Summery Watermelon Feta Salad with Fresh Herbs
Bright, refreshing salad combining sweet watermelon with creamy barrel-aged feta, crisp cucumber and radishes, fresh mint and basil, finished with lemon zest, olive oil and balsamic glaze. No cooking required.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe mini watermelon, sliced into rounds then cut into rough triangles
- ½ cucumber, halved lengthways with seeds removed then cut into half moons
- 2 ¾ oz mixed radishes, thinly sliced
- 1 ¾ cups barrel aged feta cheese, crumbledregular feta1:1dairy
milder flavor, similar texture
- fresh mint leaves, shredded
- fresh basil leaves, large leaves torn
- 1 unwaxed lemon, zest
- fruity Greek olive oilextra virgin olive oil1:1neutral
different flavor profile but similar quality
- balsamic glaze
- pitted kalamata olives(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Slice the watermelon into rounds, then cut into rough triangles without peeling.
- 2
Halve the cucumber lengthways, remove seeds, then cut into half moons.
- 3
Thinly slice the radishes.
- 4
Crumble the feta cheese.
- 5
Shred the mint leaves. Tear any large basil leaves.
- 6
Arrange watermelon triangles on a platter and scatter over cucumber, radishes, feta, mint, basil and lemon zest.
- 7
Season with freshly ground black pepper.
- 8
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
- 9
Add kalamata olives if desired.
Tips
Choose a ripe mini watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot on one side.
Assemble just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and prevent wilting of herbs.
Good to Know
Assemble and serve immediately. Watermelon weeps liquid and herbs wilt if dressed ahead.
Prepare individual components separately up to 4 hours ahead. Store watermelon and cucumber chilled. Keep herbs wrapped in damp paper towel. Assemble just before serving.
Serve at room temperature or chilled, depending on preference. Pairs well with grilled proteins or as a light standalone course.
Common Mistakes
Do not assemble salad more than 30 minutes ahead to avoid watermelon releasing excess liquid and wilting the herbs.
Do not skip removing cucumber seeds to avoid watery salad.
Do not use jarred lemon zest instead of fresh to maintain bright, complex citrus flavor.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
milder flavor, similar texture