Watermelon feta mint salad for BBQ

The first warm weekend of the year, my kitchen smells like cut watermelon and fresh mint, and that means I'm making my Watermelon Feta Salad again. It's the one dish my whole family asks for the second the days get long.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Watermelon Feta Salad
• Simple Ingredients For Watermelon Feta Salad
• How To Make Watermelon Feta Salad
• Storage And Reheating Notes
• Easy Variations For Watermelon Feta Salad
• Watermelon Feta Salad FAQs
• Recipes You May Like
• Final Thoughts On This Watermelon Feta Salad
• Watermelon Feta Salad

Last June we had a few neighbors over on the rooftop, and I needed something fast that I didn't have to fuss over. I tossed this together in the time it took Donald to set up the speaker. People kept going back for more, and one neighbor asked me for the recipe before she even finished her plate.

Here's the thing. This salad looks fancy and a little unexpected, but it's about as simple as cooking gets. You cube some sweet watermelon, add salty feta, a little red onion, fresh mint, and a light drizzle of balsamic. That's it. No oven, no stove, no stress.

If you love throwing together cool, no fuss sides when it's hot out, you'll probably also reach for my Greek pasta salad on repeat all summer the way I do.

Why You Will Love This Watermelon Feta Salad

I've made this more times than I can count, and it keeps earning its spot at every cookout. Here's why I think you'll feel the same way.

• Ready in about 10 minutes from start to finish, with zero cooking
• Sweet and salty in every bite, which sounds odd until you try it
• Made with real, simple ingredients you can grab at any market
• Looks colorful and pretty on the table without any effort
• Great for BBQs, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners at home
• Naturally gluten free and full of fresh, light flavor

Ever taste something so plain and wonder how it can be that good? That's the reaction I get every single time I serve this one.

Simple Ingredients For Watermelon Feta Salad

You only need a handful of things here, and most of them you can find anywhere. I'll share a few notes from my own kitchen so yours turns out great too.

• 6 cups cubed watermelon, the sweeter and riper the better
• ½ red onion, finely chopped for a little bite
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (I buy a block and crumble it myself)
• ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, optional but so good

A quick word on the feta. Pre crumbled feta is fine in a pinch, but a block of real feta has so much more flavor and a creamier texture. I learned that the hard way one summer when the salad tasted flat, and the cheese was the only thing I'd changed.

If you don't love raw onion, soak the chopped pieces in cold water for five minutes first. It softens that sharp taste and Sarah actually eats the onion this way.

How To Make Watermelon Feta Salad

The steps could not be easier, so I'll walk you through them the way I'd show a friend standing in my kitchen. I broke it into a few small parts so nothing feels rushed.

Prep The Watermelon

Cut your watermelon into bite sized cubes, about one inch each. Try to drain off any extra liquid from the cutting board so the salad doesn't get watery.

I let Alex help with this part now that he's 12, and he takes the job very seriously.

Add The Mix Ins

Add the chopped red onion, crumbled feta, and fresh mint right on top of the watermelon in a large bowl. Give everything a gentle stir so the feta doesn't break down too much.

You want soft folds here, not heavy mixing. The goal is keeping those pretty pink cubes intact.

Finish With Balsamic

Right before serving, drizzle the balsamic vinegar or glaze lightly over the top. Start small, taste, and add more if you want.

Serve it chilled. Honestly, that cold first bite on a hot day is the whole point.

Storage And Reheating Notes

This Watermelon Feta Salad really is best the moment you make it, since watermelon lets go of its juice as it sits. That said, leftovers still have a home in my fridge.

Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. Drain off the liquid before you serve it again, and maybe add a little fresh mint to wake it back up.

There's no reheating with this one, which is part of why I love it in summer. Keep it cold and eat it cold. If you know you'll have leftovers, hold off on the balsamic until each serving so it stays fresh and bright.

Easy Variations For Watermelon Feta Salad

After making this so often, I've played around with a few fun twists. Want to make it your own? Try one of these.

• Add cucumber for extra crunch and a cooler bite
• Swap mint for fresh basil if that's what you have on hand
• Toss in a handful of arugula to turn it into a light meal
• Sprinkle on toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios for texture
• Squeeze a little fresh lime over the top for a tangy lift
• Use a drizzle of honey instead of balsamic for a sweeter version

One thing to watch out for is overdressing. A heavy hand with the balsamic can take over the whole bowl, and then you lose that clean watermelon taste. Go light, and you really can't mess this up.

Watermelon Feta Salad FAQs

I get the same questions from friends every summer, so let me answer the ones that come up most often.

What Goes Well With Watermelon Feta Salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with anything off the grill. I love it next to grilled chicken, burgers, BBQ ribs, or simple grilled shrimp. It also rounds out a potluck table full of heavier dishes, since it's so light and cooling. When I make it for a crowd, I usually set it beside a pasta salad and some grilled corn.

Can I Make Watermelon Feta Salad Ahead Of Time?

You can prep the pieces ahead, but I don't recommend mixing it all together early. Cube the watermelon, chop the onion and mint, and crumble the feta, then store them separately in the fridge. Toss everything together right before serving, and add the balsamic last. This keeps the salad crisp instead of soggy.

What Type Of Feta Cheese Is Best For Watermelon Salad?

A block of real feta wins every time for me. It has a creamier texture and a richer, saltier taste than the pre crumbled kind. Just crumble it yourself with your fingers or a fork right before you add it. Greek or Bulgarian feta both work great in this Watermelon Feta Salad.

Do You Have To Add Balsamic Glaze To Watermelon Feta Salad?

Not at all. The salad is lovely on its own with just the watermelon, feta, onion, and mint. The balsamic adds a sweet, tangy finish that I personally love, but it's totally optional. If you skip it, a tiny squeeze of lime or a pinch of flaky salt does the trick too.

Recipes You May Like

If this fresh summer side is your kind of thing, here are three more from my kitchen I think you'll enjoy.

• Creamy Cucumber Salad with a Sweet Twist is another cool, crisp side that's ready in minutes.
• Easy Caprese Pasta Salad for a Fresh Flavor Boost brings the same fresh, summery feel with a little more heft.
• Creamy Macaroni Salad for Your Next BBQ is the cookout classic I always serve right alongside this one.

Final Thoughts On This Watermelon Feta Salad

So there you have it, my go to Watermelon Feta Salad that takes about 10 minutes and brings sweet, salty, fresh flavor to any summer table. Cube the watermelon, fold in the feta, onion, and mint, then drizzle with balsamic right before serving. That's truly all there is to it.

I love this salad because it feels a little special without asking much of me, and that's exactly the kind of cooking I believe in. My kids reach for it, my husband sneaks bites straight from the bowl, and our guests always ask how I made it.

Give it a try at your next BBQ and let me know how it turns out for you. And if you love it as much as we do, save it to your Pinterest board so it's ready when the weather warms up.

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