Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze
A quick and refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and a tangy balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (if making balsamic glaze)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (600g) seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup (150g) crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch
- Optional: squeeze of fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Cut about 4 cups (600g) of seedless watermelon into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes, trimming excess water-heavy parts to avoid sogginess.
- Measure 1 cup (150g) of feta cheese and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Roughly chop 1/4 cup (15g) of fresh mint leaves, avoiding mincing too fine.
- If making homemade balsamic glaze: Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan, add 1 teaspoon sugar, and simmer over medium-low heat until thick and syrupy (10-15 minutes). Let cool.
- In a medium bowl, gently toss watermelon cubes with crumbled feta and chopped mint.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally add a squeeze of lime juice.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze over the salad and toss lightly to coat without breaking up the watermelon.
- Optionally sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for added texture.
- Serve immediately or chill up to 30 minutes to let flavors mingle, avoiding longer chilling to prevent sogginess.
Notes
Use a firm, ripe watermelon to avoid sogginess. Prepare balsamic glaze ahead of time for convenience. Serve salad fresh or chilled up to 30 minutes. Avoid over-tossing to keep watermelon cubes intact. For vegan variation, substitute feta with plant-based cheese or tofu and use a maple syrup reduction instead of balsamic glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup salad
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, summer salad, mint salad, balsamic glaze, refreshing salad, easy salad recipe