Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad Recipe

This Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad is a perfect summer recipe for any occasion and made with watermelon, basil, feta and balsamic glaze.

This Watermelon Basil Feta Salad is so healthy and refreshing for these summer months. I love making this and eating it at the beach or the pool. This recipe is foolproof. You can make the balsamic reduction yourself or buy a balsamic glaze at the store like me. I promise you’ll love this recipe!

This is a perfect summer recipe that can be made in under 5 minutes. It is so simple and easy to make but always a crowd pleaser. You can make the balsamic glaze yourself, but I opted to just buying in store. I have also seen different variations adding extra herbs like mint or oregano, nuts, and arugula. You could also squeeze lime over the salad as well.

This is such a refreshing snack and leftovers will be great the next day as well. I like to make this in bulk and keep in the refrigerator for the next two days for a light snack. The combination of the tangy balsamic glaze, salty feta cheese, and sweet watermelon is to die for.

If you love this recipe, fee free to try my Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese or my Cauliflower Wings.

Jump to:

• Why you will love this Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad
• Watermelon Feta Salad Ingredients
• How to make Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad
• Substitutions
• Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad
• Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad Top tips
• Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad Recipe
• Food safety

Why you will love this Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad

• Refreshing: The juicy watermelon in the salad makes it very refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.
• Sweet and Savory: The sweetness of the watermelon complements the salty feta cheese perfectly, while the fresh basil adds an herby note to the mix. The balsamic dressing adds a tangy sweetness to the salad that ties everything together.
• Nutritious: Watermelon is a great source of vitamins A and C, while feta cheese provides protein and calcium. Basil is also a great source of antioxidants.
• Easy to Make: This salad is very easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and minimal prep time.

Watermelon Feta Salad Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Watermelon
• Basil
• Feta
• Balsamic Glaze

See recipe card for quantities for Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad.

How to make Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad

Substitutions

Watermelon: I have seen many different variations of this. If you do not like watermelon, you could try this with pineapple or mango. When you cut the watermelon, place it in a colander over a bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator to allow excess juice to drip into the container.

Basil: I love using fresh basil for this, although you could use mint, oregano, or parsley.

Feta: I love using fresh feta for this recipe. You could even opt to using blue cheese or some sort of variation like that.

Balsamic glaze: I used store bought balsamic glaze but you could make your own by boiling balsamic vinegar and brown sugar for 8 minutes.

Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad Recipe Variations

• Add Arugula: Add a handful of arugula to the salad to add some bitterness and extra greens.
• Swap Basil for Mint: If you're not a fan of basil, you can swap it out for fresh mint leaves for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add Red Onion: Add some thinly sliced red onion for a bit of crunch and an extra pop of color.
• Use a Different Cheese: If you're not a fan of feta cheese, try using crumbled goat cheese or even blue cheese instead.
• Use a Different Dressing: If you're not a fan of balsamic dressing, try using a honey mustard dressing or a citrus vinaigrette.
• Grill the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into thick slices and grill them for a few minutes on each side before adding them to the salad for a smoky, caramelized flavor.
• Add Some Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapenos for a bit of heat to balance out the sweetness of the watermelon.

Equipment

• Cutting board: to cut the watermelon into cubes and chop the basil.
• Chef's knife: to cut the watermelon, chop the basil, and crumble the feta cheese.
• Salad bowl: to mix all the ingredients together.
• Whisk: to whisk the balsamic dressing together.
• Measuring cups and spoons: to measure the ingredients for the dressing.
• Optional: Melon baller - for a fancier presentation, you can use a melon baller to create uniform watermelon balls instead of cubing the watermelon.

How to store Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad

• Store the salad in an airtight container: Transfer the salad to an airtight container with a lid that fits tightly. This will help to keep the salad fresh and prevent moisture loss.
• Refrigerate promptly: Store the salad in the refrigerator as soon as possible, ideally within two hours of preparation, to prevent bacterial growth and keep the ingredients fresh.
• Store the salad for up to two days: The salad will keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. After that, the watermelon may start to lose its texture and the basil may wilt.
• Dress the salad just before serving: If you're not planning on serving the salad immediately, hold off on dressing it until just before serving. This will prevent the salad from getting soggy and keep the flavors fresh.

Watermelon Feta Basil Balsamic Salad Top tips

• Choose a ripe watermelon: The watermelon should be ripe and sweet for the best flavor. Look for a melon that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform shape and color.
• Cut the watermelon into uniform pieces: Cut the watermelon into uniform pieces to ensure even flavor distribution and a consistent texture in the salad.
• Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh basil and high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
• Chill the ingredients: For maximum refreshment, chill the watermelon and feta cheese in the refrigerator before assembling the salad.
• Dress the salad just before serving: Dress the salad just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy and to keep the flavors fresh.
• Use a balsamic reduction: If you have the time, make a balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens and reduces in volume. This will add a deeper, richer flavor to the salad.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding other toppings to the salad, such as toasted nuts, sliced avocado, or diced cucumber, to add additional textures and flavors.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.