Watermelon Mint Salad with Feta

Make this fresh watermelon mint salad with feta for an easy summer side dish. It’s perfect for any family gathering or summer party!

Up today is a refreshing salad recipe that combines watermelon, mint, feta, and a delicious olive oil dressing. Some of you may think that watermelon is perfect on its own, and it is…but this recipe dresses it up a bit, and creates the perfect balance of ingredients. This watermelon mint salad is colorful, amazingly fresh, and perfect for an al fresco dinner on a hot summer day. It’s a great side dish for a summer BBQ or summer potluck. 

Why This Recipe Works

• Refreshing flavor combination: the sweet and juicy watermelon is the star of the show, and pairs perfectly with the cool, refreshing mint, creating a delightful taste sensation. This perfect summer salad is simple to make, and chopping the ingredients is extremely satisfying.
• Salty-sweet balance: feta cheese adds a tangy, salty contrast to the sweet watermelon, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Variety of textures: the crisp and juicy texture of the watermelon complements the creamy, crumbly feta cheese and the soft, slightly chewy mint leaves, making each bite interesting and satisfying.
• Hydrating and nutritious: Watermelon is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and has high water content, while feta cheese provides protein and calcium. Mint leaves have digestive benefits, making this summer salad a healthy and hydrating choice.

Ingredient Notes + Variations

• It’s okay if the dressing settles at the bottom of the bowl. One of my favorite ways to deal with this is to use a slotted spoon when serving this delicious watermelon salad.
• Feel free to adjust the amounts of mint and salty feta cheese to your liking. The dressing provided can cover up to 10 cups of watermelon, so use more if desired.

If you are looking for some variations to enhance your salad recipe, try the following:

• Add a protein: Include grilled protein such as chicken or shrimp for a more filling and protein-rich salad.
• Switch the cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese, blue cheese, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Incorporate other fruits: Add sliced strawberries, peaches, or pineapple to the salad for extra sweetness and variety.
• Toss in some veggies: Mix in english cucumbers, arugula, spinach, or baby kale for a more substantial salad with added nutrients.
• Add nuts or seeds: Sprinkle toasted almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for added texture and crunch.
• Herb variations: Experiment with other fresh herbs like fresh basil leaves, cilantro, or parsley instead of, or in addition to, the mint.
• Vary the dressing: for a completely different taste, substitute balsamic vinegar for the lime juice.
• Spice it up: a great way to add a spicy kick is to sprinkle the salad some chili flakes or add thinly sliced jalapeños.
• Sweet and savory: Include thin red onion slices or pickled onions to introduce a savory element to the salad.
• Grill the watermelon: For a unique twist, grill the watermelon slices before adding them to the salad, enhancing the natural sweetness and adding a smoky flavor.

How To Make Watermelon Mint Salad with Feta Cheese

• Place chopped watermelon in a large bowl.
• Combine olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper. Whisk well.
• Pour olive oil dressing over watermelon and toss very gently.
• Sprinkle with chopped mint and crumbled feta. Toss again so all ingredients are combined.
• Serve immediately. If you are waiting to serve, refrigerate until ready.

Helpful Tips

Selecting the right watermelon: Choose a ripe watermelon that feels heavy for its size, and has a uniform shape. A creamy yellow spot on the rind indicates where the fruit rested on the ground and ripened in the sun, which is a good sign of a ripe and sweet watermelon.

Chilling the ingredients: For optimal flavor and a refreshing experience, chill the watermelon, mint, and feta cheese before assembling the salad. This ensures that each component maintains its freshness and texture when combined. Plus, if you are making this as a summer meal, the heat can quickly impact the ingredients.

Balancing the flavors: Taste the salad as you assemble it, adjusting the amount of feta and mint according to your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this watermelon feta salad recipe ahead of time? 

While it’s best to serve the salad immediately after preparation, you can chop the watermelon, mint, and cheese in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and assemble the salad at the last minute, just before serving.

How long will this salad stay fresh in the refrigerator? 

This watermelon salad recipe with feta cheese is best enjoyed within 1-2 days as the watermelon tends to release moisture over time, which can make the salad soggy. Keep it in an airtight container and keep a little dressing to one side to add if it seems to have dried a little while in the refrigerator.

Can I use frozen watermelon for this recipe? 

It’s preferable to use fresh watermelon for this salad, as frozen watermelon may become mushy and watery once thawed, affecting the overall texture and taste of the dish.

Can I substitute the feta cheese with a non-dairy alternative? 

Yes, you can use a piece of vegan feta cheese or any other non-dairy cheese that has a tangy, salty flavor profile similar to feta cheese.

Will this salad work for a low-carb or keto diet? 

While watermelon is relatively low in carbs compared to other fruits, it may not be suitable for strict low-carb or keto diets due to its natural sugar content. If you’re following a specific diet, check the nutritional information and adjust the portion size accordingly.

More Salad Recipes

• Easy Pasta Salad
• Honeycrisp Apple Salad
• Citrus Salad with Fresh Orange Vinaigrette Dressing