Refreshing Watermelon Feta Mint Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Elevate your summer gatherings with this Refreshing Watermelon Feta Mint Salad with Balsamic Dressing. This vibrant salad combines juicy, ripe watermelon balls with creamy feta cheese and fragrant fresh mint, drizzled with a rich balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this salad is not only visually appealing but bursting with flavor. The sweetness of the watermelon, the saltiness of the feta, and the coolness of the mint create a delightful medley that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Serve it in hollowed-out watermelon rinds for an extra touch of style and convenience!
8
Servings
40
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Seedless watermelon
1 (small and ripe, cut in half and balled)
Feta cheese
4 ounces (crumbled (adjust to taste))
Fresh mint
1 cup (chiffonaded)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (for dressing)
Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (for dressing)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the seedless watermelon in half. Use a melon baller to scoop out the watermelon flesh, creating beautiful melon balls. Place these into a large mixing bowl. Set aside the hollowed-out watermelon rinds for serving later.
2
Crumble the feta cheese over the bowl of watermelon. To prepare the mint, stack the leaves, roll them into a cigar shape, and slice thinly across the rolled leaves to create delicate ribbons. Sprinkle the chiffonaded mint over the salad, followed by a generous grind of fresh black pepper to taste.
3
For the balsamic dressing, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar in a jar or bowl. Whisk or shake thoroughly until the mixture is well emulsified, showcasing a rich creamy texture.
4
Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon salad mixture and gently toss everything together to ensure even coating without bruising the watermelon.
5
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
When ready to serve, carefully spoon the chilled salad into the reserved watermelon rinds. Present this colorful salad for a stunning display at your next gathering.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Refreshing Watermelon Feta Mint Salad?
It is a vibrant summer salad that combines juicy watermelon balls, salty feta cheese, and fresh mint with a rich balsamic dressing.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 40 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The ingredients include seedless watermelon, feta cheese, fresh mint, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh ground black pepper.
How do I prepare the watermelon?
Cut a small, ripe seedless watermelon in half and use a melon baller to create uniform watermelon balls.
What is the best way to cut the mint?
Stack the mint leaves, roll them into a cigar shape, and slice thinly across the roll to create delicate ribbons known as a chiffonade.
How do I make the balsamic dressing?
Combine 1/4 cup olive oil and 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar in a jar or bowl and whisk or shake until emulsified.
How long should the salad chill?
The salad should chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I serve this salad in a unique way?
Yes, you can serve the chilled salad inside the hollowed-out watermelon rinds for a stylish presentation.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is a light, low-calorie dish made with fresh ingredients and healthy fats from olive oil.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 2.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 3.75g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does it contain?
Each serving provides 1.25g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this salad is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can make it vegan by substituting the feta cheese with a plant-based dairy-free feta alternative.
Is the salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
What type of watermelon should I buy?
A small, ripe seedless watermelon is ideal for this recipe.
How much feta cheese is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, though you can adjust this to taste.
How much mint is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of fresh mint leaves, chiffonaded.
What should I do if I don't have a melon baller?
If you don't have a melon baller, you can simply cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces.
Does the dressing need salt?
The feta cheese is naturally salty, so the recipe suggests only adding fresh ground black pepper to taste.
How do I prevent the watermelon from bruising?
Gently toss the salad with the dressing instead of stirring vigorously to keep the watermelon balls intact.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prep the ingredients early, but it is best to toss and chill 30 minutes before serving to maintain texture.
What makes this salad refreshing?
The high water content of the melon combined with the cooling properties of fresh mint makes it very refreshing.
Is this a good dish for summer parties?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for summer gatherings and light appetizers.
What kind of oil should I use for the dressing?
The recipe recommends using 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Can I use balsamic glaze instead of vinegar?
The recipe calls for a vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar, but a drizzle of glaze could be used as a variation.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 key ingredients in this recipe.
What is the texture of the dressing?
When properly whisked or shaken, the dressing should have a rich, creamy, and emulsified texture.
Is there any added sugar?
No, the recipe relies on the natural sweetness of the ripe watermelon.