Watermelon Peach Feta Salad with Lemon Allspice Dressing
A refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon and peaches with tangy feta cheese and crunchy pistachios. The homemade lemon allspice syrup adds warm spice notes and brightness, making it perfect for barbecues, picnics, or hot weather entertaining. The contrasting textures and flavors create a sophisticated balance that works as both a side dish and light dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon whole allspice
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 10 cups watermelon, bite sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled, bite sized
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- ½ cup pistachios
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
- ½ cup lemon allspice syrup
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- 1
Put sugar, water, lemon zest, allspice and red pepper flakes into a small saucepan
- 2
Cook syrup over medium high heat until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally
- 3
Reduce heat to medium and cook until reduced by half, stirring occasionally
- 4
Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes
- 5
Strain syrup and set aside
- 6
Add watermelon and peaches to a large bowl
- 7
Put allspice syrup, vinegar, lemon juice and salt into a small bowl
- 8
Stir dressing until well mixed
- 9
Pour dressing over watermelon and peaches
- 10
Toss fruit until well covered with dressing
- 11
Chill fruit until ready to serve
- 12
Toss watermelon and peaches with dressing
- 13
Put fruit onto serving platter
- 14
Cover fruit with feta and pistachios
- 15
Garnish with grated lemon zest
- 16
Serve
Tips
Make the syrup up to 3 days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator for convenience.
Chill all ingredients before assembling to keep the salad refreshing in hot weather.
Add feta and pistachios just before serving to maintain their texture and prevent wilting.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 2 days. Add feta and pistachios just before serving.
Make syrup up to 3 days ahead. Prepare fruit mixture up to 12 hours ahead.
Serve chilled as a side dish or light dessert. Best within 2 hours of final assembly.
Common Mistakes
Strain the syrup to avoid bitter spice pieces in the final dish.
Add feta and nuts just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the syrup up to 3 days ahead and the dressed fruit up to 12 hours ahead. Add feta and pistachios just before serving to maintain texture.
What if I cannot find fresh peaches?
You can substitute with nectarines, cantaloupe, or even mango. Frozen peaches work if thawed and drained well, though texture will be softer.
How long will leftovers keep?
Leftover salad keeps refrigerated for up to 2 days, though the feta may become softer and the fruit will release more juices over time.