Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
This Watermelon Feta Mint Salad is unlike any you’ve had before, thanks to a boost of flavor from citrus juice and zest, and lots of seasoning. Plus, the ratio of watermelon to feta is sure to please cheese lovers!
This Watermelon Mint Feta Salad has bright flavors that other recipes don’t!
The popularity of watermelon feta salad had gone up and up in the past few decades, and it seems to be at just about every summer gathering I attend.
The problem is, a lot of times, this salad is BLAND! It shouldn’t be, right? You’ve got juicy watermelon and salty and creamy feta, so what could go wrong?
This recipe solves the trap that many watermelon feta mint salads fall into – under seasoning. Just because the feta is a bit salty doesn’t mean you don’t need to season the watermelon.
And you’ll be surprised what a long way a half a lemon and a half an orange will go towards giving this watermelon salad with feta HUGE, bright flavor.
Why you will love this watermelon feta mint salad
- Ready in 15 minutes or less. And you can serve it as soon as it’s done.
- This salad is highly seasoned and very flavorful, flipping the script on it being the most boring part of a summer potluck.
- The ratio of feta to watermelon is dedicated to all the cheese lovers. For one pound of watermelon, we’re using a full half pound of feta, and it’s cut into large, decadent cubes.
Ingredients For Watermelon and Mint Salad
- watermelon – the star ingredient! It’s refreshing flavor and high water content make it perfect for hot summer days.
- feta cheese – the co-star! Salty and tangy feta adds a creamy element to this salad, and balances the sweetness of the watermelon nicely. More on how to choose the best feta in the next section.
- lemon juice and zest – this enhances the overall fresh taste of the watermelon salad with feta and adds a bright and tangy flavor.
- orange juice and zest – this adds another citrus flavor to the salad, but a slightly sweeter and more aromatic one.
- olive oil – not much at all, but just a tablespoon adds a touch of richness to the watermelon feta mint salad.
- salt and pepper – not to be overlooked with any watermelon feta salad recipe! They balance sweetness and add savory depth.
- fresh mint – this complements the sweetness of the watermelon and adds an herbal note.
What Feta is Best for Feta Watermelon Salad with Mint?
When it comes to choosing the best feta for watermelon & feta salad, I highly recommend a high quality sheep’s milk feta.
This can be either domestic or imported from Bulgaria or Greece, and it will be so much creamier and funkier (in a good way) than a lower-end brand made with cow’s milk.
The rich flavor of the sheep’s milk feta will pair perfectly with the sweet watermelon.
One thing to note is that you want to avoid using pre-crumbled feta if at all possible. This feta watermelon salad recipe calls for large chunks of feta, that you’ll cut yourself from a block of feta.
How to Make a Watermelon Salad With Feta and Mint
- Zest and juice half the lemon and half the orange. Whisk the citrus zest and juice together with the olive oil and salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Chop the watermelon and the feta into cubes roughly the same size.
- Add the watermelon, feta and mint to the bowl with the dressing and toss until everything is well combined.
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How to serve Watermelon and Mint Salad with Feta
You can serve watermelon mint feta salad right away after you make it, or chill it overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
What pairs best with Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
Since watermelon is at its best in the summer, this watermelon feta salad recipe is most often served with summer entrees like a flat iron steak on grill, grilled shrimp kabobs, or some bone-in chicken marinated in buttermilk chicken marinade. Even grilled chicken shawarma makes a great pairing.
If you’d like an additional side dish to round out your meal, I recommend elote corn salad, potato salad with bacon or seafood pasta salad.
Home Chef Tips
- If you’re in a time crunch, buy the pre-chopped watermelon from the store. I won’t tell anybody!
- Be sure to zest half of the lemon and half of the orange BEFORE you juice them. If you try to do it in the other order, it’ll be very difficult.
- Because there are so few ingredients in this salad, you’ll want to use good quality olive oil and a very fresh lemon and orange.
How to store Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days.
Watermelon Mint Feta Salad recipe FAQ
Not everybody loves fresh mint, but the great news is that fresh basil makes the perfect swap for watermelon and feta salad. You’ll add similar freshness and herbal notes with basil.
I prefer using both, but you’re welcome to use just one or the other. In that case, I recommend using the juice and zest of one whole lemon OR one whole orange for watermelon u0026 feta salad.
A block is best, but crumbled will work for this watermelon feta salad recipe just fine in a pinch!
Watermelon and Mint Salad
Ingredients
- Zest of half a lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- Zest of half an orange
- Juice of half an orange
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound watermelon cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces feta cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- In large bowl, whisk lemon zest and juice, orange zest and juice, oil, salt and pepper until well combined.
- Add watermelon, cheese and mint and gently toss until well combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 3 days.
Notes
- If you’re in a time crunch, buy the pre-chopped watermelon from the store. I won’t tell anybody!
- Be sure to zest half of the lemon and half of the orange BEFORE you juice them. If you try to do it in the other order, it’ll be very difficult.
- Because there are so few ingredients in this salad, you’ll want to use good quality olive oil and a very fresh lemon and orange.
