Small Watermelon Salad Recipe
Limited Time Offer! A refreshing mix of juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, fresh mint, creamy feta and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
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Ingredients
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Salad
Dressing
Optional Garnish
Method
Prep
Chill and prepare tools
Place a large mixing bowl and serving bowl in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes if you prefer a very chilled salad. Gather a sharp chef's knife, cutting board, small bowl or jar for the dressing, and a spoon or whisk.
Wash the cucumber and mint. Pat dry.
Cut and assemble salad components
Cut watermelon
Cut the seedless watermelon into 1-inch cubes until you have about 4 cups. Transfer to the chilled mixing bowl. Remove excess juice from the bottom of the bowl by gently tilting and pouring off if needed, leaving the cubes fairly dry so the dressing doesn't make the salad soggy.
Tear mint
Stack the mint leaves, roll into a loose cigar, and slice or tear into thin ribbons (chiffonade) to release aroma. Roughly chop if leaves are large. Add about 3/4 cup of the mint to the bowl and reserve the rest for garnish.
Add feta
Crumble 3 ounces of feta and sprinkle it over the watermelon and cucumber.
Make dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey and a pinch of salt. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust: add a touch more honey for sweetness or an extra 1/2 teaspoon lime juice for brightness.
Finish and serve
Drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad. Gently toss once or twice with a large spoon to combine, taking care not to break up the watermelon cubes. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
Season with up to 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (or less depending on the saltiness of your feta) and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss gently to distribute seasoning.
Transfer to the chilled serving bowl. Sprinkle the reserved mint leaves on top along with the optional microgreens or baby arugula and toasted pine nuts or pistachios if using. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top for presentation.
Serve immediately. This salad is best within 1–2 hours of dressing; watermelon will release more juice over time.