Ingredient Notes
- Watermelon – while you can buy watermelon year round in the States, it is best in the summer months (June – August) when the watermelon is sweetest!
- Feta – the feta adds both creaminess and a salty flavor; feel free to substitute with goat cheese or omit dairy entirely
- Basil – I love adding fresh basil in this salad! To me, it is the quintessential herb of summer. If you don’t like or have basil on hand, mint is another great option for this salad!
- High quality olive oil – I cannot stress this enough: you want a high quality, nutty olive oil. When you use so few ingredients in a recipe, you really want high quality, where everything can shine on its own.
- Flaky sea salt – do not underestimate how important the flaky sea salt is! Large, crunchy flakes add not just flavor, but texture as well!
- Freshly ground black pepper – To season all ingredients in the dish.
Substitutions
If you don’t have basil or just want a different flavor profile, mint is a wonderful substitution!
Don’t love feta cheese? Goat cheese is delicious!
I would not recommend switching out kosher salt in place of the flaky sea salt. The ratio varies based on the type of salt, and substituting kosher salt will be too salty. Also, the flaky sea salt adds a lovely crunchy texture! You will love.
Can Watermelon Salad Be Made Ahead?
We do not recommend making watermelon salad more than 1-2 hours in advance. The longer the watermelon sits with the flaky sea salt on top, the more water is drawn out. No one wants a soggy salad. If you’re able to, prepare within an hour of serving.
With 5 minutes of prep time, it shouldn’t be too difficult!
If you’re looking for another great summer side dish that can be made head, check out our confit tomatoes! Life changing!!
Is Watermelon Salad Gluten-Free?
Sure is! This light, refreshing summer salad is vegetarian and gluten-free. If you leave out the feta, it is also dairy-free and vegan. A great option for all guests at summer cookouts, regardless of dietary restrictions!
What To Serve With Watermelon Feta Salad?
I love to keep dinner simple and serve this salad alongside crispy grilled chicken wings and a big green salad. But this would be great with any summer recipes, whether grilling or dining inside! Imagine serving this next to stuffed southwest turkey burgers (omg, yum!) or this fried chicken sandwich with Alabama white sauce. Excuse me while I wipe the drool away from my face…
If you make this Watermelon Feta Salad recipe, please let me know by leaving a rating and review below!
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For more summer recipes, check out the following:
- No-fail margarita recipe
- BEST EVER black bean burgers
- Grilled potato salad with burrata
- Grilled crispy chicken wings
- Grilled s’mores crostini
- Chicken waffles with maple syrup
Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ medium watermelon (about ~5-6 cups) cut into ½" cubes
- 2 oz feta crumbled, plus more for garnish
- 1 Tbsp basil thinly sliced
- ½ Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
- ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, then gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. When ready to serve, garnish with a little extra feta cheese and flaky sea salt on top.
Notes
- Feta – you can substitute goat cheese in place of feta
- Basil – if you don’t have or don’t want to use basil, mint is wonderful in this salad
- Balsamic – a drizzle of balsamic is another wonderful addition to this recipe
- Make ahead – I do NOT recommend making this salad more than 1-2 hours in advance. The longer the watermelon sits with sea salt on it, the more water is drawn out. No one wants a soggy salad! Watermelon feta salad will keep for 5 days in a refrigerator, but is best eaten on the first day.
- This salad is gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be dairy-free and vegan if cheese is completely omitted.
Incredibly quick and easy, so perfect for the summer! I’m not a fan of watermelon but the feta took this to a whole other level. Yum!
SO so glad you loved this, Sonique! We make this at least once a week during the warmer months. You’re right, the feta is the BEST! xo, Ari
I never liked watermelon, I would roll my eyes and walk by every summer. Thanks to Ari’s watermelon feta salad I am not a believer. This was refreshing and satisfied my summer salad craving. Can’t wait to make it again once I order a few pantry staples.
Hooray!!! Best quick summer salad ever! The combination of sweet and salty is just the best. Thanks, Sonique! xo, Ari
This is the perfect addition to any cookout or summer meal. Super simple to make and people fav about it! Thanks!
Thanks, Lauren!! We need all the no-cook options for summer entertaining. 😉 Def one of our favs too! xo, Ari