How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint: A Foolproof Summer Recipe

Watermelon salad with feta and mint first gained popularity during the summer of 2004, according to Google Trends data, and it’s certainly easy to see why. This refreshing combination has become my absolute favorite summer dish—simple, yet bursting with contrasting flavors that perfectly complement each other.

We love how this watermelon feta salad recipe balances sweet juicy watermelon with savory feta cheese and aromatic mint. Indeed, it’s so simple yet so flavorful and refreshing, making it ideal for hot summer days. At just 143-176 calories per serving, this light dish offers a guilt-free way to enjoy something both nutritious and delicious.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make watermelon salad with feta and mint using a whole seedless watermelon (about 8 pounds or 12 cups cubed) and quality feta cheese. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or enjoying it as a quick lunch, this foolproof recipe will become your go-to summer staple. Let’s get started!

Why This Salad Works So Well

The magic of watermelon salad with feta and mint lies in its perfect balance of contrasting elements. This combination creates something greater than the sum of its parts—a refreshing yet satisfying dish that awakens the palate.

The sweet and salty flavor balance

The fundamental appeal of this salad comes from the interplay between sweet, juicy watermelon and salty, tangy feta. This sweet-and-salty combination creates a magical effect when these elements come together. Much like a classic Caprese salad, this pairing juxtaposes a sweet, water-rich fruit with a creamy cheese—mild in one case, sharp in the other.

For optimal flavor, I recommend a 4:1 ratio of watermelon to feta—this proportion hits the perfect balance between sweetness and saltiness. The creamy feta provides protein and calcium while adding a necessary salty contrast that enhances the watermelon’s natural sweetness. Additionally, the variety of textures—crisp, juicy watermelon against creamy, crumbly feta—makes each bite interesting and satisfying.

Why mint makes a difference

Fresh mint isn’t just a garnish—it’s essential to the salad’s success. Mint serves as the bridge between watermelon and feta, bringing everything into harmony with its cooling, fragrant qualities. The herb complements and enhances the watermelon’s sweetness while adding an aromatic dimension.

Beyond flavor, mint offers practical benefits. Its digestive properties help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, potentially reducing bloating and discomfort. Mint has been used medicinally for centuries to aid digestion and healing. Furthermore, it adds negligible calories while providing flavor without additional sodium—helpful for those watching their salt intake.

How lemon zest enhances everything

Although often overlooked, lemon zest is the secret ingredient that elevates this salad from good to extraordinary. A little chopped lemon zest not only adds its own citrusy flavor but also enhances the watermelon’s floral notes and accentuates the feta’s tanginess. As one chef discovered, “A little bit tossed into the bowl and sprinkled on top of the finished salad not only adds a lemony flavor of its own but also brings out the floral notes in the watermelon and the tanginess of the feta, making each ingredient almost taste more of themselves”.

The zest adds a wonderful brightness that ties everything together. When combined with a splash of juice, it creates a bright pop that cuts through the sweetness and saltiness, providing dimension and complexity. This final touch of citrus makes each component shine more brilliantly on its own while contributing to the harmonious whole.

How to Choose the Right Ingredients

Selecting the right ingredients makes all the difference in creating a perfect watermelon salad with feta and mint. Since this recipe has few components, each one needs to shine on its own.

Picking a ripe and flavorful watermelon

The foundation of any great watermelon salad begins with selecting a perfect melon. Look for these key indicators:

Check the field spot – This is the creamy patch where the watermelon rested on the ground. Choose melons with a buttery yellow or orange spot, which indicates it ripened longer on the vine and will be sweeter. Avoid melons with white field spots as they lack flavor.
Feel the weight – Pick a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, indicating higher water content and juiciness.
Listen for the sound – Tap the watermelon. A ripe one produces a deep, hollow sound rather than a dull thud.
Examine the appearance – Select a watermelon with uniform shape, dull (not shiny) skin, and well-defined stripes.

What makes good feta cheese

For watermelon feta salad, I strongly recommend high-quality sheep’s milk feta rather than cow’s milk varieties. Sheep’s milk feta offers a creamier texture and richer flavor that balances the watermelon’s sweetness perfectly. Choose feta packed in brine which maintains moisture and flavor, rather than pre-crumbled varieties which tend to be drier and saltier.

Fresh mint vs dried mint

Fresh mint is absolutely essential – this is one recipe where dried mint simply won’t work. Fresh mint provides the aromatic qualities and cooling effect that makes this salad exceptional. The oils in fresh mint leaves release their refreshing flavor throughout the salad, creating that signature taste impossible to replicate with dried herbs.

Optional herbs like basil or cilantro

Fresh basil makes an excellent complement or alternative to mint, offering sweet, slightly spicy notes that pair beautifully with watermelon. Cilantro creates a more Mexican-inspired flavor profile. For variety, consider fresh parsley or even watercress as substitutes if you prefer different flavor dimensions.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad

Creating the perfect watermelon feta salad is all about technique and timing. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a refreshing summer dish that balances sweet, salty, and herbaceous flavors perfectly.

Cutting and prepping the watermelon

Begin by thoroughly washing and drying your watermelon. Next, slice it in half crosswise (across the middle). Place one half cut-side down on your cutting board for stability. Using a sharp knife held at an angle, cut downward to remove the rind and white flesh completely. Once peeled, slice the watermelon into 1-inch thick slabs, then cut these into even-sized cubes. For consistent results, first cut into strips, then into cubes. Place your watermelon chunks in a large bowl or colander to drain excess moisture as you prep.

Making the lemon or lime dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon or lime juice with 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or lime zest for brightness. For a touch of sweetness, incorporate a tablespoon of honey. Season with a pinch of salt. This simple dressing enhances the watermelon’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.

Tossing with mint and olive oil

Add fresh mint leaves (roughly chopped) to your watermelon cubes. Afterward, drizzle half of your prepared dressing over the watermelon and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Handle the watermelon with care to prevent breaking the cubes. The mint will release its aromatic oils as you toss, infusing the salad with its refreshing flavor.

When and how to add the feta

Finally, add the feta cheese just before serving. You can either crumble it over the top of the dressed watermelon or gently fold it in. For presentation purposes, many chefs prefer adding it last as a topping. This prevents the cheese from breaking down too much or becoming discolored from the dressing. Finish with a light sprinkle of additional mint and the remaining dressing.

Ways to Customize and Serve the Salad

The beauty of watermelon feta salad lies in its versatility – you can easily customize it to suit various tastes and occasions.

Add-ins like cucumber, arugula, or red onion

This forgiving recipe welcomes numerous additions. Thinly sliced red onion or shallots add a sharp, savory bite. Persian or English cucumbers contribute refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with watermelon. For a more substantial dish, serve on a bed of arugula or add avocado for creamy richness. Moreover, you can substitute goat cheese or halloumi for feta or mix in blueberries for added sweetness.

Spicy twists with jalapeño or chili flakes

Introducing heat creates an exciting sweet-spicy balance. Add finely sliced jalapeño adjusted to taste or incorporate diced jalapeño into the dressing for a subtle kick. Alternatively, sprinkle chili flakes or Tajín (a Mexican chile-lime spice blend) over the top for smoky complexity.

Serving ideas for BBQs, picnics, and brunches

This salad shines at summer gatherings. It pairs perfectly with grilled foods like veggie burgers, kebabs, or seafood dishes. Consequently, it makes an ideal side for backyard barbecues. For picnics, consider threading ingredients onto skewers for easy handling or serving in individual portions.

Storage tips and how long it lasts

Ideally, enjoy this salad immediately after preparation. Nonetheless, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, store without the feta and add it just before serving. The watermelon will continue releasing liquid, so drain before reserving.

Conclusion

Watermelon salad with feta and mint truly stands as the perfect summer dish for countless reasons. First and foremost, this refreshing combination delivers an ideal balance of sweet watermelon, salty feta, and aromatic mint that awakens your taste buds with every bite. The contrasting textures – crisp juicy watermelon against creamy crumbly cheese – add another dimension to this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

This salad also offers remarkable versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences by adding cucumber for extra crunch, jalapeños for heat, or serving it atop arugula for a more substantial meal. Additionally, its light nature makes it an excellent companion for grilled dishes at summer gatherings without weighing you down in hot weather.

The preparation process remains wonderfully straightforward. After selecting a perfectly ripe watermelon and quality feta, you need only a few minutes to transform these ingredients into something truly special. The lemon zest and dressing bring everything together, highlighting each component while creating a harmonious whole.

My family now requests this salad at every summer gathering. Though leftovers rarely happen at our house, the salad keeps well for several days when properly stored. Therefore, you might consider making a larger batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Give this watermelon feta mint salad a try during your next summer meal. The beautiful combination of flavors, textures, and colors will surely make it a staple in your warm-weather recipe collection. Your guests will thank you, and you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed summer without this refreshing, foolproof dish on your table.

FAQs

Q1. How long does watermelon feta salad last in the refrigerator? When stored properly in an airtight container, watermelon feta salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For best results, store the feta separately and add it just before serving.

Q2. Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint in watermelon feta salad? Fresh mint is essential for this salad. Dried mint won’t provide the same aromatic qualities and cooling effect that make this salad exceptional. The oils in fresh mint leaves release their refreshing flavor throughout the salad, creating a signature taste that can’t be replicated with dried herbs.

Q3. What are some good additions to customize watermelon feta salad? You can customize your watermelon feta salad by adding thinly sliced red onion, cucumber for crunch, or arugula for a more substantial dish. For a spicy twist, try adding finely sliced jalapeño or sprinkling chili flakes on top. You can also experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or halloumi.

Q4. How do I choose the best watermelon for this salad? To select the perfect watermelon, look for one with a yellow or orange field spot (the area where it rested on the ground), which indicates it ripened longer on the vine. Choose a melon that feels heavy for its size and produces a deep, hollow sound when tapped. The appearance should be uniform with dull skin and well-defined stripes.

Q5. What’s the ideal ratio of watermelon to feta in this salad? For the best flavor balance, aim for a 4:1 ratio of watermelon to feta. This proportion provides the perfect balance between the sweetness of the watermelon and the saltiness of the feta cheese, ensuring that neither ingredient overpowers the other.