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Vibrant Ina Garten Feta Watermelon Salad Recipe

Vibrant Ina Garten Feta Watermelon Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Summer’s delightful feta watermelon salad blends Mediterranean flavors with refreshing ingredients. Cool slices of watermelon complement salty feta, creating a perfect balance for sultry days you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) watermelon, cubed 1-inch
  • ½ cup (120 mL) feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • ⅓ cup (80 mL) fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Cube watermelon into uniform 1-inch pieces with precision, ensuring clean edges and consistent sizing.
  2. Ingredient Staging: Finely dice red onion into delicate slivers and chop fresh mint leaves to release their aromatic essence, creating a vibrant flavor profile.
  3. Composition: Layer watermelon cubes, onion slivers, and mint fragments in a spacious mixing vessel, arranging them to create a visually appealing color palette.
  4. Cheese Integration: Crumble feta cheese with gentle movements, distributing creamy white fragments evenly across the salad surface to enhance texture and taste.
  5. Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle premium balsamic vinegar or glaze in a circular motion, allowing the rich, tangy liquid to weave through the ingredients.
  6. Mixing Technique: Employ a soft, folding method to combine components delicately, preserving watermelon integrity while allowing flavors to meld seamlessly.
  7. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the salad for 10-15 minutes, enabling ingredients to chill and harmonize, intensifying the refreshing summer essence.
  8. Presentation: Serve immediately in a chilled dish, showcasing a vibrant, elegant salad that captivates both visually and gastronomically.

Notes

  • Precise Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife to create uniform 1-inch watermelon cubes, ensuring clean edges for a professional presentation and consistent texture.
  • Onion Preparation Tip: Soak diced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharp bite and soften its intense flavor, creating a more balanced taste profile.
  • Mint Freshness Hack: Chop mint leaves just before mixing to preserve maximum aromatic oils and prevent wilting, guaranteeing a bright, crisp herbal essence.
  • Chilling Magic: Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator for exactly 10-15 minutes, letting flavors meld and develop a refreshing, cohesive taste without compromising watermelon’s delicate texture.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 90
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg