressed
- Use cold watermelon straight from the fridge so the salad is crisp and refreshing
- Add the dressing right before serving so it doesn't make the salad watery, then toss the salad gently when combining, so the watermelon doesn't break apart
- To make ahead, add all the ingredients apart from the fresh herbs or walnuts and store covered in the fridge. Then add the herbs, walnuts and dressing right before serving
Storage Instructions
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh on the same day it’s made for the best texture and flavor
- You can store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container and enjoy the next day, however the watermelon won't be as crisp
- Freezing is not recommended
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing salad pairs beautifully as a full meal with grilled chicken or meats, baked salmon and quinoa for light summer savory meals. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with a Mediterranean bowl thats packed with flavor or alongside falafel for a delicious combo. It’s also a great addition to picnics, potlucks and summer gatherings as an appetizer or side.
FAQs
You sure can! Add all the ingredients apart from the fresh herbs and walnuts and store covered in the fridge. Then add the herbs, walnuts and dressing right before serving. Note the watermelon may release liquid and become less crisp over time
Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot on the rind. This usually means it has ripened properly and will be sweet, juicy and crisp
Fresh basil, toasted almonds or cashews, avocado, blueberries, cracked pepper or even a sprinkle of chili or your favorite spice. The options are endless!
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Watermelon Feta Salad:
Fresh Summer Salads
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your photo on Instagram so I can share the love!
Recipe
Watermelon Feta Salad (Summer Favorite)
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed watermelon (~ 4.5 lb / 2kg watermelon slice before cutting)
- 1 Persian or Lebanese cucumber
- 5.5oz / 150g feta cheese
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- Handful of mint leaves
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium fresh lime
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Slice the watermelon into cubes and place them in a large salad platter or deep salad bowl
- Thinly slice the cucumber into thin half moon shapes and cut the feta cheese into small cubes, then add them to the salad bowl
- Sprinkle over the chopped walnuts and roughly tear over the mint leaves - I like to leave the smaller mint leaves whole
- Make the dressing in a glass mason jar or ramekin, by adding olive oil, zest of the lime using a microplane grater then squeeze in the juice, and a good pinch of salt. Stir to combine
- When ready to serve, drizzle over the dressing and give it a light toss and enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad!
Notes
- Watermelon - chill the watermelon before making the salad so it stays crisp and refreshing. When tossing the salad, do it gently to prevent the watermelon from breaking apart
- Make it ahead - you can prepare the ingredients and dressing earlier in the day and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then combine everything, add the dressing and toss just before serving for the best flavor and texture. Keep in mind the watermelon may release liquid and become less crisp over time
- Spice it up - add a pinch of chili flakes for a sweet and spicy twist
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