There’s nothing better than cold slices of watermelon devoured at the height of summer. It’s a near perfect experience—but might I suggest a little flaky salt on that melon? And how about some chunks of creamy feta and perhaps a few torn basil leaves? What can I say, when it comes to flavor enhancers, I’m a bit of a maximalist. I’m always in pursuit of that perfect bite. This spicy watermelon feta salad comes together with just a handful of ingredients, but it packs such a flavor punch that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Call me obsessed.
Watermelon and feta are a classic combo for a reason. The sweet and juicy melon is a perfect foil for salty feta, plus that crisp, cold texture against the creaminess of the cheese. This duo is a great example of two contrasting flavors coming together to create a balanced dish.
I’ve been making this on the weekend to accompany grilled chicken or steak, with a baked potato or grilled corn. It makes a tasty side for just about any al fresco dinner party , and it’s a pretty stellar workday lunch, too. I promise that once you’ve tried it, it’ll be on repeat all summer. Read on for my tips on bringing this spicy watermelon feta salad together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we start, let’s gather our ingredients. This salad is packed with nutrients, from hydrating watermelon to protein-rich feta. The fresh herbs add antioxidants, and the spicy jalapeño has shown to be metabolism-boosting. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- Lime (we’re using the zest and the juice)
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Red onion
- Jalapeño
- Seedless watermelon
- Block of feta
- Basil leaves
Tips for the Perfect Spicy Watermelon Feta Salad
- Adjust the heat. If you like it on the mild side, start with fewer jalapeño slices and add more to taste.
- Freshness is key. Use the freshest ingredients you can find. Fresh watermelon, high-quality feta, and vibrant herbs make all the difference.
- A feast for the senses. For a beautiful presentation, arrange the salad on a large platter . The vibrant colors of the watermelon, herbs, and feta make this salad as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Spicy Watermelon Feta Salad
20 minutes
4
Camille Styles
Ingredients
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1 mini watermelon, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup – 1 cup feta, sliced into slabs
- 1 cup basil leaves
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime zest and juice with the honey and olive oil. Season to taste. Add onion and chile to the bowl and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Place the watermelon in a serving bowl. Spoon the onions and chiles over the watermelon and use your hands to gently toss to coat. Top with the feta and basil, then pour over the rest of the dressing.
- Garnish with flaky salt and serve.
