Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad – Light, Juicy, and Summer-Perfect

There’s something about this salad that instantly takes me back to sticky summer afternoons on the porch, watermelon juice dripping down my chin, and that salty bite of feta stealing the show. It’s simple, but when it hits your tongue—sweet, tangy, peppery, and crisp—you’ll understand why this Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad deserves a spot on every summer table.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Feta Salad

You know those dishes that just taste like sunshine? This is one of them. With juicy cubes of watermelon, crumbly feta, and fragrant basil, this salad delivers a crave-worthy balance of sweet and salty. It’s cooling, refreshing, and comes together in minutes—perfect for lazy summer lunches, beachside picnics, or backyard BBQs. Plus, that drizzle of balsamic glaze? It’s the tangy twist you didn’t know you needed. One bowl, five ingredients, zero stress—fresh watermelon feta salad is your new seasonal staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Key Ingredients

• Fresh watermelon cubes – about ½ a large seedless melon, cut into 1-inch chunks
• Crumbled feta cheese – 4 oz; creamy, salty, and bold
• Fresh basil – 10 leaves, chiffonade-style ribbons for a peppery-herby lift

Optional extras: red onion slivers, sliced cucumber, olives, or mint if you want to mix things up

Dressing (Optional or Suggested)

• Balsamic glaze – sweet and rich, perfect for that finishing touch
• Optional: a squeeze of lime juice, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a splash of citrus vinaigrette

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How to Make Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces. Cold and ripe is best!
• Chiffonade the basil – stack, roll, and slice into fine ribbons.
• Crumble your feta – use a block if you can for maximum creaminess and tang.

• Assemble in a bowl or platter – start with the watermelon, sprinkle on feta, scatter the basil.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. Trader Joe’s balsamic glaze adds a gorgeous sheen and bold flavor.

• Give it a gentle toss if you’d like or serve it layered for a show-stopping look. Either way, keep it chilled and serve immediately.

Tips for Best Results

• Start with a cold, juicy watermelon—it’s the backbone of the whole dish.
• Chill everything beforehand to keep it ultra-refreshing.
• Add the feta at the last minute to prevent sogginess.
• Not a basil fan? Mint works beautifully for a cooler twist—or mix both for a herbal medley.

Variations and Add-Ons

Get creative! This salad loves company:

• Add cucumber or arugula for crunch and contrast.
• Sliced avocado brings creaminess and a buttery bite.
• Swap feta for goat cheese for a tangier, softer texture.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze or honey-lime dressing pulls it all together with a sweet zing.

Serving Suggestions

This fresh watermelon feta salad makes a stunning side or light entrée.

• Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or sunny brunches
• Pair it with grilled chicken or seafood for a balanced summer meal
• Serve it chilled on a shallow platter for a colorful, eye-catching presentation

And if you’re still thirsty after all that watermelon, Pair your salad with a zesty Homemade Lemonade for the ultimate summer combo

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This salad really shines when it’s fresh, but you can prep ahead:

• Cut and store components separately (watermelon, feta, herbs) in airtight containers
• Assemble just before serving to avoid soggy textures
• Leftovers? Still tasty for 1–2 days max if kept cold

FAQs

Ready for more cooling treats? Cool off this summer with a refreshing Watermelon Smoothie packed with natural sweetness.

And if you want to keep up with even more simple summer bites, check us out on Pinterest or say hi on Facebook.

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