The perfect mix of sweet and savory, this vibrant Watermelon Salad is bursting with freshness in every bite!
As someone who loves impromptu road trips, one of the most memorable ones I’ve taken was when my husband and I were driving from his hometown in Arkansas down to Louisiana with his parents. It was summertime, and my husband mentioned we should try to find a “Black Diamond” watermelon before leaving Arkansas. I had never heard of them before, but he explained they’re a type of heirloom watermelon that was developed in Arkansas in the 1950s. They’re known for having a super dark rind that is nearly black and a deep red flesh that is intensely sweet.
Excitedly, I started pulling up directions to the nearest supermarket, but they all laughed and said everyone in Arkansas knows the best watermelons are sold on the side of the road. And so began our quest of seeking out a “Black Diamond” watermelon. We drove around small towns, down dusty country roads, and stopped at many local farm stands. Alas, we never did find one and instead settled for buying a regular watermelon, but we sure did have a fun adventure!
Thankfully, you don’t need a fancy heirloom watermelon to make this delicious salad. And you can easily find all the ingredients you need at a regular grocery store (though, far be it from me to discourage you from going on your own watermelon quest!). Juicy watermelon combines with creamy feta for the perfect union of sweet and savory flavors. The addition of zesty lime and fresh mint gives this salad an invigorating zip that’s especially cooling in the hot summer months.
Perfect as a starter or a side, this salad would be a welcome menu item at any of your warm-weather gatherings. In addition to being delicious, it’s a stunning dish that’s also easy to double or triple when serving a large crowd.
Is This Watermelon Salad Healthy?
With watermelon as its base, this salad is clean and healthy. The high water content in the watermelon also offers excellent hydration, especially in the hotter months. Plus, the feta cheese provides a bit of calcium. While the olive oil does contain fat, it’s considered a healthy fat.
This dish is gluten-free and vegetarian, and can easily be made vegan. Simply replace the feta cheese with a vegan alternative. It’s also optional to use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Switch Up Your Salad Flavors
This recipe lends itself well to playing with various flavors. For example, by swapping the mint with basil, you can give the salad a slightly peppier taste. Instead of feta, you could use fresh mozzarella or burrata for a creamier, less salty taste. To give the salad a little more texture, add in some chopped cucumbers or sliced red onions, which would also tip the scales more in the savory direction. For a bit of crunch, you could add chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios. And to give it some heat, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers, or simply a sprinkle of red chili flakes. There are so many tasty ways to customize this dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover watermelon salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing any leftovers, as the watermelon will become mushy upon thawing and the feta is likely to get soggy.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving watermelon salad as a side dish for BBQs and picnics. It pairs especially well with Air-Fryer Hamburgers, Falafel Burgers, Brisket Sandwiches, and Caprese Sandwiches. For other sides, consider serving it with Grilled Corn On The Cob and Ina Garten’s Potato Salad.
Can’t get enough of watermelon and looking for other recipes? Try some refreshing cocktails like this Easy Watermelon Margarita or this Watermelon Mojito. This Summer Maple-Lime Watermelon Zoodle Bowl features edamame for a boost of plant-based protein and tastes like summer in a bowl. Another option is this Shrimp-Avocado Salad With Watermelon, which is light, refreshing, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 5 cups cubed watermelon
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and sea salt to create the dressing.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cubed watermelon and the dressing and toss gently.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and fresh mint. Toss again lightly to distribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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