Welcome to the quintessential summer delight: a vibrant and refreshing Watermelon Feta Basil Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience that promises to cool you down and tantalize your taste buds on the warmest of days.
Crafted during a memorable family vacation in the serene landscapes of Northern Minnesota, this Watermelon Salad Recipe quickly became the star of our summer table. Its unique blend of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, brightened by fresh herbs and a tangy dressing, proved utterly irresistible. Each bite delivers a burst of freshness, making it the perfect companion for any hot summer gathering.
Why This Watermelon Salad is an Absolute Must-Make
If you’re searching for a summer dish that breaks away from the ordinary and delivers an explosion of flavor, look no further. This Watermelon and Feta Salad offers a refreshing twist that will surprise and delight everyone at your next picnic, potluck, or backyard barbecue. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your menu:
- Uniquely Refreshing: It’s an unusual yet incredibly satisfying combination, providing a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that perfectly encapsulates the essence of summer. The juicy watermelon, creamy feta, and aromatic basil create a symphony of flavors that is both cooling and invigorating.
- Versatile and Adaptable: While our specific recipe features Kalamata olives and a balsamic vinaigrette, the beauty of a watermelon salad lies in its endless variations. Many versions explore different flavor profiles, incorporating fresh mint or parsley, or even a zesty lime or red wine vinegar-based dressing. This adaptability allows you to customize it to your preference or what you have on hand.
- A Story in Every Bite: Our particular rendition came to life during a cherished family reunion in Northern Minnesota. Cooks from all corners of the family gathered, sharing laughter and culinary wisdom, culminating in this truly delicious version, thoughtfully adorned with salty feta, briny Kalamata olives, fragrant basil, and a perfectly balanced balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a recipe steeped in joyful memories, ready to create new ones for you.
If you find yourself with a bounty of leftover watermelon after crafting this masterpiece, consider exploring other fantastic ways to enjoy this hydrating fruit. I highly recommend this intensely flavorful Watermelon Gazpacho, these playful Watermelon Jello Shots for a grown-up treat, or this splendidly cool Watermelon Grapefruit Wine Slush.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon, true to its name, is predominantly water—approximately 92% of it! This high water content means that any dressing you add can quickly become diluted by the fruit’s natural juices, potentially leading to a less flavorful salad. To ensure your Watermelon Feta Basil Salad remains vibrant and perfectly seasoned, keep these tips in mind:
- Serve Immediately: The most straightforward way to prevent a watery dressing is to assemble and serve the salad right after tossing it with the vinaigrette. This minimizes the time the watermelon has to release its juices into the dressing, preserving its concentrated flavor.
- Pre-Drain Your Watermelon: For those who prefer to prep ahead or want to ensure maximum flavor, cut your watermelon into bite-sized chunks and place them in a colander set over a bowl. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours, to let any excess juice drip out. This simple step can make a significant difference in the final texture and taste of your salad.
- Streamline Your Prep: If you opt to pre-drain the watermelon, take advantage of this time to prepare other components. The olives, feta, and balsamic vinaigrette can all be prepped ahead and stored separately. This strategy not only saves time but also allows for quick assembly just before serving, ensuring the freshest possible salad.
- Enhance with Red Onion (Optional): For those who appreciate a subtle savory bite and a hint of pungency, thinly sliced red onion makes a wonderful addition. To mellow its sharpness, soak the sliced onions in ice water for about 10-15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat dry before incorporating them into the salad. This technique retains their crispness while making their flavor more agreeable.
- Chill All Ingredients: Ensure your watermelon, feta, and even the balsamic vinaigrette are well-chilled before assembly. A cold salad is always more refreshing, especially on a hot day.
Unlocking Flavors: A Guide to Your Ingredients
Each component of this Watermelon Feta Basil Salad plays a crucial role in creating its balanced and delightful flavor profile. Choosing quality ingredients will elevate your salad from good to unforgettable:
- Kitchen Staples: You’ll need basic seasonings like Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper. For the dressing, a good quality Olive Oil is essential; extra virgin olive oil provides a richer, fruitier base.
- Watermelon: The star of the show! Choose a ripe watermelon, remove the rind, and cut it into bite-sized chunks. A seedless variety is highly recommended for ease of eating. If you have a seeded melon, take a moment to remove any larger seeds for a more pleasant experience. Look for a melon that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot on its underside, indicating it ripened on the vine.
- Feta Cheese: Opt for block feta packed in brine, if possible, and cut it into small cubes. Its salty, tangy, and creamy texture provides a perfect counterpoint to the sweet watermelon. If feta isn’t your preference, consider alternatives like crumbled goat cheese, fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini), or even a mild cotija cheese.
- Green or Red Onions: Sliced thinly, these add a subtle savory bite and a touch of color without overpowering the other delicate flavors. (In my rush, I sometimes forget these, but they truly enhance the dish!). Remember the ice water soak tip for red onions if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Kalamata Olives: These dark, briny Greek olives are a game-changer, adding deep, savory, and slightly fruity notes that complement the sweetness of the watermelon beautifully. Be sure to use pitted olives, cut in half, for easier enjoyment.
- Fresh Basil: The aromatic cornerstone of the salad. For the best presentation and flavor distribution, chiffonade the basil (roll 2-3 leaves together like a cigar and slice thinly) or simply chop it finely. Fresh herbs are non-negotiable here; dried basil simply won’t do.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The quality of your balsamic vinegar significantly impacts the dressing. Seek out an aged balsamic vinegar if possible; it will be naturally sweeter, thicker, and more syrupy, offering a richer, more complex flavor. I once found an exquisite 18-year-old balsamic at a local spice shop, and it made all the difference.
Our cooking sessions during that family reunion were pure joy. My sisters and I have a tradition: we start planning the next meal even before our current plates are empty! We took turns leading the charge in the kitchen, resulting in some truly amazing meals. Aunt Angela, with her cherished notebook of collected recipes, whipped up a marvelous black bean feta dip that I absolutely must recreate. And this particular watermelon salad? This was her personal, best-ever version!
Evenings were made sweeter with my grandmother’s beloved Ginger Crisps and decadent Raspberry White Chocolate Bars, which I carefully transported through TSA from Indianapolis. We discovered that melted Dove chocolates paired exquisitely with the spicy ginger cookies, an unplanned but delightful treat.
As is customary for summer gatherings by the lake, the grill was perpetually fired up each evening. While the main courses and other side dishes varied, this watermelon feta basil salad stood out. It was so fresh, delicious, and memorable that I instantly knew it would become a cherished summer tradition for our family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Watermelon
In the United States, watermelon’s peak season typically runs from mid-June through late-August. During this time, you’ll find them at their sweetest and juiciest.
To select a perfect watermelon, look for one that is symmetrical and firm, without any soft spots or bruises. Check for a creamy yellow or orange patch on the underside – this “field spot” indicates where the melon rested on the ground and ripened. A ripe watermelon will also sound hollow when you give it a firm tap with your fist. Avoid melons with dull rinds; a good one should have a slightly dull, not shiny, appearance.
An uncut, whole watermelon can be stored at room temperature for about a week, or up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Once cut, wrap the exposed flesh tightly with plastic wrap or place the pieces in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume cut watermelon within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
While convenient, frozen watermelon is not recommended for this salad. Freezing changes the fruit’s cellular structure, resulting in a mushy texture when thawed, which would detract from the salad’s refreshing crispness.
More Refreshing Summer Recipes You’ll Love:
Dive into more delightful summer flavors with these inspiring recipes:
- Watermelon Salsa from Reluctant Entertainer – A sweet and spicy condiment perfect for chips or grilled dishes.
- Frozen Watermelon Margaritas from Living Locurto – The ultimate adult beverage to beat the heat.
- Mini Melon Fruit Kabobs from Belly Full – Fun, colorful, and easy-to-eat skewers for any gathering.
- Waspacho AKA Watermelon Gazpacho – A unique, chilled soup that’s incredibly hydrating.
- Classic Gazpacho – The traditional Spanish chilled tomato soup for a taste of summer.
- Melon and Prosciutto Skewers – A sophisticated appetizer combining sweet melon with savory cured ham.
- Plus, explore all my Best Salad Recipes for even more fresh and flavorful inspiration!
Precious moments with my sisters and the wonderful Greenwood relatives (my mom’s side of the family!) during our Northern Minnesota vacation.
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Watermelon Feta Basil Salad Recipe with Balsamic Vinaigrette
15 minutes
15 minutes
6 servings
A summer salad featuring watermelon, feta, kalamata olives and basil
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of watermelon, rind removed and cut into bite sized chunks (seedless watermelon is recommended)
- 4 ounces feta, cubed
- 3 green onions, sliced (I forgot to add these!)
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pits removed and cut in half
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh basil (chiffonade* or chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gently toss watermelon, feta, onions, olives, and basil in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the olive oil and vinegar and pour over the salad. Gently toss.
- Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
The feta and olives can be quite salty. I did not feel this salad needed salt, so taste before adding any.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 186Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 17mgSodium: 296mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 15gProtein: 4g
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