Description
A refreshing summer salad with watermelon, feta, blueberries, and balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, preferably block feta in brine
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and dried
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon honey (optional, adjust to taste)
- Pinch of sea salt, or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Wash the watermelon, cut it in half, then slice each half into 1-inch thick rounds. Cut the rounds into 1-inch cubes. Optionally, drain excess liquid in a colander for 15-20 minutes.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, gently combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, blueberries, and thinly sliced red onion. Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint leaves.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lime juice, and honey (if using). Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Dressing and Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Chill (Optional): Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Serve: Serve chilled, garnished with extra mint leaves or crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Choosing Watermelon: Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, has a creamy yellow spot, and sounds hollow when thumped.
- Variations: Add other fruits (strawberries, blackberries, cantaloupe), use different herbs (basil, cilantro), add nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice, use goat cheese or halloumi instead of feta, grill the watermelon cubes, or use vegan feta.
- Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Drain excess liquid before serving.
- Feta Cheese: Use block feta in brine for best flavor.
- Dressing: Substitute lime juice with lemon juice or add more honey for a sweeter flavor.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too watery, drain the watermelon. If it’s too sweet, add more lime juice or balsamic vinegar. If it’s too salty, add more watermelon or blueberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes