Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil: The Ultimate Summer Side Dish
There’s nothing quite like a vibrant, refreshing salad to brighten up a hot summer day, and this Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil truly takes center stage. It’s an irresistible combination of sweet, salty, and herbaceous flavors that come together in a symphony of taste and texture. This salad isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of summer, perfect as a light lunch or a stunning side for any barbecue, picnic, or weeknight dinner. Imagine pairing its crisp coolness with grilled flank steak, juicy burgers, or your favorite seared fish or seafood – it’s a match made in culinary heaven that elevates any meal.
For many, watermelon isn’t just a fruit; it’s practically a staple during the warmer months. As soon as temperatures rise, my craving for this incredible fruit goes through the roof – I genuinely consider it its own food group in the summer! Its crisp texture and incredibly hydrating properties make it the perfect antidote to the heat. There’s simply nothing that compares to biting into a cold, juicy slice of watermelon on a scorching afternoon. It’s a simple pleasure that defines summer for me.
I distinctly remember my summers pregnant with both of my boys, and the sheer volume of watermelon I consumed. It felt like a record-breaking feat! Watermelon was my constant companion, offering hydration and a sweet escape during those long, hot months. This deep-rooted love for watermelon is precisely why I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to incorporate it into my summer meals, and this feta and basil salad is a brilliant example of its versatility.
Choosing the Perfect Watermelon: A Guide to Sweet Success
Buying a whole watermelon can sometimes feel like a gamble. We’ve all been there – excitedly bringing home what we hoped would be a sweet, juicy treasure, only to cut into a dry, bland, or even mealy disappointment. It’s frustrating, especially when you’ve paid good money for it! Fortunately, I’ve had great luck with my watermelon selections this summer, often finding perfectly ripe ones at my local produce market at a reasonable price. But what’s the secret to consistent success?
Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you pick a perfectly ripe and sweet watermelon every time:
- The Weight Test: Always lift the watermelon. A ripe watermelon will feel surprisingly heavy for its size. This indicates a high water content, which is exactly what you want for that juicy sweetness. Compare a few different watermelons to find the heaviest one among similar sizes.
- The Field Spot (Ground Spot): Look for a large, creamy yellow, orange-yellow, or even golden spot on the underside of the watermelon. This is where the watermelon rested on the ground as it ripened in the sun. A dark yellow or orange spot suggests it spent ample time ripening and developing its sugar content. Avoid watermelons with white or greenish field spots, as this means they were picked too early and won’t be as sweet.
- The Knock Test: Gently tap or knock on the watermelon with your knuckles. You’re listening for a deep, hollow sound, almost like a drum. This resonance indicates that the flesh inside is dense and full of water. If you hear a dull, flat thud, it might be under-ripe or even over-ripe and mushy. A crisp, deep hollow sound is your green light!
- Look for “Webbing”: Sometimes, you’ll see rough, brown, web-like scarring on the watermelon’s surface. This “webbing” or “sugar spots” are thought to be a good sign, indicating that bees touched the flower multiple times, leading to more sweetness and flavor development in the fruit.
- Dull vs. Shiny Skin: A ripe watermelon typically has a dull appearance. If it’s too shiny, it might be under-ripe.
- Ask for Help: If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask! The produce department staff at your local grocery store or market are often experts and can guide you to the best melons of the season.
Once you’ve brought your perfect watermelon home, remember to wash its exterior thoroughly before cutting. A large, sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife are your best friends for safely slicing this big fruit. For this salad, you’ll want to cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, making it easy to enjoy alongside the other ingredients.
Salt on Watermelon: A Culinary Revelation?
The question of whether to sprinkle salt on watermelon has been a lively debate, often sparking discussions across social media platforms like Facebook. Your answer to this question often dictates whether you’d be open to trying a savory watermelon salad, much like this delightful Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil recipe I’m sharing today. Personally, I am a firm believer in the magic of salt on watermelon. I don’t do it every time I eat it, but when I do, it’s a game-changer.
The science behind it is fascinating: a tiny pinch of salt doesn’t make the watermelon taste salty; rather, it enhances and intensifies the fruit’s natural sweetness. Salt is a flavor enhancer that balances the sweet notes and helps to cut through any potential cloying sweetness, making the overall experience more vibrant and complex. It also helps to draw out the moisture, making the watermelon taste even juicier.
I first ventured into the world of savory watermelon salads a few years ago – perhaps with a watermelon and arugula salad – and I was instantly hooked. The combination of sweet watermelon with a salty, savory component creates an incredibly delicious contrast that is surprisingly addictive. If you’ve never tried salt on your watermelon, or if the idea of watermelon in a savory salad seems unconventional, I urge you to give it a try before you dismiss it. You might just discover a new favorite flavor profile that completely redefines your summer culinary experience!
Essential Ingredients for this Easy Watermelon Feta Salad:
This salad is wonderfully simple, requiring just a handful of fresh ingredients. Its straightforward nature is precisely what makes it a summer staple – easy to throw together after a busy day, yet impressive enough for guests. You likely have many of these items in your kitchen already, making spontaneous salad creation a breeze.
- Watermelon Chunks: The star of the show! Use freshly cut, chilled watermelon for the best flavor and texture. Seedless varieties make preparation even easier.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds that crucial salty, tangy counterpoint to the sweet watermelon. Its creamy, briny notes are what make this salad so incredibly balanced.
- Fresh Basil: Julienned fresh basil brings a beautiful aromatic, slightly peppery, and sweet herbal note. It’s essential for that refreshing Mediterranean flair.
- Thin Sliced Red Onion (Optional, but highly recommended): A few wafer-thin slices of red onion introduce a delicate bite and a hint of sharpness that cuts through the richness and sweetness. It’s an “extra” that truly elevates the salad.
- Pistachios (Optional): Roughly chopped pistachios provide a wonderful crunch and a nutty depth of flavor. They add another layer of texture that makes the salad more satisfying.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A light drizzle of good quality balsamic vinegar ties all the flavors together, adding a subtle tang and a touch of sweetness.
- Coarse Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper: A final seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors. Remember the salt’s power to boost watermelon’s sweetness!
The beauty of this watermelon feta salad lies in its simplicity and adaptability. During the peak of summer, simple recipes are often all I can manage, and this one fits the bill perfectly. You can absolutely keep it minimalist with just watermelon, basil, and feta, dressed lightly in balsamic vinegar, and it will still be incredibly delicious. However, for those who appreciate a little extra depth and complexity, adding the thinly sliced red onion and crunchy pistachios transforms it into an even more sophisticated and satisfying dish. The choice is yours, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand.
Customizing Your Watermelon Feta Salad: Endless Possibilities
While the core ingredients create a perfect harmony, this salad is incredibly versatile and welcomes your personal touch. Feel free to experiment with additional components to make it your own:
- Herbs: Beyond basil, fresh mint is another fantastic herb that pairs beautifully with watermelon and feta. A combination of both can be absolutely divine!
- Vegetables: Thinly sliced cucumbers can add another layer of crispness and hydration. A handful of arugula or baby spinach can introduce a peppery bite, transforming it into a more substantial green salad.
- Cheese Alternatives: If feta isn’t your preference, try small cubes of fresh mozzarella (bocconcini) for a milder, creamier texture, or even a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese for a tangy alternative.
- Healthy Fats: Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats, complementing the fruit and cheese wonderfully.
- Dressings: While balsamic vinegar is classic, a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors even further. For a sweeter dressing, consider a drizzle of honey or a balsamic glaze. A light white wine vinaigrette could also work beautifully.
- Sweetness: If your watermelon isn’t super sweet, a very light drizzle of honey or agave nectar can balance the flavors.
Serving and Storage Tips
This Watermelon Feta Salad is best served immediately after assembly, while the watermelon is still chilled and crisp, and the basil is fresh. It’s a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of summer meals. Imagine it alongside:
- Grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp
- Pulled pork sandwiches or BBQ ribs
- Vegetarian skewers or grilled halloumi
- As a light lunch with a side of pita bread
- A refreshing addition to any brunch spread
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, it will keep for a day. The watermelon might release more liquid, and the basil might wilt slightly, but it will still be delicious. For optimal freshness, you can store the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving.
Health Benefits in Every Bite
Beyond its incredible taste, this salad is packed with nutritional benefits. Watermelon is over 90% water, making it incredibly hydrating, and is rich in vitamins A and C, and the powerful antioxidant lycopene. Feta provides calcium and protein, while basil offers vitamins K and A. Red onion adds antioxidants, and pistachios contribute healthy fats, protein, and fiber. It’s a healthy, satisfying, and utterly delicious way to nourish your body during the summer.
#FRESHSUMMER 2019 PROJECT: Celebrating Seasonal Produce
This summer, my wonderful friend Lora from Savoring Italy and I teamed up to celebrate our shared love for vibrant seasonal produce through our #FreshSummer project. Each month, we pick a star ingredient and share a delicious recipe centered around it. For July, our seasonal pick is, fittingly, watermelon! Lora has created an incredible recipe for an Asian Watermelon Salad that looks absolutely refreshing, flavorful, and wonderfully unique. I think her salad would be an amazing side dish for my Grilled Flank Steak with Brown Sugar Rub – imagine the flavor explosion!
If you missed our June feature, we focused on cucumbers. Be sure to check out my crisp Cucumber Avocado Salad and Lora’s delightful Sweet Summer Corn and Cucumber Salad. We invite you to join us all summer long! Whether you’re trying one of our recipes or sharing your own tried-and-true favorites featuring cucumbers or watermelon, tag us on Instagram with #FreshSummer. Follow us @aggieskitchen and @savoringitaly to see our stories and what deliciousness we’re dishing up. We’ll be back in August with another super fresh ingredient perfect for your summer kitchen!
If you make this amazing watermelon feta salad recipe or any of my summer side dish recipes, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @aggieskitchen and use the hashtags #aggieskitchen and #freshsummer! I love seeing your creations!
Print Recipe
Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil
Author: Aggie Goodman
This easy Watermelon Feta Salad with fresh basil is the epitome of summer refreshment! Sweet, juicy watermelon pairs perfectly with salty feta and aromatic basil, all brought together with a touch of balsamic vinegar. It’s a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful side dish that complements any grilled meal or stands alone as a light lunch. Prepare to be surprised and delighted by this vibrant summer staple!
Ingredients
- 6 cups cubed watermelon, chilled and preferably seedless
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 10–12 large fresh basil leaves, julienned (or thinly sliced)
- very thin sliced red onion, just a few slices (optional, for a subtle tang)
- 3 tablespoons pistachios, roughly chopped (optional, for crunch)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or to taste
- coarse salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- On a large serving platter or in a spacious bowl, artfully layer the chilled watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and julienned fresh basil.
- If desired, evenly scatter the thin slices of red onion and the chopped pistachios over the top of the salad.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar generously over the entire salad. Finish by sprinkling with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper according to your preference.
- Serve immediately while the salad is still refreshingly cold. Enjoy this perfect balance of sweet and savory!