There’s nothing better than eating a cold slice of watermelon in the middle of summer. It was a near perfect experience – but may I suggest a little flaky salt on that melon? How about some cubes of creamy feta cheese and a few torn basil leaves? What can I say, I’m a bit of an extremist when it comes to flavor enhancers. I’m always looking for the perfect bite. This spicy watermelon and feta salad uses only a handful of ingredients, but it’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Just call me obsessed.
Watermelon and feta are a classic combination for a reason (see my Watermelon Greek Salad .) The sweet, juicy melon is the perfect foil for the salty feta, plus the crisp, icy texture complements the creaminess of the cheese Compared. This pairing is a great example of two contrasting flavors coming together to create a well-balanced dish.
I’ve been making this on the weekends to serve with grilled chicken or steak, and baked potatoes or grilled corn. It makes a delicious side dish to any al fresco dinner party and makes a great weekday lunch. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be repeating it all summer long. Read on for my tips on putting together this spicy watermelon and feta salad.
Ingredients you need
Before we begin, let’s gather the ingredients. This salad is packed with nutrients, from hydrating watermelon to protein-packed feta cheese. Fresh herbs add antioxidants, and spicy jalapeños have been shown to boost metabolism. For this recipe you will need:
- Lime (we used zest and juice)
- Honey
- olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- shallots
- chili
- seedless watermelon
- Feta cheese cubes
- Basil leaves
How to Make Spicy Watermelon and Feta Salad
1. Make seasonings
In a medium bowl, stir lime zest and juice with honey and olive oil. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. This dressing brings a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the spicy and savory elements of the salad.
2. Pickled Onions and Jalapenos
Add the sliced red onion and jalapeno to the bowl with the seasonings. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the onions and jalapeños to soften slightly and absorb the rich, sweet, and spicy flavors of the seasoning.
3. Prepare the watermelon
Cut the mini watermelons into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. If you’re limited on time, you can usually find pre-cut watermelon at your local grocery store.
4. Mix ingredients
Spoon the pickled onions and peppers over the watermelon cubes. Gently stir everything together with your hands, making sure the watermelon is coated with the delicious seasoning.
5. Add feta cheese and basil
Top salad with feta cheese slices and fresh basil leaves. Creamy, salty feta contrasts beautifully with the sweet watermelon, while basil adds a fresh, aromatic flavor.
6. Final touches
Pour the remaining dressing over the salad, making sure all the flavors are evenly distributed. Garnish with flaky salt to add extra flavor and crunch.
Tips for the Perfect Spicy Watermelon and Feta Salad
- Adjust the heat. If you prefer a milder flavor, start by reducing the number of jalapeno flakes and then add more jalapeno flakes for flavor.
- Freshness is key. Use the freshest ingredients you can find. Fresh watermelon, high-quality feta cheese and vibrant herbs make all the difference.
- A feast for the senses. For a nice presentation, place the salad on a large plate. The bright colors of watermelon, herbs, and feta cheese make this salad as beautiful as it is delicious.
Here are some other watermelon and feta salads to love. Keep scrolling for the recipe – I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Post updated in May. August 2023
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describe
An amazing summer side dish.
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Jalapeno peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 mini watermelon, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup – 1 cup feta cheese, sliced
- 1 cup basil Leaves
- In a medium bowl, stir lime zest and juice with honey and olive oil. Season. Place the onions and peppers in a bowl and let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Place watermelon in a bowl. Spoon the onions and peppers over the watermelon and gently toss with your hands to coat the watermelon. Top with feta and basil, then pour over the rest of the dressing.
- Garnish with flaky salt and serve.