Description
A vibrant and incredibly refreshing watermelon salad, perfect for hot summer days. This recipe combines sweet, juicy watermelon with salty feta, fresh aromatic mint, and a tangy lime dressing for a burst of summer flavor.
Ingredients
8 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 medium watermelon)
4 ounces good quality feta cheese, crumbled
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chiffonade or roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 1-2 limes)
1 teaspoon lime zest
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Pinch of sea salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the watermelon. Ensure the watermelon is well-chilled. Cut the watermelon into uniform 1-inch cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the mint. Wash the fresh mint leaves and pat them completely dry. Chiffonade the mint by stacking a few leaves, rolling them tightly, and slicing thinly, or simply chop them. Add the mint to the bowl with the watermelon.
Step 3: Crumble the feta cheese. If using a block of feta in brine, drain it and crumble it directly over the watermelon and mint. If using pre-crumbled feta, add it to the bowl.
Step 4: Make the lime dressing. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, lime zest, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to achieve a bright, tangy flavor.
Step 5: Combine the salad. Pour the prepared lime dressing over the watermelon, feta, and mint mixture. Gently toss all the ingredients using a large spoon or spatula until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to mash the watermelon.
Step 6: Chill and serve. For the best flavor and refreshment, cover the bowl and chill the watermelon salad in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve immediately after chilling.
Notes
For best results, always use a perfectly ripe and well-chilled watermelon. Adjust the amount of feta and mint to your personal preference. The dressing can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the fridge. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sides & Salads
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Summer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg