Description
A refreshing, no-cook summer salad featuring juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, fresh mint, and zesty lime dressing. It serves as the perfect light palate cleanser for BBQs and Labor Day gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed watermelon (seedless preferred, 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably sheep’s milk block)
- 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
- 2 medium limes (for juice and zest)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the watermelon: Wash, remove rind, and cut flesh into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl and chill for at least 30 minutes (or 15 minutes in freezer) for best texture.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the juice of 2 limes, zest of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until emulsified.
- Prep the add-ins: Crumble the feta cheese. Finely dice the red onion and soak in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite, then drain well. Tear mint leaves by hand into rough pieces.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the chilled watermelon cubes and gently toss to coat. Add the crumbled feta, drained onion, and torn mint. Toss very gently to avoid crushing the fruit.
- Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with extra mint sprigs if desired. Note: If making ahead, keep components separate and combine 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
[‘Chilling the watermelon is crucial for the best texture and flavor contrast.’, ‘Salt the watermelon lightly before dressing to enhance natural sugars.’, ‘Tear mint leaves by hand instead of chopping to prevent bruising and blackening.’, ‘Use high-quality block feta rather than pre-crumbled for better texture and flavor.’, ‘This salad does not store well once mixed; keep components separate if prepping ahead.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: watermelon feta salad, labor day recipe, summer salad, no cook recipe, healthy side dish, gluten free salad, mint lime dressing, BBQ side dish