Herb Watermelon Feta Salad: A Refreshing Summer Delight

Summer is the perfect time for light, refreshing salads that burst with flavor. This Herb Watermelon Feta Salad is exactly that – a delightful combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s quick to make, visually appealing, and guaranteed to be a hit at any summer gathering. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the herbs and other ingredients to suit your personal preferences. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds!

## Why You’ll Love This Salad

* **Refreshing:** The combination of watermelon and mint creates a cool and revitalizing sensation, perfect for hot summer days.
* **Flavorful:** The saltiness of the feta cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the watermelon, while the herbs add a layer of complexity and aroma.
* **Easy to Make:** This salad requires minimal cooking and comes together in just a few minutes.
* **Visually Appealing:** The vibrant colors of the watermelon, feta, and herbs make this salad a feast for the eyes.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this salad by adding different herbs, nuts, or vegetables.
* **Healthy:** This salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

* **Watermelon:** 6 cups, cubed. Choose a ripe, juicy watermelon for the best flavor. Seedless watermelon is preferable for convenience.
* **Feta Cheese:** 4 ounces, crumbled. Opt for a block of feta in brine for superior taste and texture. Drain well before crumbling.
* **Fresh Mint:** 1/4 cup, chopped. Mint adds a refreshing and cooling element to the salad. Spearmint or peppermint work well.
* **Fresh Basil:** 1/4 cup, chopped. Basil provides a sweet and slightly peppery flavor that complements the watermelon and feta. Genovese basil is a great choice.
* **Red Onion:** 1/4 cup, thinly sliced. Red onion adds a pungent bite and a pop of color. Soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor if desired.
* **Cucumber:** 1 cup, diced (optional). Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and complements the other ingredients.
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness to the dressing. You can substitute with red wine vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
* **Honey:** 1 teaspoon (optional). Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar. Adjust to your taste.
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Lime Juice:** 1 tablespoon (Optional. Adds a zesty kick)
* **Toasted Pine Nuts or Almonds:** 1/4 cup (optional, for added crunch and flavor)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large bowl
* Cutting board
* Sharp knife
* Small bowl or jar for dressing
* Whisk or fork

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Herb Watermelon Feta Salad:

**1. Prepare the Watermelon:**

* Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Remove any seeds if necessary. Place the cubed watermelon in a large bowl.
* Gently pat the watermelon with a paper towel to remove some excess moisture. This will prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

**2. Prepare the Herbs and Onion:**

* Rinse the fresh mint and basil thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel.
* Chop the mint and basil finely. Add them to the bowl with the watermelon.
* Peel and thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor. Drain well before adding to the salad.

**3. Prepare the Cucumber (Optional):**

* Wash the cucumber and dice it into 1/2-inch pieces. Add it to the bowl with the other ingredients.

**4. Make the Vinaigrette:**

* In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and black pepper.
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add a little more honey for sweetness or balsamic vinegar for tanginess.
* If you like, add a tablespoon of lime juice for a zesty flavor.

**5. Assemble the Salad:**

* Gently crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon, herbs, and red onion.
* Pour the vinaigrette over the salad.
* Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as the watermelon can become mushy.

**6. Garnish and Serve:**

* Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts or almonds (if using) over the salad.
* Serve immediately, or chill for later. The salad is best enjoyed within a few hours of making it.

## Tips for the Best Herb Watermelon Feta Salad

* **Choose a ripe watermelon:** Look for a watermelon that is heavy for its size and has a dull rind. Thump the watermelon; a ripe one will sound hollow.
* **Use high-quality feta:** Feta cheese in brine has a richer flavor and creamier texture than pre-crumbled feta.
* **Don’t overdress the salad:** Add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the watermelon from becoming soggy.
* **Adjust the sweetness and acidity:** Taste the vinaigrette and adjust the honey and balsamic vinegar to your liking.
* **Soak the red onion:** Soaking the red onion in cold water mellows its flavor and makes it less pungent.
* **Add a touch of heat:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.
* **Get creative with herbs:** Try adding other herbs like cilantro, dill, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
* **Chill before serving:** Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
* **Use a mandoline:** Use a mandoline to easily create consistently thin red onion slices. Be careful when using a mandoline and always use the safety guard.
* **Make individual servings:** For a more elegant presentation, assemble the salad in individual bowls or glasses.

## Variations and Additions

This Herb Watermelon Feta Salad is delicious as is, but here are some variations and additions to make it your own:

* **Add greens:** Toss in some baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for added nutrients and texture.
* **Include other fruits:** Add blueberries, strawberries, or cantaloupe for a more complex flavor profile.
* **Add olives:** Kalamata olives or black olives add a salty and briny element.
* **Try different cheeses:** Substitute the feta with goat cheese, halloumi, or mozzarella.
* **Add avocado:** Diced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a touch of heat.
* **Grilled Watermelon:** Grill watermelon slices lightly before cubing for a smoky flavor. Make sure the grill is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Grill for just a minute or two per side.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of a lime or lemon to the salad for a bright, aromatic note.
* **Edible Flowers:** Garnish the salad with edible flowers like pansies or nasturtiums for a beautiful and elegant touch.

## Serving Suggestions

This Herb Watermelon Feta Salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or an appetizer. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Serve it with grilled chicken or fish:** The salad complements grilled protein beautifully.
* **Serve it as a side dish at a barbecue:** It’s a refreshing and flavorful addition to any barbecue spread.
* **Bring it to a potluck:** It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to transport.
* **Enjoy it as a light lunch:** It’s a healthy and satisfying option for a summer lunch.
* **Pair with a crisp white wine:** A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with this salad.
* **Make it a grain bowl:** Add quinoa or farro to make it a heartier meal.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time:

* **Chop the herbs:** Chop the mint and basil and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Slice the red onion:** Slice the red onion and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Soak in water if you’d like to mellow the flavor.
* **Make the vinaigrette:** Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients and store it in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
* **Cube the watermelon:** You *can* cube the watermelon a few hours ahead of time, but it will release more liquid the longer it sits. Pat it dry before adding it to the salad.

Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Herb Watermelon Feta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the watermelon will continue to release liquid, so the salad may become watery over time. It’s best to consume the salad as soon as possible for the best flavor and texture.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

* Calories: Approximately 150-200
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Protein: 4-6 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar?**
A: Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice. The flavor profile will change slightly, so adjust the honey to taste.

**Q: Can I make this salad vegan?**
A: Yes, simply substitute the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative or omit it altogether. You can also add some toasted nuts or seeds for added flavor and texture.

**Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?**
A: While fresh herbs are preferred for their vibrant flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.

**Q: How do I prevent the watermelon from making the salad soggy?**
A: Pat the cubed watermelon with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Also, add the vinaigrette just before serving.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the salad?**
A: Absolutely! Cucumber, bell peppers, and tomatoes are all great additions to this salad.

**Q: What is the best way to store leftover salad?**
A: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The watermelon will continue to release liquid, so the salad may become watery over time.

**Q: Can I freeze this salad?**
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the watermelon will become mushy when thawed.

**Q: Can I grill the watermelon before adding it to the salad?**
A: Yes, grilling the watermelon adds a smoky flavor to the salad. Grill watermelon slices lightly before cubing for a smoky flavor. Make sure the grill is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Grill for just a minute or two per side.

**Q: What if I don’t have honey?**
A: If you don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a pinch of sugar as a substitute. Adjust the amount to your taste.

**Q: How can I make this salad spicier?**
A: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette or add a finely chopped jalapeño to the salad.

## Conclusion

This Herb Watermelon Feta Salad is a simple, yet incredibly delicious dish that’s perfect for summer. The combination of sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh herbs, and tangy vinaigrette is a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s easy to make, visually appealing, and sure to impress your friends and family. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a refreshing and unforgettable summer salad!

Enjoy!