If you’re looking for something light, flavorful, and refreshing, you have to try this watermelon salad. You might be wondering: watermelon in a salad? While we often add berries to salads, why not watermelon?

After all, watermelons are technically classified as berries. If you’re still skeptical about how this combination of flavors will work, give it a chance—you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Watermelon pairs beautifully with unexpected ingredients like feta cheese, mint leaves, and lemon.

This watermelon salad is made without a traditional dressing, instead using the natural flavors of salt and lemon to enhance the taste of the ingredients. The addition of feta cheese highlights the sweetness of the watermelon, while cucumbers provide a crunchy texture and extra hydration. This salad is perfect for a beach day or an afternoon barbecue.

Ingredients

Watermelon, Feta cheese, Cucumber, Lemon, Honey, Black olives, mint.

You want to start by choosing a ripe watermelon for this recipe. You can easily tell if a watermelon is ripe by tapping it: if it produces a hollow sound, kinda like a drum. Removing the seeds is an option, but not a hard-and-fast rule. Contrary to popular belief, watermelon seeds are edible. It is also rich in magnesium. The best feta cheese is unsalted.

Although it is rare to find unsalted feta, I found a way to work around this: simply soak your feta in tap/bottled water for a few minutes. And then drain the water. Your feta cheese will be significantly less salty. Cucumber adds a lovely crunch to your dish and brings out the flavors of the Watermelon. Opt for a firm, fresh cucumber.

When it comes to salad dressings, it is not compulsory to use a complex salad dressing with bold flavors. Freshly squeezed lemon with a touch of honey is amazing in this salad. If you want more flavor, consider these salad dressings: Parmesan Salad Dressing and Greek Salad Dressing. Choose regular black olives or Kalamata. Green olives will also work well in this salad. Mint is also an amazing herb that pairs so well with Watermelon salad. (Substitute with Basil leaves)

Instructions

If you are working with a large, uncut watermelon, wash the rind thoroughly with warm water. Remove any dirt or residue. Place the watermelon on a cutting board and cut it in half. Thereafter, cut the watermelon into quarters and cut each quarter into cubes. Dispose of the watermelon rind. Wash the cucumber and slice it into cubes. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into a cup, and add a teaspoon of honey.

Add a tiny pinch of salt. Mix well. Thoroughly wash the mint leaves and remove their stems—taste to adjust the salt level. Reduce the salt level by soaking in water for a few minutes; thereafter, drain the excess liquid. When it comes to olives, use them whole or slice them.

Secret tip to drastically increase your Watermelon flavor? 🍉

If your watermelon lacks flavor, then rest assured. A tiny pinch of salt, lemon juice, and honey will add a world of flavor. Consider adding your favorite nuts, seeds, and berries to change up the flavors. It comprises of 90% water. It is refreshing on a hot day. It’s also a work of art and looks beautiful when served to friends and family.

What to Serve with Watermelon salad?

This Watermelon salad is perfect for the summer time, you can enjoy it on its own when watermelons are in season. There are other great ways to have this salad, which include some juicy Lamb Chops. Grilled chicken thighs are also another great option.

How to Store your Watermelon salad?

Your Watermelon salad must be refrigerated immediately and consumed within 24 hours. It can get very soggy if left for longer. If you really want it to last for a long time (up to 2 days), store the watermelon separately and do not add vinaigrette until you are ready to consume the salad.

Watermelon Salad

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Course: Salads

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 5

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 61kcal

Author: thetastejournal.com

Ingredients

▢ 4 cups Watermelon
▢ 1 Cucumber
▢ 1/3 cup Crumbled feta cheese (soaked in water, then drained)

Salad dressing

▢ 1 Lemon (Squeezed)
▢ 1 tsp Honey
▢ 1/4 tsp Salt

Instructions

Prepare the ingredients: Cut your Watermelon and cucumbers into cubes. Slice the olives. Wash the mint leaves and remove the stems. Soak your feta cheese for 15 minutes to reduce saltiness. (Set aside)
Salad Dressing: Whisk the Juice of One medium sized lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey. Sprinkle salt. Whisk. Add everything to the salad bowl. Mix gently.