In this Feta Watermelon Salad recipe, savory arugula, sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint and spicy red onion are tossed in a homemade balsamic glaze for a flavorful and refreshing summer side dish. This watermelon salad is easy to make in 15 minutes - a perfect BBQ salad!
We live on salads in the summer. Whether it's a kale salad, greek salad, quinoa salad, or this refreshing Feta Watermelon Salad, if it's loaded with greens and summer produce we're going to love it.
This watermelon salad tastes like summer in a bowl. Savory arugula, sweet watermelon, salt feta and spicy red onion are all tossed in a delicious homemade balsamic glaze for a literal flavor explosion!
It's easy to make in 15 minutes, so it's a great dish to bring to a summer barbecue!
Watermelon Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions
- Arugula. Arugula has a bitter taste, which I believe compliments the sweet watermelon very well. However, if it's not your favorite green, you can substitute spring mix, baby romaine etc.
- Watermelon. I suggest using seedless watermelon for the best results. I prefer to chill the watermelon before using it in this recipe. Either 1) chill the whole watermelon then cut it and immediately use it in this salad. Or 2) cut the watermelon and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Red onion. yellow or white onion can be used in place of red.
- Feta Cheese. If you don't prefer feta cheese, an aged sharp white cheddar cheese or a creamy goat cheese both taste great in this recipe.
- Fresh mint. This is optional, but I do suggest using it if you can find it!
- Balsamic Vinegar. Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar that is thick, naturally sweet, and pours like molasses (not watery). You can also use a store-bought balsamic glaze if you don't want to make your own.
- Dijon mustard. Any variety of mustard works well in this recipe.
- Honey. Maple syrup is a good substitute for honey.
How to Make Feta Watermelon Salad
This watermelon salad recipe is simple to make. We'll walk through the process step-by-step and don't forget to watch the video.
Make the glaze
Begin this recipe by making the glaze. Simply whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl, then set it aside.
Assemble the feta watermelon salad
To assemble the watermelon salad, begin by arranging the arugula in an even layer on a serving dish (I used a large, shallow serving bowl).
Then, evenly spread the watermelon and red onion on top of the arugula.
Next, sprinkle the feta cheese over the watermelon.
Then, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and gently toss to combine the ingredients.
Lightly season the watermelon salad with freshly ground pepper and sea salt, then garnish with fresh mint, then toss to combine.
Serve
Serve immediately with your favorite main dishes. Here are some suggestions:
- Lemon chicken kebabs
- BBQ chicken sandwiches
- Egg salad sandwiches or chicken salad sandwiches.
Store
This recipe can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. The arugula will get soggy after that point. I don't recommend freezing this recipe.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely, avocado is a great addition to this watermelon salad!
Yes, crispy cucumber is another great addition to this recipe.
I think feta is the perfect companion to watermelon. The sweet/salty combo is just so delicious. Creamy goat cheese is also a favorite.
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Feta Watermelon Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups arugula
- 4 cups watermelon cut into 1” squares and chilled
- ½ cup red onion finely sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese
- ¼ cup Mint julienned (garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic glaze:
- 1 TBS balsamic vinegar high quality, thick, sweet
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
Make the glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Set aside.
Assemble the salad.
- Arrange the arugula in an even layer on a serving dish (I used a large, shallow serving bowl).
- Evenly spread the watermelon and red onion on top of the arugula.
- Sprinkle feta cheese over the watermelon.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad, and gently toss the salad to combine the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the top with freshly ground pepper and sea salt, then garnish with fresh mint.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Chill watermelon first
I prefer to chill the watermelon before using it in this recipe. Either:- chill the whole watermelon then cut it and immediately use it in this salad. Or...
- cut the watermelon and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Arugula. Arugula has a bitter taste, which I believe compliments the sweet watermelon very well. However, if it's not your favorite green, you can substitute spring mix, baby romaine etc.
- Watermelon. I suggest using seedless watermelon for the best results.
- Red onion. yellow or white onion can be used in place of red.
- Feta Cheese. If you don't prefer feta cheese, an aged sharp white cheddar cheese or a creamy goat cheese both taste great in this recipe.
- Fresh mint. This is optional, but I do suggest using it if you can find it!
- Balsamic Vinegar. Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar that is thick, naturally sweet, and pours like molasses (not watery). You can also use a store-bought balsamic glaze if you don't want to make your own.
- Dijon mustard. Any variety of mustard works well in this recipe.
- Honey. Maple syrup is a good substitute for honey.
Nutrition
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Photos in this post were taken by Jamie from Dishing Out Health.
Amy-Sun
This was so refreshing and delicious, thank you! I had kale in the garden, and just a tiny bit of arugula; the kale worked fine, but I agree, the arugula was spectacular! I'm always a bit afraid of mustard in recipes (afraid it will dominate) so I halved it. I couldn't detect it, so next time I'll try the full amount or closer to it. This recipe is well balanced and so good!