Imagine a salad that's not just a dish, but a cool breeze on a scorching summer day. Our Chilled Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad is the ultimate culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a Mediterranean masterpiece. With its vibrant colors, tantalizing textures, and a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Prepare to wow your taste buds and impress your guests with a salad that's as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and prepare all fresh produce thoroughly. Ensure watermelon, cucumber, and red onion are clean and patted dry.
- Cut watermelon into uniform 1-inch cubes, removing any seeds. Place cubed watermelon in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice cucumber into small, even pieces approximately 1/4-inch in size. Add to the bowl with watermelon.
- Thinly slice red onion using a sharp knife, creating delicate, translucent rings or half-rings.
- Crumble feta cheese into small, irregular pieces using your fingers or a fork.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Gently fold the red onion into the watermelon and cucumber mixture.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad.
- Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing evenly across the salad.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even distribution of dressing and seasoning.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to chill and allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick, light toss to redistribute the dressing.
- Serve immediately in chilled bowls, enjoying the refreshing and vibrant Mediterranean-style salad.
Tips
- Choose ripe, seedless watermelon for the best flavor and easiest preparation.
- Use a sharp knife to ensure clean, uniform cuts of watermelon and cucumber.
- For extra crispness, chill your serving bowls before plating.
- Use high-quality feta cheese for a more authentic Mediterranean taste.
- If possible, let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately after chilling to maintain the salad's fresh, crisp texture.
- If preparing in advance, keep dressing and salad components separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
