Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe with Mint and Balsamic Drizzle
A quick, refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon, tangy feta, fresh mint, and a syrupy balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (if making balsamic reduction)
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless, firm and ripe)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (preferably block feta)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade balsamic reduction)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of sea salt or flaky salt
- Optional: 1 small cucumber, diced
- Optional: Handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- Optional: Thinly sliced red onion or shallots
Instructions
- Prepare the balsamic glaze if homemade: simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar over medium heat until thick and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Let cool.
- Cube the watermelon into uniform 1-inch pieces and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Rinse and roughly chop the fresh mint leaves; add to the watermelon.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon and mint.
- Add optional ingredients like diced cucumber and toasted nuts if using.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the salad, then season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine without crushing the watermelon.
- Just before serving, drizzle 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the salad.
- Give the salad a gentle toss, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Use firm, ripe watermelon to avoid sogginess. Reduce balsamic vinegar slowly to prevent burning. Toss salad gently to keep watermelon cubes intact. Serve chilled but not ice-cold for best flavor. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and drain excess liquid before serving again.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, summer salad, mint salad, balsamic glaze, refreshing side dish, easy salad recipe