Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs is a refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings. This vibrant salad combines juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, and creamy feta for an explosion of flavors. It’s ideal for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch. With its colorful presentation and delightful taste, this salad stands out as a unique addition to your meal repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy days.
- Refreshing Flavor: The combination of watermelon and fresh herbs creates a light and invigorating taste that is perfect for warm weather.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the herbs to suit your taste or what you have on hand, ensuring it fits any palate.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins and minerals, this salad not only tastes good but is also good for you.
- Beautiful Presentation: The bright colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing for any occasion.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs requires minimal tools. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Serving platter or bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix the dressing and ingredients without spilling.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the watermelon into cubes quick and easy.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping herbs and fruit.
- Serving platter or bowl: Presenting your salad in an attractive dish enhances its appeal at the table.
Ingredients
Feel free to use whichever herbs you prefer. Our first choice is usually spearmint; however, it’s nice to change it up every once in a while.
For the Salad
- about 4 cups watermelon cubes (about 1 inch cubes)
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- zest 1 medium lemon
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh mint (oregano, basil leaves, parsley or dill), chopped (reserve a few whole leaves for garnish)
- 4 ounces feta cheese (approximately)
- 3 cups fresh arugula (about 4oz-113g or 720ml)
- freshly ground black pepper
- kosher salt to taste (optional)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs. Stir well to blend all ingredients together.
Step 2: Combine Watermelon
Add the watermelon chunks into the bowl. Gently stir to coat the cubes completely with the dressing.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Sprinkle in the crumbled feta cheese and fresh arugula. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your salad and adjust seasoning as needed by adding kosher salt if desired.
Step 5: Serve
Serve chilled for a refreshing experience that highlights summer flavors!
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs
This refreshing Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs is perfect for summer gatherings. Its vibrant flavors and colors make it a delightful addition to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
For a Light Lunch
- Serve the salad in individual bowls for a charming presentation.
- Pair it with whole-grain bread or pita chips for added texture.
As a Party Appetizer
- Use small cups or shot glasses for individual servings at parties.
- Garnish each cup with a fresh herb sprig for an elegant touch.
With Grilled Proteins
- Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
- The salad’s flavors complement smoky dishes beautifully.
As a Picnic Favorite
- Pack the salad in mason jars for easy transport.
- Layer the ingredients to keep them fresh until serving.
How to Perfect Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs
Creating the perfect Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs is easy with these simple tips.
- Choose ripe watermelon: Select a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform shape. This ensures sweetness and juiciness.
- Use fresh herbs: Opt for fresh mint, basil, or oregano to elevate the flavor profile. Dried herbs won’t provide the same freshness.
- Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
- Don’t overmix: Gently toss the ingredients instead of mixing vigorously. This keeps the watermelon cubes intact and visually appealing.
Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs
Pairing side dishes with your Watermelon Salad can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement its unique flavors.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: These add a smoky flavor that balances the sweetness of the salad.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa dish with lemon and herbs offers additional protein and texture.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide contrasting tastes that work well together.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and depth to your table setting.
- Couscous Pilaf: Fluffy couscous mixed with nuts and dried fruits pairs nicely with this refreshing salad.
- Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish filled with seasonal vegetables complements the freshness of the watermelon salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a watermelon salad with arugula, feta, and fresh herbs can be easy, but avoiding common mistakes ensures the best flavor and texture.
- Skipping Fresh Herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can dull the flavor. Always opt for fresh herbs like mint, basil, or parsley for vibrant taste.
- Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a little dressing and add more if needed.
- Cutting Watermelon Too Large: If the watermelon cubes are too large, they can be hard to eat. Aim for 1-inch cubes to ensure each bite is manageable.
- Not Tasting for Seasoning: Failing to taste before serving may lead to blandness. Always check for seasoning after mixing your ingredients.
- Serving Without Chilling: Serving the salad warm can alter its refreshing quality. Chill it in the refrigerator before serving for optimal enjoyment.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.
Freezing Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs
- Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes of the watermelon and arugula once thawed.
- If you must freeze, separate ingredients and freeze only watermelon chunks.
Reheating Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs
- Oven: Not recommended as this salad is best served cold.
- Microwave: Not suitable; microwave will wilt greens and alter textures.
- Stovetop: Avoid reheating; serve straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize my Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs?
You can definitely customize this dish! Try different herbs like dill or cilantro for varied flavors. You could also add nuts or seeds for crunch.
How do I pick a ripe watermelon for my salad?
Look for a symmetrical shape without dents or bruises. A ripe watermelon will feel heavy for its size and have a deep yellow spot where it rested on the ground.
Can I use other greens instead of arugula?
Yes! Spinach or mixed greens can work well in place of arugula. Each will provide a unique taste and texture to your salad.
Is this Watermelon Salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad can be made ahead of time. Just store it properly in the refrigerator to keep it fresh until you’re ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs offers a delightful combination of flavors that are perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different herbs and toppings based on your preferences. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own!
Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs
Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the essence of summer. Combining juicy watermelon with peppery arugula and creamy feta cheese, this salad delivers a delightful explosion of flavors. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch, its colorful presentation ensures it will be a standout addition to any meal. With just 15 minutes of preparation time, you can enjoy this nutritious and visually appealing salad that also allows for personal customization with your choice of fresh herbs. Make your summer gatherings special with this easy-to-make salad that emphasizes freshness and taste.
- Total Time: 48 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint (or other herbs)
- 4 ounces feta cheese
- 3 cups fresh arugula
- Black pepper and kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped herbs.
- Add watermelon cubes and gently toss to coat.
- Fold in crumbled feta and arugula; season with black pepper.
- Taste for seasoning; adjust salt if desired.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Choose a ripe watermelon for maximum sweetness. Experiment with different herbs like basil or dill for varied flavors. Serve chilled for the best refreshing experience.
