Did you know that today, August 3rd is National Watermelon Day? I didn’t up until this week, but I happened to have this delicious watermelon mint salad with feta recipe just waiting to be shared. So why not share it on a holiday that celebrates the main ingredient of this delicious fruit salad? Watermelon salads are refreshing and a staple for summer. This recipe can be prepared in a snap and is so refreshing! Don’t you just love watermelon recipes?
How to Make Watermelon Mint Salad
The key to any great watermelon salad is of course watermelon but in this fruit salad the blueberries add some extra sweetness and color. You’ll want to try to pick these fruits out when they are at their peak freshness. I made this salad in July and it was the perfect time to enjoy them when watermelon and blueberries are in abundant supply at a great price. Later in the summer I like to enjoy salads with fresh garden vegetables and herbs like this caprese salad. It is a great way to use up those cherry tomatoes!
I cubed almost half a smaller seedless watermelon which came out to be about 6 cups. This salad is very forgiving so if you have a bit more or a bit less that is fine too.
What really brings out the flavors in this salad is the balsamic vinegar and fresh mint which pairs so well with the sweetness of the watermelon and blueberries. The fresh lime juice and zest really gives this salad some extra zip!
After you’ve made your watermelon mint salad, you’ll want to be sure not to make it too long in advance. It is great to give the chance for the flavors to meld, but the watermelon will start to break down the longer it sits. I let mine sit in the fridge for about 20 minutes before enjoying and it was perfect.
Should You Add Feta to Your Watermelon Salad?
While this salad looks and tastes great as is, feta cheese is such a common ingredient in a fresh watermelon salad because they pair so well together. If you don’t like feta, you can skip it. I tried it with and without feta and it was delicious either way.
Feta does crumble easily which allows you to easily add it to any salad, but keep in mind mixing your feta into this watermelon salad will look less visually appealing. With the dressing and juices from the watermelon, stirring in the feta will muddy the bright color of this cheese. I recommend sprinkling the feta crumbles on just before serving.
You can serve this watermelon feta salad in a large bowl or in individual serving sizes over a bed of romaine leaves or arugula.
- 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1 cup blueberries
- ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (1 lime)
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup feta crumbles (optional)
- fresh mint for garnish (optional)
- Place watermelon and blueberries in large bowl.
- Zest and juice one lime.
- In small bowl whisk oil, vinegar, lime juice, chopped mint and salad and pepper to taste.
- Pour over watermelon and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Sprinkle feta over top, just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.
However you serve it, this watermelon mint salad is sure to be a hit with any crowd! If you want even more healthy ways to enjoy watermelon, try out this watermelon sorbet or these watermelon pops.
Nicole says
So good! Love watermelon and mint salads!
Liz says
YUM! I’ve been loving watermelon so much this summer. This salad is such a perfect appetizer!
Jenn says
The mint balsamic dressing is total perfection with this fruity combo! Love it!
Brenda Haines says
This looks amazing! I’ll have to make it at our next get together.