How do you pick a good, ripe watermelon for watermelon recipes?

To pick a ripe watermelon, look for one that is heavy for its size, has a dull rather than shiny rind, and most importantly, has a large, creamy yellow spot (the 'field spot') on its underside. A darker yellow spot indicates it ripened longer on the vine and will be sweeter.

Can I make Watermelon Feta Mint Salad ahead of time?

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients separately ahead of time. Cube the watermelon and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Crumble the feta and chop the mint. Combine all ingredients and dress the salad just before serving to prevent the watermelon from becoming watery.

What are some other great watermelon recipes besides salad?

Watermelon is incredibly versatile! Beyond salads, popular watermelon recipes include refreshing watermelon juice or smoothies, grilled watermelon for a smoky-sweet flavor, watermelon gazpacho, frozen watermelon popsicles, or even cocktails and mocktails infused with watermelon for a taste of summer.

What can I substitute for feta cheese in this watermelon recipe?

If you're not a fan of feta or have dietary restrictions, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a creamier, tangier profile, or halloumi cheese (grilled or pan-fried) for a salty, squeaky texture. For a dairy-free option, a plant-based feta alternative or even toasted nuts like pistachios or pecans can add a contrasting texture and flavor.

5 Watermelon Recipes: Refreshing Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

Name: Refreshing Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 medium watermelon); 4 oz (about 1 cup) crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped or torn; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (optional, for extra zest); Sea salt to taste; Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredients

Scale

8 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 medium watermelon)
4 oz (about 1 cup) crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped or torn
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1–2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (optional, for extra zest)
Sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the seedless watermelon into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Ensure all seeds are removed if not using a seedless variety.
Step 2: Gently crumble the feta cheese into small, uneven pieces. If using feta in brine, drain it before crumbling.
Step 3: Wash the fresh mint leaves thoroughly, pat them dry, and then roughly chop or tear them. For a finer look, chiffonade the leaves.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta, and fresh mint. Toss very gently to mix, being careful not to crush the watermelon.
Step 5: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad. If desired, add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice for an added bright flavor, which complements many watermelon recipes.
Step 6: Season lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember that feta is already salty, so taste before adding too much salt. Toss once more to ensure all ingredients are coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor and refreshment. Enjoy one of the simplest yet most delicious watermelon recipes!

Notes

For an even cooler and crispier salad, chill your watermelon in the refrigerator for a few hours before cubing it. This salad is best enjoyed fresh on the day it’s made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Sweet Breakfasts
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 180 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg

Keywords: watermelon recipes, watermelon salad, feta mint salad, summer salad, refreshing salad, easy salad, healthy salad, sweet and savory, mediterranean salad, fruit salad

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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