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Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Drizzle

fresh watermelon feta salad - featured image

A quick and refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon, tangy feta, fresh mint, and a syrupy balsamic drizzle for a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed (about 600g)
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (about 150g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Optional: 1 cup arugula or baby spinach
  • Optional: thinly sliced red onions
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts
  • Optional: chili flakes or chili-infused olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cut the watermelon into manageable sections and cube about 4 cups (600g) into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) bite-sized pieces.
  2. Rinse fresh mint leaves and gently tear them into pieces about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) long, avoiding chopping.
  3. Pour 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and torn mint leaves. Add arugula or spinach if using.
  5. Drizzle 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of extra virgin olive oil over the mixture. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine without breaking up the watermelon or feta.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving dish and drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction evenly over the top. Garnish with extra mint leaves if desired.
  7. Keep the salad chilled until serving and toss just before serving for best texture.

Notes

Use ripe but firm watermelon to avoid mushy cubes. Tear mint leaves by hand to preserve flavor and appearance. Reduce balsamic slowly on low heat to prevent burning. Assemble salad just before serving to keep watermelon crisp and feta from becoming soggy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping dressing separate if possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, summer salad, mint salad, balsamic drizzle, refreshing salad, easy salad recipe