At a Glance
- Dish: Watermelon salad with feta, mint, sweet onion, and white balsamic
- Flavor Profile: Sweet, salty, herbal, and lightly tangy with crisp, juicy texture
- Key Ingredient: White balsamic adds acidity without overpowering the watermelon or discoloring the feta
- Method: Watermelon, feta, onion, and mint are gently tossed with olive oil and balsamic just before serving
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Effort Level: Very Easy
Why Watermelon and Feta Work So Well Together
This watermelon and feta salad features contrasting flavors in the best possible way: juicy, sweet watermelon, salty feta, crisp onion, and cool mint balanced with a light vinaigrette. It’s a simple combination, but when the ingredients are fresh and properly balanced, the flavors feel layered and refreshing rather than overly sweet.
We use white balsamic vinegar here because it adds mild acidity without darkening the watermelon or feta, though traditional balsamic works too if you prefer a deeper flavor. The salad is best assembled just before serving so the watermelon stays crisp and doesn’t release too much juice into the dressing.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
A few key ingredients make this recipe work – here’s what to know. A complete list with quantities is in the recipe card below.
- Seedless watermelon: A ripe, chilled watermelon gives this salad its best texture and flavor. Pre-cut watermelon can work in a pinch, but whole watermelon is usually sweeter and less watery. Cut the cubes into fairly even, bite-sized pieces so the salad tosses easily.
- Feta cheese: Block feta packed in brine generally has better flavor and texture than pre-crumbled varieties. If your feta tastes especially salty, rinse it briefly under cold water and pat it dry before crumbling.
- Fresh mint: Fresh mint adds brightness and aroma that balance the sweetness of the watermelon and the saltiness of the feta. Slice it just before serving to keep the flavor fresh and the edges from darkening.
- White balsamic vinegar: White balsamic keeps the salad looking bright while adding mild acidity. Regular balsamic can be substituted for a slightly richer, more pronounced flavor.
A Quick Look at Preparation
How to Make Watermelon and Feta Salad
Here’s how this dish comes together, along with a few tips for the best results. Full instructions are in the recipe card below.
This salad comes together quickly, but a gentle hand helps preserve the texture of the watermelon and feta. Start by combining the watermelon, sweet onion, most of the feta, and most of the mint in a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle the salad with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, season lightly with salt and pepper, and toss just until combined. Because feta adds saltiness of its own, it’s best to season conservatively at first and adjust after tasting.
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and finish with the remaining feta and mint for added texture and color. Serve immediately while the watermelon is still cold and crisp.
Tested Tips
- Chill the watermelon before cutting for the best texture and a colder finished salad.
- Dry the cut watermelon lightly with paper towels if it seems especially juicy.
- Toss the salad gently with a large spoon or rubber spatula to keep the feta from breaking down too much.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The watermelon, onion, feta, and mint can all be prepped up to a day ahead and refrigerated separately. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep the watermelon crisp and prevent excess liquid from diluting the dressing.
More Fresh Summer Salads
If you enjoy summer salads made with fresh ingredients, try our Fresh Corn and Tomato Salad with Chive Vinaigrette, a bright summer side with sweet corn and fresh herbs; Avocado Tomato Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing, built around creamy avocado and citrus flavor; and Light and Creamy Coleslaw, a crisp cabbage slaw with a tangy oil-and-vinegar dressing and just enough creaminess for balance.
Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint
Ingredients
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into small (1/2-inch) cubes
- 1/3 cup chopped sweet onion
- 3/4 cup crumbled Feta cheese, divided
- 3 tablespoons chiffonade of fresh mint, divided
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the watermelon, onion, 1/2 cup of the feta cheese and 2 tablespoons of the mint in a mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with the olive oil and vinegar, toss gently and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish and scatter the remaining cheese and mint on top.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is delicious. I never thought to pair watermelon with something savory like onion or feta cheese, but I really like it.
Hi Greta,
I’m happy to hear that you liked the salad. Sweet and savory pairings are a favorite of ours.