Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad

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Updated 2023.

When I think of summer, I think of watermelon by the pool! That’s why one of my favorite warm weather meals is this ultra fresh, fruity salad with a bit of tang from crumbled feta and lemon juice and a kick of brightness from mint (or basil if you prefer!). This salad will be a hit side at your next backyard bbq, but it’s also an easy, healthy lunch to enjoy on your own. Enjoy!

For more summer salads, sides, and starters, check out my Whipped Ricotta Dip, Burrata & Citrus Salad, Cobb Salad Platter, Burrata Crostini, Ultimate Burrata Board, Red, White & Burrata Board, Crudite Platter, and Fresh Fruit Board.

How to Make Watermelon Salad

I like to use cubed watermelon (just make sure you remove the rind first!), but you can use balled watermelon too.

Ingredients

• 1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (see more below!)

• 4 ounces crumbled feta

• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped (I love using this herb cutter!)

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper 

Directions

• Add the watermelon to a medium serving bowl.

• Sprinkle watermelon with feta, mint, and lemon zest. Squeeze lemon juice over top and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Toss until ingredients are evenly distributed and coated, then dig in!

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Other Additions for Your Watermelon Feta Salad

I like to stick to the essentials for this salad, like watermelon, feta, & mint, but there are many additions that are also delicious. Adding one or two items from the below will give it another fun layer of flavor or texture.

• Cucumbers

• Blueberries

• Blackberries

• Balsamic Vinegar

• Honey

How To Cut Watermelon

Cubes

Cut ends off watermelon, then slice of rind and pith. Once you only have watermelon meat, cut in half lengthwise. Slice each half crosswise into half-moons, then slice each half-moon lengthwise into strips, then crosswise into cubes.

Or use this super handy watermelon cutter! Here’s how:

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Balls

Cut ends off watermelon, then slice in half crosswise. Use a melon baller or cookie dough baller and scoop out as many balls as you can!

Wedges

Cut ends off watermelon, then slice in half lengthwise. Place the halves cut-sides down, and cut in half lengthwise again. Slice each quarter crosswise into 1-inch-thick wedges.

How to Shop for Watermelon

You don’t need to knock on every watermelon in the produce stand–we’ve all been there. The truth of the matter is there’s no sure fire way to tell how sweet the watermelon will be until you cut it open and taste it. That being said, there are three important things to look for that will hopefully yield the best results:

• Make sure there are no gashes, dents, soft spots or other damage on the rind. This could mean rotting or other yuckiness!

• Try to pick one that has a uniform shape, whether it’s round or oval! Irregular bumps are bad news.

• Most importantly, look for a ground spot, which is literally the area where the melon sat on the ground as it ripened. You want it to be a buttery yellow color–if it’s white or green, it was likely harvested before it was ripe and won’t be sweet.

Show Me Your Salads

I hope this post inspires you to make a summer salad. Nothing makes me happier than seeing the beautiful snacks and meals you create from my tips. If you make something inspired by this post, please tag me at @ainttooproudtomeg so I can see and share! 

And, If you liked this recipe, please rate and review.