Watermelon Salad

Name: Watermelon Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486821H27M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds seedless watermelon (cut into 1-inch chunks); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 4 oz arugula; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 oz feta cheese

Published: July 14, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This watermelon salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Refreshing Flavor: The combination of juicy watermelon and peppery arugula offers a light and fresh taste that’s hard to resist.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side at barbecues, or serve it as a main dish by adding protein like grilled chicken or turkey.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and low in calories, this salad is a guilt-free option for summer meals.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor profile appeals to various palates, ensuring everyone at your gathering will love it.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious watermelon salad, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and ensures you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Kitchen knife
Salad tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Large mixing bowl: This allows ample space to combine all ingredients without making a mess.
Cutting board: Protects your counters while providing a stable surface for cutting.
Kitchen knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts on the watermelon and other ingredients.
Salad tongs: These make tossing the salad effortless, ensuring even distribution of the dressing.

Ingredients

This watermelon salad with arugula and feta is the best summer salad ever! It’s sweet and savory at the same time; it’s super light, refreshing, and very satisfying. This salad may be unusual, but it’s so delicious and really simple to make.

For the Salad

3 pounds (1360g) seedless watermelon (cut into 1-inch chunks)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 oz (115g) arugula/rocket
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 oz (115g) feta cheese

How to Make Watermelon Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cutting your watermelon into 1-inch chunks. It’s best to use seedless watermelon for this recipe.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
* Place the cubed watermelon and arugula together.
* Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
* Squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
* Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Using salad tongs:
* Gently toss everything together until well coated in the dressing. Be careful not to crush the watermelon pieces.

Step 4: Add Feta Cheese

Finally:
* Crumble feta cheese over the top of the salad.
* Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor!

How to Serve Watermelon Salad

Watermelon salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a casual lunch, these serving suggestions will enhance your dining experience.

As a Refreshing Starter

Serve chilled before the main course to stimulate the appetite.
Pair with a light soup for a refreshing meal starter.

With Grilled Meats

Enjoy alongside grilled chicken or turkey for a savory contrast.
The sweetness of watermelon complements the smoky flavors perfectly.

At Picnics and Barbecues

Pack it in portable containers for outdoor gatherings.
Its lightness makes it an ideal side dish for hot summer days.

On a Buffet Table

Offer it as part of a buffet spread; its vibrant colors attract attention.
Great when paired with other salads like quinoa or green bean salad.

How to Perfect Watermelon Salad

To create the best watermelon salad, a few tips can elevate your dish. Follow these simple guidelines for maximum flavor and presentation.

Use ripe watermelon: Select a sweet, juicy watermelon for the best taste.
Add fresh herbs: Incorporate mint or basil to add an aromatic twist.
Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Vary textures: Include nuts or seeds for added crunch in each bite.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and modify salt and pepper levels based on personal preference.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Salad

Pairing side dishes with watermelon salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delectable options that complement its flavors beautifully.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken cooked on skewers adds protein and flavor.
Quinoa Salad: A hearty quinoa dish mixed with veggies provides texture and nutrition.
Vegetable Platter: Fresh, crunchy veggies offer contrast and are perfect for dipping.
Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil create a classic pairing.
Hummus with Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with crispy pita chips adds richness.
Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables add warmth and depth to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a delicious watermelon salad, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can make or break the dish.

Boldly ignore herbs: Forgetting to add fresh herbs can lead to a bland salad. Try adding mint or basil for an extra flavor boost.
Boldly skip seasoning: Not seasoning your watermelon salad properly can result in a less flavorful dish. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Boldly over-dress the salad: Using too much dressing can overwhelm the other flavors. Start with a little and add more gradually until you reach your desired taste.
Boldly use ripe fruit: Using unripe watermelon can lead to a less sweet and crunchy salad. Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon for the best flavor and texture.
Boldly prepare too early: Making your salad too far in advance can cause it to become soggy. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep the feta cheese separate until ready to serve to maintain its texture.

Freezing Watermelon Salad

Freezing is not recommended, as it affects the texture of the watermelon when thawed.
If you need to freeze components, consider freezing just the cubed watermelon for smoothies later.

Reheating Watermelon Salad

Oven: Not recommended for salads; serve cold for best results.
Microwave: Avoid using microwave as it will change the salad’s texture.
Stovetop: Not applicable; this dish is best eaten cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making watermelon salad:

What is Watermelon Salad?

Watermelon salad is a refreshing dish made primarily from cubed watermelon, arugula, and feta cheese, often dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

How do I make my Watermelon Salad more flavorful?

To enhance your watermelon salad’s flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like mint or basil, or incorporating nuts for crunch.

Can I customize this Watermelon Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like cucumbers, bell peppers, or different cheeses like goat cheese for unique variations.

How should I serve Watermelon Salad?

Watermelon salad is best served chilled as a side dish at barbecues, picnics, or summer gatherings.

How long does Watermelon Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, watermelon salad stays fresh for up to 3 days.

Final Thoughts

This watermelon salad is not only refreshing but also incredibly versatile. With its sweet and savory balance, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple yet delightful it is!

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