WATERMELON SALAD: SUMMER PERFECTION

I remember the first time I brought a dish to our family’s annual summer barbecue – I was so nervous! I wanted to bring something unique and refreshing, something that screamed summer. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of creating a vibrant Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette. It was a huge hit, and from that day on, it became my signature dish for every summer gathering. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette you’ll ever make!

Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette: A Summer Symphony

Oh, summer! The season of sunshine, laughter, and delicious, vibrant food. And what better way to celebrate the season than with a Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette? This salad isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s a burst of sweet, salty, tangy, and herbaceous flavors that dance on your palate, leaving you craving more. It’s incredibly easy to make, visually stunning, and always a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe watermelon and juicy tomatoes with the salty tang of feta cheese, all drizzled with a vibrant herb vinaigrette. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or even a light lunch on a hot day. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

Why This Watermelon Salad is a Must-Make

Beyond the incredible taste, there are so many reasons to fall in love with this Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette:

• It’s Refreshing: Watermelon is incredibly hydrating, making it the perfect ingredient for a summer salad.
• It’s Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal cooking and comes together in minutes.
• It’s Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs, cheeses, or vegetables. I’ll give you some ideas later!
• It’s Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the watermelon, tomatoes, and feta make this salad a stunning centerpiece.
• It’s a Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the unexpected combination of sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• Watermelon: Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon for the best flavor and texture. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a yellow spot on the bottom.
• Tomatoes: Use a variety of tomatoes for added flavor and visual appeal. Cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or Roma tomatoes all work well.
• Feta Cheese: Opt for a block of feta cheese in brine for the best flavor. Crumble it yourself for a fresher taste.
• Red Onion: A small amount of thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, pungent flavor that complements the sweetness of the watermelon and tomatoes.
• Fresh Herbs: A combination of fresh basil, mint, and parsley creates a vibrant and aromatic herb vinaigrette.
• Olive Oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to the vinaigrette.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavors of the vinaigrette.
• Honey: A touch of honey balances the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Watermelon Salad

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette in no time.

1. Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. Remove any seeds you find. I like to use a melon baller for a uniform and elegant look, but dicing it works just as well!
2. Prepare the Tomatoes: If using cherry tomatoes, halve or quarter them. If using larger tomatoes, dice them into similar-sized pieces as the watermelon.
3. Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. You can soak the sliced red onion in ice water for about 10 minutes to mellow its flavor. This is a great trick if you find red onion to be too overpowering.
4. Crumble the Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces. If you’re using a block of feta in brine, drain it well before crumbling.
5. Make the Herb Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
6. Chop the Herbs: Finely chop the fresh basil, mint, and parsley. Add them to the vinaigrette. The vinaigrette will smell incredibly fragrant at this point – a preview of the deliciousness to come!
7. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
8. Dress the Salad: Pour the herb vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as the watermelon can become mushy.
9. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing the best flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Variations and Additions: Customize Your Salad

The beauty of this Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette is that it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Cucumber: Add diced cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
• Avocado: Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Bell Peppers: Add diced bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
• Olives: Kalamata olives or black olives add a salty, briny flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Try using goat cheese or halloumi cheese instead of feta.
• Nuts: Toasted almonds or pecans add a crunchy texture.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette for a touch of heat.
• Grilled Halloumi: Grilled halloumi cheese adds a smoky and savory element to the salad.

For another fantastic summer salad, be sure to check out my PEACH SALAD. It’s another perfect way to celebrate the season’s bounty!

And if you’re looking for a refreshing drink to pair with your salad, try my WATERMELON LEMONADE RECIPE. It’s the ultimate summer thirst quencher!

Success Tips: Guaranteeing Watermelon Salad Perfection

Want to make sure your Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette is a total success? Here are my top tips for achieving salad nirvana:

• Choose the Right Watermelon: The key to a great watermelon salad is using a ripe and flavorful watermelon. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a yellow spot on the bottom. The yellow spot indicates where the watermelon rested on the ground while ripening.
• Don’t Overdress the Salad: Add the vinaigrette just before serving to prevent the watermelon from becoming soggy. You can also serve the vinaigrette on the side, allowing guests to dress their own salads.
• Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld and the watermelon to become even more refreshing. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are essential for the vibrant flavor of the vinaigrette. Dried herbs simply won’t provide the same level of flavor.
• Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, honey, or lemon juice to balance the flavors to your liking.

If you’re in the mood for other refreshing watermelon creations, consider exploring my WATERMELON SUMMER SIP for a hydrating and delicious beverage. It’s a fantastic way to utilize any leftover watermelon!

And for another take on the classic combination, don’t miss my WATERMELON FETA SALAD. It’s a slightly simpler variation that’s equally delicious.

Make Ahead Tips

Want to get a head start on your Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette? Here’s how:

• Prepare the Vinaigrette: The herb vinaigrette can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Cut the Watermelon and Tomatoes: The watermelon and tomatoes can be cut up to 1 day in advance and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Assemble Just Before Serving: It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the watermelon from becoming soggy.

For a similar recipe with a slightly different twist, be sure to check out WATERMELON SUMMER SALAD. It’s a great way to explore different flavor combinations and find your personal favorite!

And finally, for another delightful take on the classic watermelon and feta pairing, you might also like WATERMELON FETA SUMMER PERFECTION.

Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette

Here’s the complete recipe for your convenience:

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 6 cups cubed watermelon
• 2 cups halved or quartered cherry tomatoes (or diced larger tomatoes)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chopped basil, mint, and parsley to the vinaigrette.
3. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
4. Pour the herb vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine.
5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Conclusion: Your Summer Salad Sensation Awaits!

And there you have it! Your very own Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta – Herb Vinaigrette, ready to wow your family and friends. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures, a celebration of summer in every bite. I truly believe this will become one of your go-to recipes. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible salad. You’ve got this!

Lady Maria

Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta & Herb Vinaigrette

This refreshing watermelon salad is the perfect summer dish, combining sweet watermelon and juicy tomatoes with salty feta cheese and a vibrant herb vinaigrette. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 200

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups cubed watermelon
• 2 cups halved or quartered cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large bowl
• small bowl
• whisk
• knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon or salad servers
• Refrigerator

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chopped basil, mint, and parsley to the vinaigrette and whisk to combine.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. Pour the herb vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to combine, being careful not to overmix.
5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For best results, use a ripe, seedless watermelon. To mellow the flavor of the red onion, soak the slices in ice water for 10 minutes before adding to the salad. The vinaigrette can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the watermelon from becoming soggy. Consider adding other ingredients like diced cucumber, avocado, or bell peppers for a customized salad. To add a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinaigrette.