Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta

This Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta is a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings or casual meals. The combination of sweet watermelon, fresh herbs, and creamy feta creates a delightful balance of flavors. Serve it as an appetizer or alongside your favorite protein for a light lunch. Not only is this salad gluten-free and nut-free, but it’s also simple to prepare, making it ideal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Bursting with Flavor: The mix of watermelon, basil, mint, and feta creates a vibrant taste that will impress your guests.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side dish, appetizer, or even as a light meal on its own.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh fruits and herbs, this salad is low in calories but high in nutrients.
• Family-Friendly: With its sweet and savory flavors, even kids will love this refreshing salad.

Tools and Preparation

To make the most of your Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta, having the right tools can make the process smoother. Here are some essential tools you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large salad bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large salad bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to toss the ingredients easily without spilling.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for watermelon and cucumber, adding to the presentation.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 5 cups fresh watermelon (cut into bite-size chunks)
• 2 cups cucumber (roughly chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint (roughly chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (roughly chopped)
• 4-6 ounces feta cheese

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons chicken champagne vinegar
• 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

this recipe

How to Make Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Chop the watermelon into bite-sized pieces, roughly chop the cucumber, mint, and basil.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

Place the watermelon, cucumber, mint, and basil into a large salad bowl. Mix them gently to combine.

Step 3: Add Feta Cheese

Break apart the feta cheese into small pieces using your hands or a knife. Add it to the salad bowl and toss everything together until well mixed.

Step 4: Dress Your Salad

Drizzle in the chicken champagne vinegar and olive oil. Start with 2 tablespoons of olive oil; you can always add more later if desired. Mix thoroughly using a large spoon or your hands.

Step 5: Season to Taste

Taste your salad for seasoning. Add kosher salt and black pepper according to your preference. Stir once more before serving.

Enjoy this bright and flavorful Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta as a delightful addition to any meal!

How to Serve Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta

Watermelon basil salad with feta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing starter or a light meal, this salad pairs well with several options.

As a Side Dish

• Grilled Chicken – The juicy flavor of grilled chicken complements the sweetness of the watermelon.
• Fish Tacos – Serve this salad alongside fish tacos for a refreshing contrast.
• Pasta Dishes – Pair it with light pasta dishes for a delightful balance of flavors.

As an Appetizer

• Bruschetta – Start your meal with bruschetta topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, followed by this salad.
• Cheese Platter – Offer this salad as part of a cheese platter to enhance your cheese selections.
• Soup – Enjoy it as a refreshing side to chilled soups like gazpacho.

For Meal Prep

• Lunch Boxes – Pack this salad in lunch boxes for a healthy midday meal option.
• Picnics – It’s perfect for picnics; just keep it chilled until serving.

How to Perfect Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your watermelon basil salad with feta, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavors – Use fresh herbs like mint and basil in generous amounts for vibrant flavors.
• Quality Ingredients – Choose ripe watermelon and high-quality feta cheese for the best taste.
• Chill Before Serving – Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
• Customize Add-Ins – Feel free to add sliced avocado or red onion for extra layers of flavor and texture.
• Taste as You Go – Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting frequently to achieve your desired flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta

When planning a meal, consider these tasty side dishes that complement watermelon basil salad with feta beautifully. Each option adds something unique to your dining experience.

1. Grilled Shrimp Skewers – Lightly seasoned shrimp skewers add protein and are easy to prepare on the grill.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty quinoa pilaf provides a healthy grain option that pairs well with the salad’s freshness.
3. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and vegetables offer visual appeal and deliciousness.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted vegetables bring out earthy flavors that balance the sweetness of the salad.
5. Caprese Salad – This classic Italian dish features fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, making it a perfect pairing.
6. Couscous Salad – A light couscous salad with lemon vinaigrette enhances the overall freshness of your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes that can affect your dish.

• Using Overripe Watermelon: Ensure your watermelon is fresh and firm. An overripe watermelon can become mushy and watery, ruining the salad’s texture.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and mint are essential for flavor. Using dried herbs will not provide the same aromatic experience.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Don’t forget to season your salad. Adding kosher salt and black pepper enhances flavors, so taste before serving.
• Adding Dressing Too Early: Dress the salad just before serving. If you add it too soon, the ingredients can become soggy.
• Not Mixing Properly: Tossing gently but thoroughly ensures all ingredients are coated evenly with dressing, enhancing every bite.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep it in the fridge with no dressing to maintain freshness.

Freezing Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta

• Not Recommended: Freezing this salad is not ideal due to its high water content, which can affect texture when thawed.

Reheating Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta

• Oven: This salad is best served cold; reheating is not recommended.
• Microwave: Avoid microwaving as it will wilt the fresh herbs and alter the salad’s taste.
• Stovetop: Similar to other methods, avoid reheating on the stovetop for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta unique?

This salad combines refreshing watermelon and aromatic herbs with creamy feta, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Can I add other ingredients to my Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding ingredients like avocado or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.

Is Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This salad can be prepped ahead of time but dress it just before serving to keep it fresh.

What proteins pair well with Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta?

This salad complements grilled chicken or shrimp wonderfully, making it a versatile side dish or light meal.

Final Thoughts

The Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta is a delightful mix of flavors that appeals to everyone. Its versatility allows for various customization options based on personal taste. Try this refreshing dish as an appetizer or alongside your favorite protein!

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Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 33 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta is the ultimate summer dish that combines juicy, sweet watermelon with fresh herbs and creamy feta cheese. This vibrant salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also bursts with flavor, making it perfect for warm-weather gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch. The refreshing combination of ingredients offers a delightful contrast of tastes and textures that will impress your family and friends. With its quick preparation time and healthy components, this salad is an effortless addition to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cups fresh watermelon (cut into bite-size chunks)
• 2 cups cucumber (roughly chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh mint (roughly chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (roughly chopped)
• 4–6 ounces feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chicken champagne vinegar
• 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Chop the watermelon into bite-sized pieces and roughly chop the cucumber, mint, and basil.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, mint, and basil gently.
3. Crumble feta cheese over the salad mixture and toss everything together.
4. Drizzle with chicken champagne vinegar and olive oil; mix thoroughly.
5. Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper; stir once more before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. Customize by adding avocado or red onion for extra texture.