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Fresh Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad Recipe with Easy Balsamic Drizzle

watermelon feta arugula salad - featured image

A light and refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon, creamy feta, peppery arugula, and a sweet tangy balsamic drizzle. Perfect for quick meals and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups watermelon, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
  • A handful fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut about 3 cups of watermelon into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Set aside on a plate or bowl to drain excess juice for 5 minutes.
  2. Thinly slice about ¼ cup of red onion. If desired, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain well.
  3. Roughly chop a handful of fresh mint leaves, keeping pieces fairly large.
  4. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and 1 teaspoon honey until smooth and glossy. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
  5. In a large salad bowl, combine the arugula, watermelon chunks, sliced red onion, chopped mint, and crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Gently toss the ingredients using salad tongs or large spoons to mix without crushing the watermelon.
  7. Pour the balsamic drizzle evenly over the salad. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss lightly once more.
  8. Serve immediately for best freshness and flavor.

Notes

Drain watermelon chunks for 5 minutes to avoid soggy salad. Use aged balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor. Toss gently to prevent crushing watermelon. Prepare balsamic drizzle and slice onions ahead to save time. Serve salad fresh within an hour for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, arugula salad, balsamic drizzle, summer salad, easy salad recipe, fresh salad, healthy salad