Easy Watermelon Basil Salad with Feta Cheese
A refreshing summer salad with the sweetness of watermelon, tangy salty feta cheese, crisp cucumber, and fragrant basil. The flavor combination is summer magic, and easy to make.
Servings: 4 to 6
Calories: 361kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup extra virign olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon mild honey or no-sugar honey optional
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Watermelon salad
- 4-5 cups watermelon cubes half a mini watermelon
- 2-3 small Persian cucumbers or half an English cucumber
- 4 ounces feta or goat cheese cut into cubes or crumbled
- 1 large shallot thinly sliced crosswise into rings or ¼ of a red onion, sliced thin
- 5-6 large fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Make vinaigrette (makes extra)
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl or glass measuring cup until smooth. You can also add ingredients to a jar, cap tightly, and shake well. Taste the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning with more salt or honey.
Watermelon salad
- Cube watermelon into bite-sized pieces, about ¾". Depending on the type and size of cucumbers, if using small Persian cucumber, slice in half lengthwise then cut crosswise into half circles. If they are really small, just cut crosswise into small circles. For an English or larger cucumber, quarter the cucumber lengthwise, trim out seedy center, then chop into large or small pieces. Roll basil leaves together into a cylinder then chop thinly crosswise into ribbons. For the cheese, either cube or crumble the feta, or crumble the goat cheese. Serve vinaigrette on the side, or if preferred, toss with 2 tablespoons to start, then serve rest on the side.
Notes
Fun substitutions and variations:
- Swap fresh herbs, mint is terrific, or try cilantro, or blend them.
- For a different vinaigrette dressing, use balsamic vinegar instead of the lime juice.
- Drizzle with a balsamic reduction (aka balsamic glaze) and just squeeze on some lime.
- Another terrific addition is brined black kalamata olives, either whole or sliced.
- Add raw pine nuts for more crunch and a buttery tase.
- For a no-sugar option on honey, try this no-sugar honey, it's terrific.
Nutrition
Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 333mg | Potassium: 672mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 3246IU | Vitamin C: 49mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg