Watermelon Salad with Feta, Onion, and Basil
This watermelon salad combines juicy watermelon with feta, red onion, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a balsamic reduction. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and salty flavors, easy to prepare, and ideal for a refreshing summer dish.
THE APPEAL OF WATERMELON SALAD
Watermelon has long been a popular choice for summer, and when paired with savory elements like feta and a balsamic glaze, it becomes a unique and refreshing salad option. The sweetness of the watermelon complements the saltiness of the feta, while the fresh basil adds a fragrant touch. This simple yet flavorful salad is sure to become a favorite at summer gatherings, especially when temperatures rise and lighter meals are more desirable.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Refreshing and Light: This watermelon salad combines the juicy sweetness of watermelon with the tangy creaminess of feta and the fresh aroma of basil, making it a perfect light dish for the warmer months.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of watermelon, feta, and basil create a visually stunning dish that’s not only delicious but also appealing to the eye.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is quick and convenient, even for beginner cooks.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require many ingredients, yet each one plays a key role in bringing out the best flavors:
- Watermelon: The star of this dish, providing hydration and a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and other beneficial compounds.
- Feta: Crumbled feta offers a salty contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon. Choose good-quality feta for the best results.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild sharpness that complements the other ingredients. Yellow onion can be used as an alternative, but red onion provides more color and a milder flavor when served raw.
- Basil: Fresh basil ties all the flavors together, but mint can be used as a substitution for a different twist. A combination of both herbs can also be very refreshing.
- Red Wine Vinegar & Olive Oil: These ingredients help bring the salad’s flavors to life with acidity and richness.
- Black Pepper: Adds a bit of seasoning to enhance the flavors and add a mild kick.
- Balsamic Reduction: A lightened-up balsamic reduction made with balsamic vinegar and coconut sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory components. The reduction also thickens and intensifies the balsamic’s natural sweetness.
NOTES & SUBSTITUTIONS
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version of this salad, simply omit the feta or replace it with a dairy-free alternative made from tofu or nuts.
- Herb Alternatives: If basil isn’t your favorite, mint can be a great substitute. Dill could work as well, depending on your preference.
- Balsamic Reduction Shortcut: If you’re short on time, a store-bought balsamic glaze will work well. You can also skip the reduction entirely, though it adds a lovely sweetness. Reducing the balsamic reduction will also lower the sugar content of the dish.
HOW TO MAKE WATERMELON SALAD
- Combine coconut sugar and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes to create a balsamic reduction.
- Add the salad ingredients (watermelon, feta, onion, basil) to a large bowl.
- Toss all the ingredients together and transfer to a serving plate. Drizzle with the balsamic reduction before serving and enjoy!
RECIPE TIP
For the best flavor and texture, chill the watermelon and feta before preparing the salad. This helps keep the salad refreshing and allows the flavors to blend together more effectively. Chilling the serving bowl can also keep the salad cooler for longer, especially if you’re dining outdoors.
HOW TO SERVE WATERMELON SALAD
Watermelon is naturally hydrating and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for summer picnics, barbecues, or potlucks. It’s a dish that is sure to please a crowd. While this salad is light and works well as a side dish, there are easy ways to turn it into a more substantial meal:
- Serve it on a bed of leafy greens such as arugula, spinach, or romaine to add fiber and volume.
- Pair it with grilled shrimp, chicken, or salmon for a complete meal that includes protein.
- Add sliced avocado or a handful of walnuts for healthy fats that will make the salad more filling.
- Sprinkle in some cooked quinoa or farro for a grain boost and added texture.
This salad also works well when served in individual cups or jars for a picnic or gathering, offering a mess-free and elegant presentation.
HOW TO STORE WATERMELON SALAD
For the best taste and texture, this salad is best served fresh. However, if you need to make it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Keep in mind that the salad may lose its crispness over time, so it’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later. If storing leftovers, avoid adding the balsamic drizzle until you’re ready to eat to keep the salad from becoming soggy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I USE DRIED HERBS INSTEAD OF FRESH BASIL OR MINT?
Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but dried herbs can work too. Just use a smaller amount—about one-third—as dried herbs are stronger in taste.
WHAT OTHER FRUITS CAN I ADD TO THIS SALAD?
You can try adding strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. They go well with the watermelon and add more fruity flavor to the dish.
CAN I MAKE THIS SALAD SPICY?
Yes, you can add a little heat by using thinly sliced jalapeños or a small pinch of red pepper flakes. It adds a nice kick without being too strong.
CAN I PREPARE THIS SALAD AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes, just keep the ingredients separate in the fridge. Mix everything together and add the balsamic drizzle right before serving to keep it fresh and tasty.
Watermelon Salad with Feta, Onion, and Basil
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh watermelon cut into cubes
- ½ cup crumbled feta
- ½ cup thin-sliced red onion
- A handful of chopped fresh basil or mint your choice!
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- Black pepper just a pinch
For the Balsamic Drizzle
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp coconut sugar
Instructions
- Balsamic Drizzle First: In a small pan, mix the balsamic vinegar and coconut sugar. Heat it on medium until it bubbles a bit, then let it simmer down until it thickens (about 6–8 minutes). Let it cool while you prep the salad.
- Toss Everything Together: In a big bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, red onion, feta, and fresh herbs. Pour in the olive oil and red wine vinegar, and give it a gentle mix. Add black pepper if you’d like a little kick.
- Final Touch: Just before serving, drizzle that cooled balsamic reduction over the salad. Serve right away using a slotted spoon—it gets juicy fast!
Notes
- No feta? Go ahead and skip it or use a dairy-free version to keep it vegan.
- Not feeling basil? Mint makes it super fresh and summery.
- In a rush? You can totally use store-bought balsamic glaze or leave it out—the salad still holds up beautifully on its own.
- Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.
Nutrition
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