I mixed bites of seedless watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and aromatic basil, then drizzled a touch of balsamic glaze and a pinch of salt over it all. This Watermelon Salad With Feta Cheese harmonizes vibrant summer flavors with a refreshing crunch that has quickly become one of my seasonal favorites.

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I recently came across a salad recipe that totally changed my summer game. I mixed 4 cups of fresh, seedless watermelon chunks with 1 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil.

Then, I drizzled 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze all over the top. The salty feta and the tangy, sweet balsamic perfectly balance the juicy watermelon.

Sometimes I add a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to give it an extra kick, and on days when I’m feeling extra, I pour in a splash of extra virgin olive oil. I gotta say, it reminds me of other cool twists like a watermelon salad with feta cheese balsamic or even a watermelon appetizer idea.

Its simplicity and freshness make it an awesome side dish for BBQs or 4th of July gatherings. Enjoy creatin’ your own summery delight!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how the sweet watermelon chunks mix with the salty feta cheese, it creates the best combo that makes every bite interesting.
2. The fresh basil really brings a cool flavor that makes this salad feel light and fun, especially when heated up summer days hit.
3. I really dig that this recipe is super easy and only takes a short time to chill so its perfect for when I’m in a hurry.
4. Drizzling that balsamic glaze on top gives it a tangy kick which totally cheers up the whole dish and adds a neat twist.

Ingredients

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This juicy fruit hydrates and offers vitamins, fibre, and a refreshingly sweet taste.
Crumbled feta adds protein, calcium, and a tangy creaminess that really elevates the dish.
Fresh basil brings vibrant flavor, essential antioxidants, and a dash of aromatic magic.
Balsamic glaze gives a sweet tang that melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
A pinch of salt perks up the flavors and enhances every bite of the salad.
Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick and enough depth for the summer treat.
Optional olive oil contributes healthy fats, richness, and a smooth finishing touch.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups watermelon chunks, seedless and cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced into thin strips

1/4 cup balsamic glaze

A pinch of salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

How to Make this

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1. Start by cutting and prepping your watermelon into bite-sized, seedless chunks like its already done.

2. Place the 4 cups of watermelon chunks into a large bowl.

3. Add in the 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese right on top of the watermelon.

4. Toss in the 1/4 cup of fresh basil that you sliced into thin strips.

5. Drizzle the 1/4 cup balsamic glaze over the watermelon, feta and basil mix.

6. If you want, pour in the tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to add a little more richness.

7. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top along with some freshly ground black pepper to taste.

8. Gently stir everything together so the flavors all mix up well.

9. Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 10 to 15 minutes so it gets nice and cold.

10. Serve and enjoy your refreshing summer salad perfect for any BBQ or picnic.

Equipment Needed

1. A sharp knife for cutting the watermelon and basil
2. A sturdy cutting board to safely do the chopping
3. A large mixing bowl for combining all the ingredients
4. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately scoop out portions
5. A stirring spoon to lightly toss the salad ingredients together
6. A refrigerator to chill the salad for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving
7. A serving bowl or plates for dishing out the final dish

FAQ

Q: Can I make substitutions for the feta cheese?

A: Sure, if you're not too keen on feta, you can try goat cheese or even a mild blue cheese as an alternative. It might change the flavor a bit but it's still awesome.

Q: Is it necessary to use balsamic glaze?

A: Not really, you can skip the glaze if it's not available. But the glaze adds a nice sweet tang so if you can find it, its highly recommended.

Q: Can I add more ingredients to this salad?

A: Absolutely, some people like adding cucumber or mint to give an extra burst of flavour. Just be careful not to overload it so you still get the watermelon taste.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: The salad is best eaten fresh but if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The texture might change a bit after that.

Q: Should I toss the salad immediately before serving?

A: Yes, toss it just before serving to avoid the watermelon getting too mushy, especially if you've added the balsamic glaze. Enjoy it while its fresh and refreshing!

Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you cant find seedless watermelon, try using honeydew melon for a similar juicy sweetness
If feta cheese isnt your thing, crumble up some goat cheese for a creamier taste
Out of basil? Fresh mint works well to give it a refreshing twist
No balsamic glaze? You can reduce some balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey to get that sticky, sweet flavor
Instead of extra virgin olive oil, a light drizzle of avocado oil can be a good substitute

Pro Tips

1. You can try freezing the watermelon chunks for a few minutes before tossing them in so they stay extra crisp on hot days, but be careful not to overdo it cuz you don’t wanna end up with mush.
2. When adding olive oil, go light on it so it doesn’t mask the tangy flavors of the balsamic glaze and feta, y’know?
3. Give the salad a little extra time in the fridge if you can, so that all the flavors have a chance to really blend together – sometimes even an extra 10 minutes can make a difference.
4. If you’re feelin’ adventurous, drizzle a tiny bit more glaze or add a quick squeeze of lime to amp up the freshness and tang even more.