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Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad with mint in a speckled bowl, featuring cubed watermelon topped with crumbled feta cheese.
Layla

Watermelon Feta Salad

Sweet summer watermelon meets salty feta in this refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad that comes together in minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 6 cups seedless watermelon cubed, about 1/2 small watermelon
  • 6 oz feta cheese crumbled, preferably block feta crumbled by hand
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint torn into pieces, loosely packed
  • 1 cup cucumber diced, English or Persian preferred
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
For the Dressing
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large serving bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prep
  1. Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes, removing any seeds you encounter. Spread on a clean kitchen towel and gently pat dry - this prevents the salad from getting watery.
  2. Thinly slice the red onion and soak in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain. Tear mint leaves with your fingers rather than chopping to prevent bruising.
Make the dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust - the dressing should be bright and slightly tangy.
Assemble
  1. In a large bowl, gently combine watermelon, cucumber, drained red onion, and half the mint. Drizzle with dressing and fold carefully with a rubber spatula to avoid breaking up the feta.
  2. Scatter crumbled feta and remaining mint over the top. Grind a little extra black pepper and serve immediately, or chill for up to 30 minutes.

Notes

Use the ripest watermelon you can find - it should feel heavy and sound hollow when tapped. Block feta crumbled by hand is creamier and saltier than pre-crumbled. For a heartier version, add 1 cup of cooked farro or quinoa and serve as a light lunch.