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Crowd-Pleasing Watermelon Feta Salad with Balsamic Glaze

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A refreshing and easy salad combining sweet watermelon, salty feta, and tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or planned dinner parties, this crowd-pleaser comes together in under 15 minutes and always steals the show.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups watermelon, cubed (about 1 small seedless watermelon)
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (block-style preferred)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch flaky sea salt (e.g., Maldon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon in half crosswise, then slice into 1-inch thick rounds. Cut off the rind and any white parts, then cube the flesh into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). You should have roughly 6 cups. Work over a rimmed baking sheet to catch the juice.
  2. Soak the red onion: If using red onion, thinly slice it and place in a small bowl of cold water. Let it sit for 10 minutes to remove the harsh bite. Drain and pat dry before using.
  3. Chop the mint: Stack the mint leaves, roll them tightly, and slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade). You’ll get about 1/4 cup.
  4. Crumble the feta: If using block feta, crumble it with your fingers or a fork, leaving some larger chunks for texture.
  5. Assemble the salad: Place the cubed watermelon in a large mixing bowl. Add the drained red onion and most of the mint (reserve a little for garnish). Gently toss to combine.
  6. Add the feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top. Don’t stir it in yet to keep it visible and prevent it from getting mushy.
  7. Drizzle the dressing: Drizzle the balsamic glaze and olive oil over the salad in a zigzag pattern for even coverage. Start with less and add more if needed.
  8. Season and finish: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the remaining mint on top. Gently toss once more to distribute, then transfer to a serving platter.
  9. Serve immediately: This salad is best fresh, within 30 minutes of assembling, as the watermelon will start releasing juice if it sits too long.

Notes

Pick a watermelon that feels heavy for its size with a creamy yellow spot on the bottom. Don’t overdress the salad—start with half the balsamic glaze and add more to taste. Assemble no more than 30 minutes before serving to prevent the watermelon from becoming watery. For parties, prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving. Variations: add Kalamata olives and cucumber for a Mediterranean twist, or grilled watermelon for a smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon feta salad, balsamic glaze, summer salad, easy salad, crowd-pleasing salad, potluck recipe, quick salad

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/crowd-pleasing-watermelon-feta-salad-with-balsamic-glaze/