Juicy Watermelon Feta Salad

A favourite salad that is always popular in my kitchen is this juicy Watermelon Feta Salad. The salty feta cheese and green and black olives, pair beautifully with the sweet watermelon. I like to add finely shredded mint leaves and a grating of fresh lemon zest for added zing.

I enjoy salad all year round as this refreshing watermelon feta salad can be served alongside any main dish. However, it is a salad I make regularly over the summer months, particular when I have the BBQ lit as it works really well with grilled meats.

When it comes to my watermelon feta salad dressing I’ve opted for a honey mustard dressing with added dried oregano and red chilli flakes, both of which add great flavour to the dressed salad.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• The perfect balance of flavour, combining sweet watermelon, with salty feta, and zesty lemon.
• The salad can be prepared and on the table in just 15 minutes.
• A gluten free salad that is suitable for coeliacs or anyone following a gluten free diet.

Recipe ingredients

• Tomatoes – I’ve used large vine tomatoes, you could also use cherry or baby plum tomatoes.
• Cucumber – I use English cucumber in this salad but you can use any variety.
• Onion – finely sliced red onion is added to the salad, you could swap this for shallots or spring onions which also have a mild flavour.
• Olives – use any variety or colour of olive, I’ve opted for a mix of black and green olives, which came in a herb oil for added flavour.
• Lemon – some finely grated lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavour to the salad.
• Watermelon – I opt for a seedless watermelon and cut it into bite-sized chunks.
• Cheese – feta cheese has a lovely, crumbly texture which works perfectly in this salad.
• Mint – I also mix some finely shredded mint leaves through the salad.
• Salad dressing – I like to drizzle over my homemade Honey Mustard Dressing which pairs beautifully with the flavours in this salad.

How to make Watermelon Feta Salad

• Place the tomatoes, cucumber and red onion into a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
• Add the finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon and stir again.
• Now add the watermelon and stir through the salad.

• Next add the feta cheese and finely shredded mint leaves and stir again to combine.
• Finally add the honey mustard dressing and stir to coat the salad. Serve immediately.

Recipe variations

• I’ve used watermelon, but this salad would also work with honeydew, galia or cantaloupe melons.
• You could also swap the watermelon for fresh strawberries in this salad.
• Swap the feta cheese for another crumbly cheese, try Cheshire or Wensleydale.
• Add in any other salad vegetables that you enjoy eating, like celery or some grated carrot.
• Substitute lemon zest for zingy lime or sweet orange.
• I’ve used a honey mustard salad dressing, but you could use a French or red wine vinaigrette dressing.
• I love olives, but if you don’t you can leave them out.
• For added crunch add a handful of nuts like walnuts or almonds.
• Toast some pumpkin seeds and scatter over the salad.

Serving suggestions

This easy salad will serve 5/6 as a side salad along with a main dish. This is a refreshing salad and I love to serve it over the summer months when I have the barbecue on as it pairs beautifully with grilled meats like chicken, beef, lamb or pork.

If you want to make this your salad main, then pile the salad onto some leafy greens like rocket or spinach, and scatter over some toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds. You could also add some cooked grains like couscous or quinoa.

Useful hints and tips

1. If you’ve made the salad dressing any leftover dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Just ensure you shake the jar to combine the ingredients before using.
2. Swap regular feta cheese for plant based feta cheese and this salad can be served to dairy free or vegan diners. For vegan diners you will also have to swap the honey mustard dressing for a honey free dressing, or swap the honey for maple syrup in my Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing.
3. Allergy advice: gluten free, egg free, soya free. For comprehensive and detailed allergy advice go to Allergy UK.

FAQs

Pin the recipe

Additional recipe suggestions

If you like this recipe then try some of these great tasting side salad recipes:

• Easy Corn Salsa
• Fennel & Apple Slaw
• Sprout Slaw with Apple & Radish
• Lettuce & Herb Salad
• Asian Cucumber Salad
• Chickpea & Carrot Salad with Harissa Dressing
• Easy Bean Salad

For more recipe ideas, head to my Best Salad Recipes post where you will find links to all my favourite salads in one place.