Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad: A Burst of Summer Flavors
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with our delightful Watermelon Feta Salad recipe! This refreshing salad combines juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, tangy feta cheese, and zesty balsamic dressing for a burst of freshness in every bite. Whether served as a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a colorful addition to a picnic spread, this salad is sure to impress with its combination of sweet and savory elements. Join us as we explore the simple steps to create this irresistible dish that celebrates the best of summer produce.
Ingredients
Produce
- 3 cups Arugula
- 8 oz Grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 lbs Watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
Condiments
- 2 tsp White balsamic vinegar
Baking & Spices
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt (or to taste)
Oils & Vinegars
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
Dairy
- 4 oz Feta cheese, cut into 4-inch cubes
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and prepare all the produce. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, halve the grape tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and cube the feta cheese.
- Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, grape tomatoes, red onion slices, and watermelon cubes.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Dress Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
- Add Feta: Add the cubed feta cheese to the salad and gently toss again to distribute the cheese throughout the salad.
- Serve: Transfer the Watermelon Feta Salad to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of summer!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Herb Variation: Add fresh chopped mint or basil leaves to the salad for an extra burst of freshness and herbaceous flavor.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts over the salad for added crunch and nuttiness.
- Grilled Variation: For a unique twist, grill the watermelon cubes for a few minutes on each side before adding them to the salad. The caramelized edges will add a smoky sweetness to the dish.
Keto and Low Carb Versions
Keto Version
To make this Watermelon Feta Salad keto-friendly, simply reduce the amount of watermelon and onions used to lower the carb content. Increase the proportion of arugula and grape tomatoes to maintain volume and texture without compromising flavor. Use a low-carb balsamic vinegar or substitute it with apple cider vinegar for a tangy dressing option. Adjust the amount of feta cheese to suit your macros, as it is relatively low in carbs.
Low Carb Version
For a low-carb version of this salad, follow the keto-friendly adjustments mentioned above. Additionally, you can omit the watermelon entirely and substitute it with diced cucumber or bell peppers for a crunchy texture without the extra sugars. Be mindful of portion sizes and the carb content of the ingredients to stay within your desired carb limits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, you can substitute feta cheese with other soft cheeses such as goat cheese, blue cheese, or even fresh mozzarella. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor profile to the salad.
2. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using to recombine the ingredients.
3. How do I select a ripe watermelon?
Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a deep, hollow sound when tapped. The skin should be firm, without any soft spots or bruises. A ripe watermelon will also have a yellowish spot on the bottom where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
4. Can I add protein to this salad to make it a complete meal?
Certainly! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added to this salad to make it more filling and protein-rich. Simply season the protein of your choice with your favorite spices and grill or sauté until cooked through before adding it to the salad.
5. Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add other seasonal fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or peaches to the salad for added sweetness and variety.
In conclusion, our Watermelon Feta Salad is a delightful celebration of summer flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant colors, refreshing taste, and simple preparation, this salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish, or a healthy snack, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy the bounty of summer produce. So grab a fork and dig into this irresistible combination of sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and crisp vegetables – your taste buds will thank you!
