Watermelon Feta Frenzy a Sweet Salty Summer Starter
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a watermelon salad appetizer that’s seriously addictive? Honestly, this might be the easiest and most delicious thing you make all summer.
The mix of sweet and salty is totally spot on, you know?
Brief Overview
This Mediterranean salad , sometimes called watermelon feta salad , recipe is a classic combo dating back centuries. It is super easy to make.
Prep time? Like 15 minutes tops! This makes 6 appetizer servings.
Main Benefits
Packed with vitamins and super refreshing, this is one of the best summer appetizer recipes out there. It's perfect for a BBQ or a lazy Sunday lunch.
What makes it special? It’s just so simple, and always gets rave reviews.
No-Cook Magic: Why This Recipe Rocks
Okay, so I first had something like this at a mate's garden party. I was blown away by the refreshing summer salad .
It’s a no cook appetizer , so you don't have to slave away in the kitchen. It’s all about that sweet and salty appetizer vibe!
What's in it? The Star Ingredients
To make this killer watermelon salad recipe , you'll need some simple ingredients.
- Watermelon: About 6 cups of cubed goodness.
- Feta: 4 ounces of salty heaven! Feta cheese appetizer for the win!
- Red onion: Just a little for some bite.
- Mint: Fresh, like ¼ cup of that watermelon mint salad magic.
- Dressing: Olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Bangin!
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Watermelon Feta Salad
Okay, so you wanna make the Watermelon & Feta Frenzy ? Ace choice! Honestly, this watermelon salad appetizer is a total game changer for summer.
It's quick, easy, and it looks so fancy! It's the perfect no cook appetizer to impress your friends. Let's get into what you'll need.
Main Ingredients: Freshness is Key
Here's what we need, with both US and metric measurements, because, you know, options!
- Watermelon: 6 cups cubed (about 1.4 kg ). Get a good one! It should feel heavy for its size.
- Feta Cheese: 4 ounces crumbled ( 113g ). Go for a block of feta if you can, it tastes better.
- Red Onion: 1/4 cup thinly sliced ( 60ml ).
- Fresh Mint: 1/4 cup roughly chopped ( 6g ). Makes the watermelon mint salad really pop!
- Optional: Kalamata Olives: 1/4 cup pitted and halved ( 40g ). Trust me, add them if you like olives!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ).
- Fresh Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ). From about 1-2 limes.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ). Agave works too if you are looking for summer appetizer recipes vegan friendly version.
- Sea Salt: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ).
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon ( 1.25ml ).
Want a great tip? Chill the watermelon and feta before starting. It makes this refreshing summer salad even better! This feta cheese appetizer is a winner, even on the hottest days.
This is the perfect sweet and salty appetizer .
Seasoning Notes: The Secret to Flavor
This Mediterranean salad is all about balance. The mint with the lime is a must for this watermelon salad recipe .
- Essential Spice Combinations: Salt and pepper are your best mates here. Don't be shy!
- Flavor Enhancers: A little honey brings out the sweetness of the watermelon. It makes the salad special.
- Quick Substitution Options: Don't have mint? Basil or cilantro will do in a pinch! Can't find red onion? Chives are your backup.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need a whole kitchen arsenal for this easy appetizer recipe .
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing everything together.
- Small Bowl: For the dressing.
- Whisk: To mix the dressing properly.
- Sharp Knife: A must for cutting watermelon!
- Cutting Board: Safety first, folks!
Honestly, that's all you need. No fancy gadgets here! Now, let's get cooking this amazing watermelon feta salad ! You will love this summer appetizer recipes !
Watermelon & Feta Frenzy: Your New Go-To Summer Appetizer
Honestly, who doesn't love a good summer appetizer recipe ? This watermelon feta salad is the bomb. It's an easy appetizer recipe that's perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just a lazy Sunday arvo.
Plus, it's a total no cook appetizer which is perfect for those hot summer days when you can't even bear to turn on the oven!
Prep Like a Pro: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted!
Before we get started, let's talk prep. Get your watermelon cubed, feta crumbled (the good stuff, mind you!), red onion sliced thin, and mint leaves chopped.
For a real flavor explosion, leave everything to chill in the fridge. It makes a world of difference! Also for a refreshing summer salad , try to select the fresh ingredients.
I recommend a cold, fresh watermelon!
Making Magic: The step-by-step
- Dressing First: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Combine the Goods: In a large bowl, gently toss 6 cups cubed watermelon, 4 ounces crumbled feta, 1/4 cup red onion, and 1/4 cup mint.
- Drizzle and Toss: Pour the dressing over the watermelon salad recipe and gently toss.
- Chill Out: For the best flavor, chill for at least 15 minutes . This lets the flavours do their thing.
- Serve it Up: Serve immediately. Garnish with extra mint, if you're feeling fancy!
Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen
Want to take this sweet and salty appetizer to the next level? Try this: add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a cheeky little kick.
Make sure to pick a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. This ensures a juicy and sweet flavour. And whatever you do, don't overdress the salad! Otherwise, it gets soggy.
Now, imagine yourself at a summer BBQ with this watermelon mint salad on the table. Sunshine, good friends, and a banging Mediterranean salad .
Sounds pretty perfect, right? This feta cheese appetizer is bound to impress.
Recipe Notes: Making the Most of Your Watermelon Salad
So, you're about to make this amazing watermelon salad appetizer. Ace! Here are a few extra bits and bobs to make it even better.
Honestly, these are the things I've learned while making it for summer garden parties. Ready?
Serving It Up Like a Pro
Okay, first impressions matter, right? For plating, think bright and breezy. Pile the watermelon feta salad high on a platter.
Sprinkle extra mint on top, because why not? For a posh touch, use a melon baller to scoop out the watermelon .
Makes it look super fancy! This refreshing summer salad is banging with grilled halloumi skewers. And a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio? Chef's kiss! It's the perfect summer appetizer recipes for a sunny afternoon.
Storing Your Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
Right, so you've got some left over? Pop it in an airtight container ASAP. In the fridge, it'll be good for about two days.
But honestly, the watermelon gets a bit soggy after that. Freezing? Nah, wouldn't recommend it. The watermelon will get all weird and watery.
Just enjoy it fresh. And reheating? Please don't! This is a no cook appetizer best served cold.
Mix It Up: Variations on a Theme
Fancy a change? Easy peasy! For a dairy-free watermelon salad recipe , swap the feta for grilled halloumi. Adds a lovely salty chewiness.
Or, for a little sweet and salty appetizer kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing. For a Mediterranean salad twist, throw in some cucumber and bell peppers.
Quick Look at the Good Stuff
This watermelon salad appetizer isn't just tasty. It's actually good for you! Watermelon is packed with vitamins A and C.
Feta gives you a protein boost. And the olive oil? Healthy fats, baby! Each serving is about 120 calories. Not bad for something so delicious, eh? It's the kind of easy appetizer recipe you can feel good about.
Some might even call it a watermelon mint salad .
So, there you have it! A few little tweaks and tips to make your Watermelon & Feta Frenzy a total winner.
Get in the kitchen and give it a go! Honestly, you'll smash it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this watermelon salad appetizer ahead of time?
You can prep some components ahead of time, like cubing the watermelon and making the dressing. However, it's best to assemble the watermelon salad appetizer just before serving. Watermelon tends to release liquid over time, so assembling it in advance can lead to a soggy salad nobody wants that!
You can store the cubed watermelon and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Help! My feta is super salty. Is there anything I can do?
Some feta cheeses are saltier than others, that's for sure! Before crumbling it into your watermelon salad appetizer, try soaking the feta in cold water for about 15-30 minutes. This will draw out some of the excess saltiness.
You can also balance the salty feta by adding a bit more honey to the dressing or using a sweeter variety of watermelon.
I'm vegan. Can I still enjoy this watermelon salad appetizer?
Absolutely! To make this watermelon salad appetizer vegan, simply substitute the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative made from tofu or nuts there are some great options available these days. Also, swap the honey in the dressing for agave nectar. It's a super simple swap that doesn't compromise on flavor!
What are some fun variations I can try with this watermelon salad recipe?
Get creative! For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. You could also try adding other fresh herbs like basil or cilantro instead of mint. Some people like to include toasted nuts, like pistachios or almonds, for extra crunch and a bit of nutty flavor.
A balsamic glaze drizzle on top is also divine!
How long will leftover watermelon salad last in the fridge?
Ideally, it's best to eat the watermelon salad appetizer immediately after dressing it. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 24 hours.
Be aware that the watermelon will continue to release liquid, so the salad might be a bit watery, but it will still taste delicious!
Is this watermelon salad appetizer healthy?
Yes, it definitely can be! Watermelon is low in calories and packed with vitamins, and feta provides some protein and calcium. The dressing adds healthy fats from olive oil. Be mindful of the amount of honey you add, and you've got a refreshing and relatively healthy snack.
Remember, moderation is key to a balanced diet, even with healthy foods!
Watermelon Feta Frenzy A Sweet Salty Summer Star
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
