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Perfect End-of-Summer Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

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A refreshing and simple salad featuring cold, juicy watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint. It’s the perfect palate-cleansing side dish for end-of-summer cookouts, ready in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small seedless watermelon (about 4–5 pounds), chilled and cubed
  • 8 ounces block feta cheese, not pre-crumbled
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2–3 limes)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise, then into 1-inch thick slices. Cut off the rind and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large mixing bowl, sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt, and gently toss.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the fresh lime juice, olive oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until well combined.
  3. Prepare the red onion: If desired, soak the onion slices in ice water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite. Drain and pat dry.
  4. Prepare the mint: Stack the mint leaves, roll tightly, and slice into thin ribbons. Set aside a small handful for garnish.
  5. Prepare the feta: Cut the block feta into 1/2-inch cubes, then gently crumble some of them with your fingers to create a mix of cubes and crumbles.
  6. Assemble the salad: Pour the dressing over the cubed watermelon and gently toss to coat. Add the sliced red onion, most of the mint ribbons, and most of the feta. Toss very gently to combine.
  7. Rest and serve: Let the salad sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. Top with the reserved mint and feta, and give one last gentle stir.

Notes

For best results, use a chilled watermelon and serve within 30 minutes of assembling to avoid a watery salad. Pre-cut watermelon is not recommended as it can be mealy. Block feta is essential for creamy texture; pre-crumbled feta is too dry. Soaking red onion in ice water mellows its bite. The salad can be prepped a day ahead (cube watermelon, slice onion, make dressing) but toss together just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta mint salad, summer salad, easy salad, no-cook recipe, cookout side dish

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/perfect-end-of-summer-watermelon-feta-mint-salad/