Easy Watermelon and Feta Salad Recipe: Summer’s Juicy Delight

Summers buzz with excitement when a refreshing watermelon and feta salad appears on the table.

Sweet cubes dance alongside crumbled cheese, creating magical flavor combinations.

Mediterranean ingredients bring vibrant colors and unexpected textures to this simple dish.

Cool slices intermingle with tangy cheese, producing a delightful contrast that awakens taste buds.

Fresh herbs like mint or basil add unexpected brightness to each bite.

Salt and sweetness play a delicate game of culinary harmony in this easy recipe.

Crisp and light, this salad promises to become your new warm-weather obsession – so grab a fork and dive in!

Why Nigella Watermelon And Feta Salad Is Fresh And Bright

• Quick Prep Magic: Chop, mix, and serve this vibrant salad in mere minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Beat-the-Heat Champion: Refreshing watermelon and cool ingredients make this dish perfect for hot summer gatherings or as a light lunch.
• Flavor Explosion: Tangy feta, zesty lime, fresh herbs, and sweet watermelon create an unexpected and delightful taste combination that surprises every palate.
• No-Fuss Entertaining: Impress guests with a gourmet-looking salad that requires zero complicated techniques and looks stunning on any table.

What You Need For Nigella Watermelon And Feta Salad

• Watermelon: A sweet and juicy summer fruit that provides the base for this refreshing salad.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor that complements the sweet watermelon.
• Parsley, Mint: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Feta Cheese: A salty and crumbly Greek cheese that creates a delightful contrast with the watermelon's sweetness.

• Lime Juice: Adds a zesty acidity that helps balance the flavors and softens the red onion.
• Olives: Provide a briny and salty element that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps to bind the ingredients and adds a smooth, rich undertone.
• Black Pepper: Offers a subtle heat and helps to elevate the other flavors in the salad.

Steps To Make Nigella Watermelon And Feta Salad

Step 1: Zesty Onion Prep

Thinly slice the red onion and bathe it in freshly squeezed lime juice. Let the onion soften and absorb the tangy citrus flavor, which will mellow its sharp bite and add a bright kick to the salad.

Step 2: Chunk the Watermelon

Carefully cut the watermelon into uniform bite-sized cubes. Aim for pieces that are easy to spear with a fork and will blend beautifully with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Create the Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and gently tumble the watermelon chunks into it. Crumble the feta cheese over the top, creating a stunning contrast of pink and white.

Step 4: Herb and Olive Magic

• Chopped parsley
• Torn mint leaves
• Sliced kalamata olives

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the mixture to bind the flavors together.

Step 5: Final Onion Touch

Pour the lime-soaked onions and their zesty juice over the entire salad, distributing the bright flavors evenly.

Step 6: Season and Chill

Crack some fresh black pepper over the top and give the salad a gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For maximum flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to mingle and develop.

Tips To Keep Nigella Watermelon And Feta Salad Crisp

• Soften Onion Bite: Soaking red onion in lime juice mellows its sharp flavor and adds a tangy brightness to the salad.
• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to let the ingredients meld and enhance their taste.
• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe, sweet watermelon and high-quality feta cheese for the most vibrant and delicious results.
• Customize Herb Blend: Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or oregano to create your unique flavor profile.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad fresh to maintain the crisp texture of watermelon and prevent it from becoming watery.

Variations To Try For Nigella Watermelon And Feta Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Switch: Replace parsley and mint with fresh oregano and basil for a classic Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes to introduce a zesty, hot element to the cool salad.
• Vegan Cheese Option: Swap feta for plant-based cashew cheese or tofu crumbles to create a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Citrus Upgrade: Substitute lime juice with blood orange or grapefruit juice for a more complex and vibrant citrus note in the onion marinade.

Pairings For Nigella Watermelon And Feta Salad

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair this refreshing salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, whose crisp acidity complements the watermelon's sweetness and cuts through the feta's richness.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Appetizer Plate: Serve alongside grilled pita bread, hummus, and marinated grilled shrimp to create a light, summery Mediterranean-style spread that enhances the salad's flavors.
• Sparkling Summer Cocktail Match: Enjoy with a light gin-based spritzer or a cucumber mojito, which mirror the salad's fresh herbs and provide a cooling counterpoint to the salty feta.

How To Store Nigella Watermelon And Feta Salad Well

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep crisp by separating wet ingredients from dry components.
• Before serving leftovers, gently drain any accumulated liquid to maintain the salad's texture and prevent sogginess.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped mint and parsley just before serving to revive the salad's vibrant flavor and appearance.
• Do not freeze this salad, as watermelon and feta will lose their texture and become watery when thawed.

FAQs For Nigella Watermelon And Feta Salad

• Why soak the red onion in lime juice?

Soaking red onion in lime juice helps mellow its sharp, raw flavor and makes it less pungent while adding a bright, tangy note to the salad.

• Can I use different herbs if I don't have parsley and mint?

Yes, you can substitute with fresh basil or cilantro, which will give a similar fresh and aromatic flavor to the salad.

• What type of feta cheese works best for this recipe?

A traditional Greek feta made from sheep’s or goat’s milk provides the best creamy texture and authentic tangy flavor for this salad.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Absolutely! Watermelon is low in calories, high in vitamins, and packed with hydration, while feta offers protein and calcium, making this a nutritious and refreshing dish.

Watermelon And Feta Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Refreshing watermelon and feta salad dances with Mediterranean flavors, bringing crisp summer sensations to your plate. Cool cucumber, fresh mint, and zesty lime create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that will delight your palate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4.5 pounds (2 kg) watermelon
• 8.8 ounces (250 g) feta cheese

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1 bunch parsley
• 1 bunch mint, chopped

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small red onion
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3.5 ounces (100 g) pitted black olives
• Juice of 4 limes
• Black pepper

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Instructions

1. Thinly slice red onion and immerse in freshly squeezed lime juice for 10-15 minutes to mellow its sharp flavor.
2. Carefully cube watermelon into uniform, bite-sized pieces ensuring consistent texture.
3. Transfer watermelon chunks into a spacious mixing bowl and gently crumble feta cheese over the top.
4. Finely chop fresh parsley and mint leaves, scattering them generously across the salad.
5. Slice kalamata olives into thin rings and distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil across the salad, creating a light, glossy coating.
7. Pour the lime-soaked onions and their tangy liquid over the prepared ingredients.
8. Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the salad’s complex flavor profile.
9. Gently toss all components to ensure thorough integration of ingredients.
10. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a refreshing chill.

Notes

• Soak red onions in lime juice beforehand to mellow their sharp bite and add a tangy brightness to the salad.
• Choose a ripe, sweet watermelon with deep red color for the most vibrant flavor and juiciest texture.
• Use fresh herbs like mint and parsley to elevate the salad’s freshness and create a complex, aromatic profile.
• Chill the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and create a refreshing summer dish perfect for hot days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg