Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Feta

If you’re searching for a refreshing and flavorful dish, Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Feta is a must-try! The sweetness of watermelon, the saltiness of feta cheese, and the richness of balsamic glaze create a perfect harmony of taste and texture. It’s a light and vibrant summer salad that’s incredibly easy to prepare.

I love this simple salad. It’s ready in just minutes and is a great way to add a fresh and tangy side to any meal. The combination of juicy watermelon, creamy feta, and fragrant basil makes every bite refreshing and full of contrast. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of richness, balancing the flavors beautifully. Whether you’re making it for a backyard barbecue, a picnic, or a quick lunch, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

One of the things I enjoy most about this salad is how versatile it is. You can switch up the herbs, add a handful of toasted nuts for crunch, or even toss in some arugula for an extra layer of flavor. It’s naturally gluten-free, packed with hydrating ingredients, and perfect for warm-weather gatherings. If you love bright, fresh flavors with a hint of indulgence, this salad is a must-make!

Ingredients

For Balsamic Glaze:

• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey

For Salad:

• Seedless watermelon – Use seedless watermelon. You’ll want to dice the watermelon so that it’s easy to eat. Think 1-bite cubes. 
• Mixed baby salad greens – You can use any kind of greens. I like a mixture of sweet and bitter greens. Radicchio adds lovely color to the mix, or just grab a bag of pre-washed lettuce. It all works.
• Fresh basil – Fresh basil is important, dried just won’t have the same flavor. To slice basil, stack the leaves then roll them up like a cigar, then slice across the short side. This is a cheffy trick called chiffonade, and it makes nice thin slices.
• Crumbled feta cheese – I have also tested this recipe with queso fresca. As long as it’s a crumbly tangy cheese, it’ll work!
• Salt
• Black pepper

How to Make Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Feta

1. Combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reduces by half and becomes syrupy (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Layer the mixed greens and cubed watermelon in a large bowl.
3. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then gently toss to combine.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese and drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving.
5. Serve fresh and savor the delicious flavors.

step by step process

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Use ripe but firm watermelon to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
• Save time by using store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making your own.
• Want a twist? Swap basil for fresh mint to give the salad a different, refreshing flavor.

recommended

Make It A Meal

While this salad is fantastic on its own, pairing it with a protein or grain makes it a more complete meal. Serve it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a balanced dish. Adding quinoa or couscous also enhances the texture and heartiness. For a full summer meal, enjoy it with some crusty bread or a chilled soup!

Storage

This salad is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To keep the flavors intact, store the balsamic glaze separately and drizzle it over the salad just before serving.