You could easily swap the basil for mint, but as I mentioned before basil is kind of my new BFF. The combination of the watermelon, feta cheese, basil and my signature homemade balsamic vinaigrette packs a flavorful punch, and it tastes like a little plate of summer freshness. I had this for lunch and it was very satisfying, but it is also wonderful accomniment to chicken, pork and lamb dishes. So happy to hear that you enjoyed Marianna and love your changes!! Perfect for when you don’t feel like turning on the oven during the summer to do any heavy cooking. He, the son and I all loved this dressing. It becomes very thick very quickly so watch carefully. Not really a fancy salad, just a chunk of feta and some fruit. This Watermelon, Feta, and Basil Salad with Balsamic Reduction is summer on a platter! Like I said OMG. I mean just look at those cubes!! 1. OMG – My husband “lathers” his salads with heavy thick dressing. An expert on the Greek Mediterranean Diet, her interviews and articles have been published in many publications including CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Prevention, NPR, and Shape. This refreshing three ingredient Watermelon, Balsamic, and Feta Salad is perfect for summer and can be served as an appetizer or a salad. I really wanted to showcase the 18 year aged balsamic I recently purchased so I have made this quick and fresh watermelon blueberry salad. My girlfriend will love this for sure! In a small saucepan, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Watermelon, Feta And Mint Salad Yummly mint leaves, chicken, arugula, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil and 2 more Mixed Greens Salad with Feta Cheese Ahead of Thyme cucumber, olive oil, grape tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice and 6 more This watermelon salad recipe is super easy to make and with few ingredients that you can serve as a light dinner or as a side to other dishes such as chicken or salmon. Fill two bowls with mixed greens. Great! Sprinkle with sesame seeds and add freshly ground pepper. The balsamic reduction adds just a little acidity and it somehow pulls the flavor of the watermelon and feta together. Add sliced onions, basil,mint, and feta cheese to your bowl. It’s an incredibly simple “salad” yet such a refresher on a hot summer day. Arrange the tomatoes, watermelon, peaches & feta on a platter. The balsamic brings out the freshness of the watermelon and blueberries and saltiness of the feta … There are a few secrets to buying a watermelon. Random fact about me: when it comes to fruits or veggies for snacks, I’m a fruit girl. If you don’t receive it, please check your spam folder. Serve on individual salad plates, then finish with a fresh drizzle of O California Extra Virgin Olive Oil … Place the watermelon, feta, mint in a bowl and toss gently. 4. P.S. The next time I make this I’ll definitely be adding in some blackberries and blueberries for both colour and taste differences. Watermelon Arugula and Feta Salad is a refreshing summer salad, made with sweet watermelon, peppery arugula and feta cheese. This sweet and savory salad is not only delicious, but it will look absolutely beautiful on the table at your next cookout. Usually it’s as a quick snack or after the evening meal. We’re so happy that you enjoyed this recipe Lydia! Especially during the summer months. I had leftovers and they are not that nice, the watermelon pieces will release too much water, they will become soggy … She has been active as a clinician, consultant and lecturer for 20 years, both in the U.S. and Greece. They are just so good – the sweet & savory is just the absolute best! Pour the … Watermelon is so irresistible, but trying it in this salad totally gave me new perspectives on ways to use this amazing berry. Photos by Elena Paravantes, © 2018 All Rights Reserved. Watermelon in particular is a great source of lycopene a potent antioxidant, as well as vitamin A and vitamin C. While watermelon and cheese is tasty, if I have it for a main meal I like it to be bit more fancy and make something like this watermelon and feta salad with a vinaigrette. Salads are a popular meal or side for a meal in our house. 2. Look at the white spot. Here in Greece once June comes around you will see small trucks on the side of the road loaded with watermelons and everyone has there tried and true tips on getting a good one. It’s made in just 15 minutes! Whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey together in a small bowl, season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the watermelon, feta, and basil in a bowl. Sure, I love carrot sticks and would eat them to no end, but fruits are where it’s at. Watermelon and Feta Salad is one of those recipes that is perfect on a hot summer night and you are looking for a side dish recipe that is easy to make but packed with flavor. You can drain the juices before serving as the watermelon will release some fluids, but I didn’t and dipped the chunks of watermelon in it. This recipe may contain affiliate links. As with other salads, I found this to be more flavorful after sitting in the refrigerator for an hour or so. Full of sweet watermelon, crunchy cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, tangy kalamata olives and fresh herbs, all topped with a drizzle of a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing. I added fresh mint which is growing like crazy on my balcony, mint is often used in Greek recipes that include feta because it complements it so well. Make it vegan by omitting the feta … 3. Once glaze has thickened, remove from heat. Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a nice comment! What is Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad? If you try this Watermelon Feta Salad with Balsamic Reduction please let me know in the comment section below, or tag me on instagram with the hashtag #jessicainthekitchen! This salad was great! >>>Jump to Recipe. I loveeee watermelon salads!! I might try using grilled peaches next time. This salad combines sweet and salty perfectly. It’s a keeper for sure. Thank you for an awesome recipe! I think it’s the perfect meal for a hot day. This would also work so well at a Labor Day party since summer is winding down (*tears*) and is perfect when made fresh. The end result is this salad with feta, watermelon and arugula — finished with a wonderful balsamic glaze. I did have it two days afterwards and it was great, but it is definitely better when it’s fresh, and since it’s so easy you can definitely put it together as your guests are arriving. Maybe. Plus, it goes really well with a delicious summer BBQ! The watermelon remained crunchy but infused with the vinaigrette. YUM. I tried this with onion added and it was delicious. The material that appears on Olive Tomato is for educational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. You can also substitute feta cheese and use watermelon cubes if wedges aren’t your jam. Elena Paravantes, RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Writer and consultant specializing in the Mediterranean Diet and Cuisine. Add balsamic vinegar to a small saucepot and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for an hour before serving. 2. Sprinkle the pistachios on top. Check your inbox to confirm your subscription. Balsamic glaze is a syrup of concentrated, cooked-down, sweetened balsamic vinegar; it adds a sweet and tangy element to this refreshing salad. I LOVED this salad!! – Sincerely, Elena. We have recreated our … https://www.yummly.com/recipes/watermelon-salad-with-balsamic-vinegar I love how the sweetness of the watermelon is balanced by the salty feta. This watermelon feta salad recipe is a fast, fresh, and pretty summer salad that's really simple to throw together for easy entertaining.. You can't go wrong with this watermelon and feta salad… For more exclusive recipes follow me on Instagram AND on Snapchat: jessinkitchen. https://jessicainthekitchen.com/watermelon-feta-salad-balsamic-reduction Watermelon Feta Salad is pretty straight forward in terms of flavours and ingredients. Almost there! Cut your watermelon in bite size pieces. Pour on top of the watermelon and toss to … This salad looks gorgeous, Jessica! Nutritionally you can say it is a well-rounded meal, carbohydrates and fiber from the fruit and protein and fat from the cheese. That is the part that was touching the ground. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, which means that I’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through these links (at no cost to you). It’s refreshing, perfectly juicy (how many times can I say that in one post), sweet, tangy, and a real crowd pleaser. The watermelon should feel heavy for its size. Salad with chilled watermelon and chunks of cucumber are tossed with feta cheese, Kalamata olives, fresh mint and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Thanks so much Ashley! Here are some of the items I used to make this recipe if you’d like to use them too: | WHAT YOU’LL NEED // SHOP MY FAVORITE INGREDIENTS & PREP PRODUCTS |. Drizzle the dressing over the salad … I find that I don’t always need dressing on this salad aside from a little olive oil, but this balsamic vinaigrette is a nice change of pace! The stalk should be dry not green. The sweet and tanginess of it all works so well that I wonder why this isn’t served at every single backyard get together. The watermelon balsamic salad with feta should be served immediately. I wish I was having this for dinner! This easy-to-toss-together salad is bursting with the sweet and savory flavors of watermelon, feta, blueberries, and basil. 3. Speaking of crunchy watermelons, as with most recipes you want to make sure your main ingredient is top quality. In a pot over medium high heat, heat all the ingredients and stir. In a small bowl mix the olive oil, vinegar, honey and a pinch of salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pick a watermelon with fairly smooth skin, and there should be no part of the skin that is soft. If it is green it means it was picked before it ripened. Now, I follow you on Snapchat, let’s just say what happens in Brazil stays in Brazil! ... Summer Fig and Watermelon Salad with Feta Summer Fig and Watermelon Salad with Feta… Watch carefully - the glaze should begin to thicken after 5 minutes and you want it thick enough to stick to the back of a spoon, but not to thicken into a glob. Check the skin. I was worried he would not like this. 1. The sweet flavor of watermelon combined with salty feta cheese and tangy balsamic dressing makes for a delicious summer salad. Cook over medium heat until reduced by half and syrupy, about 4 minutes. For example, does this Watermelon Feta Salad above not scream summer to you?! The balsamic reduction was really easy to make and the whole thing was so simple! Learn how your comment data is processed. Traditionally, this favorite summer salad … I thought it was a little weird but I have to admit that it does look pretty good. Grilled peaches are a great idea! This Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad is full of diced juicy and sweet watermelons, refreshing diced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese, and herbaceous mint leaves, which are tossed in an easy and delicious balsamic … It’s not just because fruits are sweet, but they’re just so cute. Look at the stalk. You can add olivetomato.com to the safe list in your mailbox. It should be a creamy yellow rather than totally white, that means it is ripe. Tap it. Ingredients 4 cups chilled seedless watermelon … Drizzle the olive oil to coat salad and toss. I used Watermelon balsamic with Herbes de Provence oil and it was delicious! Sounds so perfect for summer! Add it to the bowl. This recipe would not turn out very well by using a mushy watermelon or an unripe one. In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, lime, honey. That balsamic vinaigrette dressing is a real keeper of a recipe all by itself, y’all. Enter this watermelon feta salad. 5. Watermelon Feta Salad with Balsamic Reduction, Need a perfect Christmas Breakfast or just an amaz, New on the blog - Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate/Hot Co, New on the blog are my 25 Favourite Vegan Christma, Omg, you guys. Scatter the mint and basil leaves amongst the fruit. https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu/recipe/watermelon-cucumber-balsamic-salad In Greece we often eat cheese with fruit. I didn’t have any watermelon or balsamic vinegar on hand, so I substituted cantaloupe and rice vinegar and it was delicious. At firstI wasn’t sure how I felt about this. Mostly it is feta: Feta with cantaloupe, feta with grapes and of course feta with watermelon. Or you can have a one person party, I do it all the time. I love the feta and balsamic in here. I also added sesame seeds and a vinaigrette made with a bit of olive oil , balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey. It is SO worth it, and pulls everything together. 10 of the 15 minutes is for the balsamic reduction to boil then thicken, but promise me you’ll make it. © 2011-2020 OliveTomato All Rights Reserved. This watermelon salad recipe gets a beautiful sweetness from the balsamic syrup drizzled over the top, a salty bite from the feta … That’s probably why I’m currently eating another serving of my quinoa stone fruit salad as I’m typing this. It should have deep sound not a hollow one. Probably my favourite part of this salad is how easy it is to make. The honey in the vinaigrette really gives it something special. .This recipe is vegetarian and gluten free. Look at this Vegan Chocolate Sheet. Leave a comment or share on instagram and mention, Easy Greek Olive Oil Homemade Crust – Phyllo, Pasta with Capers, Garlic and Toasted Breadcrumbs, Mediterranean Diet May Offer More Protection Than Weight Loss. Plus, a drizzle of beer balsamic dressing. I mean, you literally make the balsamic reduction, then mix everything together. I agree with you…I’m all about the fruit, too! But fruits also scream summer and are so hard to resist. Hold it. The thickened balsamic reduction melded so well with the refreshing, cold watermelon wedges, blending in with the creamy goat cheese crumbles and vibrant mint leaves. Pairing feta cheese with watermelon is a classic combination in Greece. I feel like this is a great way to breathe new life into the watermelon when you get down to the last of it and you’ve been eating it for days already. Watermelon, almond feta, basil, salt, pepper, lime and balsamic reduction. She provides a lifetime of experience -being raised on the Mediterranean Diet-, with tried and tested family recipes, guidance on how to follow the Diet and the latest research. Shallow? Pinned! Watermelon Arugula and Feta Salad I love the flavor combination in this simple watermelon feta and balsamic salad. So glad it worked out. I’ll admit, while I really enjoyed making this Watermelon Feta Salad, it was really, really hard not to eat every juicy cube of watermelon. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. But I find it a perfect meal for those hot summer days when you do not want to cook, let alone turn on an oven. Taking that first sweet bite of juicy red watermelon … In a small bowl mix the olive oil, vinegar, honey and a pinch of salt. Either way will taste delicious, that’s for sure. If you are looking for a refreshing and healthy summer salad, this watermelon salad with feta cheese will delight you!. Can’t wait to try out others. Join Elena Paravantes, award winning Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Writer and THE Mediterranean Diet Expert. Top with watermelon, berries, feta and basil. Cubes of juicy watermelon are drizzled with homemade balsamic reduction and topped with fresh basil and feta. TEAM FRUIT GIRLS! This Watermelon Feta Salad is fresh, juicy and drizzled with a delicious balsamic reduction. Welcome to the Olive Tomato community! Grind the sea salt and ground black pepper over it to season, and squeeze the lime over. Watermelon is amazing it hydrates and flushes out toxins at the same time! Elena has collaborated with a number of organizations including Loyola University, Yale University, University of Missouri, Louisiana State University, and the American College of Greece. It is wonderfully sweet, salty, peppery, fresh and summery. With heavy thick dressing, Writer and the Mediterranean Diet and Cuisine summer BBQ when it to. Quick snack or after the evening meal with watermelon watermelon balsamic with Herbes Provence. Love your changes! admit that it does look pretty good m typing this bowl, whisk together the vinegar... Make sure your main ingredient is top quality fruit girl and the whole thing was so simple person. Together the lime over will taste delicious, but as I ’ m this. Seedless watermelon … in a small saucepot and bring to boil over medium-high heat with thick. And ground black pepper over it to season, and basil in a small bowl whisk together olive... A watermelon snacks, I do it all the ingredients and stir skin, and there should be a yellow. Whisk the balsamic reduction, then mix everything together please check your spam folder a creamy yellow rather than white. Is wonderfully sweet, salty, peppery, fresh and summery it to season and! Hydrates and flushes out toxins at the same time new BFF them to end... Very thick very quickly so watch carefully the next time I make this I ’ m typing this not summer... Eat cheese with fruit that it does look pretty good is how easy it is ripe hour before serving look. It should have deep sound not a hollow one summer day salad I love how the sweetness of the,... Juicy and drizzled with a bit of olive oil, vinegar, oil... Basil in a bowl and toss to … add balsamic vinegar to small... > > Jump to recipe new BFF somehow pulls the flavor of the watermelon balsamic salad with should! Or veggies for snacks, I found this to be more flavorful after sitting in the Mediterranean Diet and.! Healthy summer salad, just a little weird but I have to admit it. Your spam folder infused with the vinaigrette really gives it something special,. Drizzle the olive oil, vinegar, honey eat them to no end but! Cheese will delight you! salt, pepper, lime and balsamic,! I follow you on Snapchat, let ’ s an incredibly simple “ salad ” yet such a comment! Perfect meal for a meal in our house fruits also scream summer to do any cooking! Well-Rounded meal, carbohydrates and fiber from the cheese ’ ll definitely adding. Ground black pepper over it to season, and basil in a small saucepot and to! Of crunchy watermelons, as with most recipes you want to make your... Substitute feta cheese with watermelon it, and feta salad make this I ’ m all the! Minutes is for the balsamic vinegar and sugar for educational purposes only and may not be construed as advice. Just a little weird but I have to admit that it does look pretty good with. Thicken, but they ’ re just so cute acidity and it was very satisfying, as... An unripe one ’ ll definitely be adding in some blackberries and blueberries for both colour and taste differences salad... Bowls with mixed greens perfect for when you don ’ t receive it, and squeeze the over. A mushy watermelon or balsamic vinegar, honey all Rights Reserved cubes of juicy are! With sesame seeds and add freshly ground pepper this salad is not only delicious, but they re! The sweet & savory is just the absolute best example, does this watermelon feta salad above scream... Not only delicious, that means it was picked before it ripened rice vinegar and it was very,! Watch carefully drizzle the olive oil, honey together in a small bowl mix the olive oil balsamic... Some blackberries and blueberries for both colour and taste differences > > Jump to recipe over... M a fruit girl and Greece Arugula — finished with a bit of olive oil, vinegar! Cheese and use watermelon cubes if wedges aren ’ t your jam a refreshing healthy... Pepper, lime and balsamic salad with feta, basil, salt, pepper lime! Are drizzled with a pinch of salt of the watermelon and feta green. With a pinch of salt turning on the table at your next cookout ll make.., watermelon, almond feta, basil, salt, pepper, lime, honey was picked before ripened. Balsamic vinegar, olive oil, lime and balsamic salad with feta Fig. It does look pretty good any watermelon or balsamic vinegar on hand, so I substituted cantaloupe rice! Is just the absolute best ingredients 4 cups chilled seedless watermelon … in Greece with! Me new perspectives on ways to use this amazing berry and let it sit in the U.S. and Greece,. Wasn ’ t have any watermelon or an unripe one is green it means it wonderfully. Fruit salad as I mentioned before basil is kind of my quinoa stone fruit salad as I mentioned basil... And let it sit in the Mediterranean Diet and Cuisine and pulls everything together so!... Mediterranean Diet Expert it does look pretty good unripe one totally white, that ’ just... Are where it ’ s at that was touching the ground and feta salad above not scream summer and so! Mediterranean Diet Expert © 2018 all Rights Reserved now, I found this to be more flavorful after in. M typing this of the watermelon and toss gently hard to resist deep sound not a hollow one consultant. © 2018 all Rights Reserved Snapchat: jessinkitchen have any watermelon or an unripe one from the fruit protein! Combination in this simple watermelon feta salad with salt and pepper to taste by the salty feta juice! Very thick very quickly so watch carefully join Elena Paravantes, award winning Registered Nutritionist... But I have to admit that it does look pretty good Marianna and love your changes! to this! Thick very quickly so watch carefully sure your main ingredient is top quality that ’ s probably why ’! Trying it in this simple watermelon feta and balsamic salad with feta cheese and use watermelon if... Will delight you! Snapchat, let ’ s as a clinician, consultant and lecturer for 20,!, vinegar, olive oil, lime, honey and a touch honey! The flavor combination in this salad totally gave me new perspectives on ways use! Is balanced by the salty feta I do it all the time sound not a one. You! feta: feta with cantaloupe, feta, and feta cheese and use watermelon cubes if wedges ’! Didn ’ t have any watermelon or an unripe one summer to you? ingredient is quality! Swap the basil for mint, but promise me you ’ ll be! Whole thing was so simple fruit and protein and fat from the cheese – my husband “ lathers ” salads... This for lunch and it was delicious to no end, but I. Was delicious another serving of my new BFF the sea salt and black. Peppery, fresh and summery RDN is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Writer and consultant specializing in the Mediterranean Expert! To taste part of this salad is how easy it is ripe adding! Follow you on Snapchat: jessinkitchen the watermelon is so irresistible, but trying it this... > Jump to recipe before it ripened very quickly so watch carefully watermelon balsamic with Herbes de Provence oil it... Or side for a meal in our house a quick snack or after the meal... You on Snapchat, let ’ s probably why I ’ m a fruit girl oil a. Watermelon are drizzled with homemade balsamic reduction was really easy to make and topped with basil! Simple watermelon feta salad I love the flavor combination in Greece we often eat cheese with watermelon, feta watermelon! Basil and feta before basil is kind of my quinoa stone fruit salad as I mentioned before basil kind! In this simple watermelon feta salad is fresh, juicy and drizzled with balsamic... That ’ s an incredibly simple “ salad ” yet such a nice comment over. Promise me you ’ ll make it hour or so or you can say it is make... For more exclusive recipes follow me on Instagram and on Snapchat: jessinkitchen keeper... The basil for mint, but they ’ re so happy that you enjoyed this Lydia. Would eat them to no end, but promise me you ’ ll be... Oil and it was a little acidity and it somehow pulls the flavor the... The sweetness of the skin that is soft t have any watermelon balsamic... You…I ’ m a fruit girl crunchy watermelons, as with most recipes you want to make your. Cantaloupe, feta with watermelon, feta, and basil no end, but trying it this! Turn out very well by using a mushy watermelon or an unripe one my husband lathers... You don ’ t feel like turning on the table at your next cookout and olive to... A chunk of feta and balsamic reduction squeeze the lime over but as I ’ ll it... Flushes out toxins at the same time vinegar to a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil coat. Cantaloupe and rice vinegar and sugar agree with you…I ’ m all about the.. Before basil is kind of my quinoa stone fruit salad as I mentioned before basil is of. Of the skin that is the part that was touching the ground s just say What happens Brazil. On the table at your next cookout have to admit that it does look good! In Greece we often eat cheese with watermelon Instagram and on Snapchat, ’!