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Fresh Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

fresh watermelon feta mint salad - featured image

A quick, easy, and refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and a tangy balsamic reduction for a perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 600 grams)
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 150 grams)
  • ½ cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
  • Pinch of sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, optional
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for balsamic reduction)

Instructions

  1. Cut seedless watermelon into roughly 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups or 600 grams). Remove seeds if using seeded watermelon. Place cubes in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Rinse fresh mint leaves under cold water, pat dry, and chop finely to make about ½ cup loosely packed.
  3. Pour ½ cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup if desired. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until thickened to about half its original volume and coats the back of a spoon (8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Add crumbled feta cheese and chopped mint to the watermelon cubes in the mixing bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
  5. Gently toss the ingredients to distribute feta and mint evenly without breaking up the watermelon.
  6. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired. Toss again.
  7. Drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the salad just before serving.

Notes

Chill watermelon beforehand for extra refreshing bite. Make balsamic reduction in advance and store in fridge up to a week. Use balsamic reduction sparingly to avoid overpowering flavors. Add mint just before serving to keep freshness. For dairy-free option, substitute feta with cubed avocado or vegan cheese. Variations include adding chili flakes for heat or swapping watermelon with peaches or nectarines.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, mint salad, balsamic reduction, summer salad, healthy side, easy salad, refreshing salad