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Refreshing Watermelon Feta Mint Salad with Easy Balsamic Glaze

watermelon feta mint salad - featured image

A bright, briny, and sweet summer salad featuring juicy watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for backyard barbecues and warm-weather gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
  • 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (from a block)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
  • 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced (soaked in cold water for 10 minutes, drained)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 23 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon)
  • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 handful arugula (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)
  • 1/2 lime, zest only (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the watermelon (5 minutes): Cut watermelon in half crosswise, then into 1-inch thick rounds. Remove rind and cut flesh into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups). Pat cubes dry with a paper towel if wet. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Soak the red onion (10 minutes): Thinly slice red onion into half-moons. Place in a small bowl of cold water and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
  3. Prepare the mint (2 minutes): Stack mint leaves, roll tightly, and slice crosswise into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
  4. Assemble the base (2 minutes): Add drained red onion and most of the mint ribbons to the bowl with watermelon. Gently toss to combine.
  5. Add the feta (2 minutes): Crumble block feta over the top of the salad. Do not stir in yet.
  6. Drizzle the dressing (1 minute): Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the top. Start with 2 tablespoons of glaze. Season with flaky salt and black pepper.
  7. Finish and serve (1 minute): Gently toss everything together until just combined. Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with reserved mint ribbons and extra feta if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Best eaten within 30 minutes of assembling. For make-ahead, prep all ingredients separately and assemble just before serving. To make homemade balsamic glaze: simmer 1 cup balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar until reduced by half (about 10-12 minutes). Let cool before using.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta mint salad, summer salad, balsamic glaze, easy salad, refreshing salad, vegetarian, gluten-free