Feta Watermelon Salad

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In this Feta Watermelon Salad recipe, savory arugula, sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint and spicy red onion are tossed in a homemade balsamic glaze for a flavorful and refreshing summer side dish. This watermelon salad is easy to make in 15 minutes – a perfect BBQ salad!

Feta Watermelon Salad in a serving bowl with salad servers


We live on salads in the summer. Whether it’s a spinach salad, kale salad, greek salad, quinoa salad, or this refreshing Feta Watermelon Salad, if it’s loaded with greens and summer produce we’re going to love it.

This watermelon salad tastes like summer in a bowl. Savory arugula, sweet watermelon, salt feta and spicy red onion are all tossed in a delicious homemade balsamic glaze for a literal flavor explosion!

It’s easy to make in 15 minutes, so it’s a great dish to bring to a summer barbecue!

up close photo of Feta Watermelon Salad in a serving bowl

Watermelon Salad: Ingredients & Substitutions

ingredients in this Feta Watermelon Salad recipe
  • Arugula. Arugula has a bitter taste, which I believe compliments the sweet watermelon very well. However, if it’s not your favorite green, you can substitute spring mix, baby romaine etc.
  • Watermelon. I suggest using seedless watermelon for the best results. I prefer to chill the watermelon before using it in this recipe. Either 1) chill the whole watermelon then cut it and immediately use it in this salad. Or 2) cut the watermelon and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Red onion. yellow or white onion can be used in place of red.
  • Feta Cheese. If you don’t prefer feta cheese, an aged sharp white cheddar cheese or a creamy goat cheese both taste great in this recipe.
  • Fresh mint. This is optional, but I do suggest using it if you can find it!
  • Balsamic Vinegar. Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar that is thick, naturally sweet, and pours like molasses (not watery). You can also use a store-bought balsamic glaze if you don’t want to make your own.
  • Dijon mustard. Any variety of mustard works well in this recipe.
  • Honey. Maple syrup is a good substitute for honey.
up close photo of Feta Watermelon Salad in a serving bowl

How to Make Feta Watermelon Salad

This watermelon salad recipe is simple to make. We’ll walk through the process step-by-step and don’t forget to watch the video.

Make the Glaze

Begin this recipe by making the glaze. Simply whisk together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl, then set it aside.

photo showing how to make the balsamic glaze for this watermelon salad

Assemble

To assemble the watermelon salad, begin by arranging the arugula in an even layer on a serving dish (I used a large, shallow serving bowl).

Then, evenly spread the watermelon and red onion on top of the arugula.

two photos showing how to make watermelon salad - arranging arugula, watermelon and onions.

Next, sprinkle the feta cheese over the watermelon.

Then, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and gently toss to combine the ingredients.

two photos showing how to make watermelon salad - adding feta cheese and glaze

Lightly season the watermelon salad with freshly ground pepper and sea salt, then garnish with fresh mint, then toss to combine.

Feta Watermelon Salad in a serving bowl

Serve

Serve immediately with your favorite main dishes. Here are some suggestions:

Store

This recipe can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. The arugula will get soggy after that point. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.

Feta Watermelon Salad in a serving bowl with salad servers

Feta Watermelon Salad Recipe FAQs

Can I add avocado to this recipe?

Absolutely, avocado is a great addition to this watermelon salad!

Can I add cucumber?

Yes, crispy cucumber is another great addition to this recipe.

What kind of cheese goes with watermelon?

I think feta is the perfect companion to watermelon. The sweet/salty combo is just so delicious. Creamy goat cheese is also a favorite.

salad servers taking a scoop of Feta Watermelon Salad

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Feta Watermelon Salad Recipe

Laura
In this Feta Watermelon Salad recipe, savory arugula, sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint and spicy red onion are tossed in a homemade balsamic glaze for a flavorful and refreshing summer side dish.
5 from 3 votes
Course Appetizer, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 47
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time12 minutes

Ingredients 
 

  • 2 cups arugula
  • 4 cups watermelon cut into 1” squares and chilled
  • ½ cup red onion finely sliced
  • ½ cup feta cheese
  • ¼ cup Mint julienned (garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Balsamic glaze:

Instructions 

Make the Glaze

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad

  • Arrange the arugula in an even layer on a serving dish (I used a large, shallow serving bowl).
  • Evenly spread the watermelon and red onion on top of the arugula.
  • Sprinkle feta cheese over the watermelon.
  • Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad, and gently toss the salad to combine the ingredients.
  • Sprinkle the top with freshly ground pepper and sea salt, then garnish with fresh mint.
  • Serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Chill Watermelon First
I prefer to chill the watermelon before using it in this recipe. Either:
  1. chill the whole watermelon then cut it and immediately use it in this salad. Or…
  2. cut the watermelon and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Ingredient Substitutions
  • Arugula. Arugula has a bitter taste, which I believe compliments the sweet watermelon very well. However, if it’s not your favorite green, you can substitute spring mix, baby romaine etc.
  • Watermelon. I suggest using seedless watermelon for the best results.
  • Red onion. yellow or white onion can be used in place of red.
  • Feta Cheese. If you don’t prefer feta cheese, an aged sharp white cheddar cheese or a creamy goat cheese both taste great in this recipe.
  • Fresh mint. This is optional, but I do suggest using it if you can find it!
  • Balsamic Vinegar. Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar that is thick, naturally sweet, and pours like molasses (not watery). You can also use a store-bought balsamic glaze if you don’t want to make your own.
  • Dijon mustard. Any variety of mustard works well in this recipe.
  • Honey. Maple syrup is a good substitute for honey.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.75cup | Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 108mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 521IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. 5 stars
    This was so refreshing and delicious, thank you! I had kale in the garden, and just a tiny bit of arugula; the kale worked fine, but I agree, the arugula was spectacular! I’m always a bit afraid of mustard in recipes (afraid it will dominate) so I halved it. I couldn’t detect it, so next time I’ll try the full amount or closer to it. This recipe is well balanced and so good!