Watermelon and Feta Salad

5 from 1 vote

If there's one salad I can almost guarantee will be eaten the fastest at my summer party, it's this watermelon feta salad.

Based on lots of taste testing, I highly recommend using pickled onions instead of raw (which you will find in most other recipes). This recipe includes tips on how to choose the best juicy watermelon (yes, you can tell from the outside!) and fun variations to switch up the flavor of this recipe (like adding tajin!) Once you've prepped the basic ingredients, you can have this recipe ready for your summer party in literally 5 minutes - it's SO easy!

Prep Time10

Pickled Onion Rest Time1

Total Time1 10

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet:

Servings:

Calories: 158kcal

Author: Allie Petersen

Ingredients

5 cups fresh cubed watermelon (~1 inch cubes)
1/4 cup chiffonade mint *click for demonstration on how to cut
1/3 cup crumbled feta optional: dairy-free version (I used Follow Your Heart or Violife)

Simple Dressing

1 tsp fresh lime zest
2 fresh limes, juiced (at least 3-4 tbsp of lime juice)
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp olive oil

Quick Pickled Onions (optional)

1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
1/4 cup water
3 tbsp white vinegar
2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp regular table salt

Instructions

To start, if you plan to make the pickled onions, make those first.
Simply slice your red onion very thinly and in half slices. Then place in a jar with the rest of the ingredients. Give it a shake/mix well. Place in the fridge for about 1 hour while you prep the other ingredients.
*You could also use store bought pickled onions OR raw red onions for convenience
1/2 medium red onion, 1/4 cup water, 3 tbsp white vinegar, 2 tsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp regular table salt
Whisk your dressing in a small bowl.
1 tsp fresh lime zest, 2 fresh limes, juiced, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp olive oil
In a large bowl, combine your watermelon cubes with your dressing & chiffonade mint. Give it a gentle stir until the watermelon is coated.
5 cups fresh cubed watermelon , 1/4 cup chiffonade mint
Top with crumbled feta and some slices of pickled onions to your liking.
Enjoy right away or chill for a few hours.
Tip: Give this a stir if it has sat for multiple hours to recoat the watermelon with the dressing.
1/3 cup crumbled feta

Notes

Choose the best watermelon at the store:

1. Look for brown webbing - this indicates the watermelon underwent more pollination which can make it sweeter

2. Pick one that feels heavy which can indicate it's full of water & juicy!

3. Check the field spot (aka the spot the watermelon sat in the field) It should be large and yellow - indicating it was on the ground for longer and is likely riper.

Variation Ideas:

Try adding basil instead of mint (or a mix of both)
Add in different fruits like strawberries or blueberries.
Load up on the veggies - add some arugula, cucumbers, avocado, or fresh tomatoes from your garden.
And my favorite variation...add a sprinkle of tajin on top!

Nutrition