Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
A refreshing and vibrant summer salad combining juicy watermelon, creamy feta, fresh mint, and a bright lemon dressing. This easy, no-cook dish is perfect for hot days, picnics, and gatherings, delivering a balance of sweet, salty, and herbaceous flavors in every bite.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lbs seedless watermelon rind removed, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 oz feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves roughly chopped
- 4 oz arugula leaves optional
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 4 strips lemon zest finely chopped
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into 1-inch chunks, remove the rind, and place in a large bowl. Pat dry if needed to remove excess moisture.
- Finely chop the lemon zest. Add lemon juice and half of the zest to the watermelon. Pour in olive oil and add chopped mint. Add arugula if using.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Transfer to a serving platter. Crumble feta over the top, sprinkle remaining lemon zest, and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and extra black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use ripe, chilled watermelon for best flavor. Add dressing just before serving to avoid excess liquid. Try variations like adding cucumber, jalapeño, or swapping feta with goat cheese. Keep feta separate until serving if preparing ahead.