Prep Time: 30 min.
This showstopping Melon Feta Salad is crunchy and sweet and sure to be your go-to recipe all summer. It's a fresh twist on the classic watermelon salad.
This version is made with four types of melon, a nutty feta crumble, and a sweet lemon-honey dressing that you'll want to pour over everything. The melon is shaped into spheres with a melon baller, but if you don't have one, cube the fruit, similar to my chessboard salad.
Serve it as a colorful side dish or enjoy it as a delicious light meal on its own. You can even serve the salad in martini glasses for a fun starter when entertaining.
Ingredients You'll Need
Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
• Melon - You'll need cantaloupe, Galia, Gaya, and watermelon, but any melon you have on hand will do.
• Fresh mint - Mint adds a fresh and cool flavor, perfect for summer.
• Lemon - You'll need the juice of one lemon to make the dressing. You can substitute with two limes.
• Honey - I use acacia honey, but use what you have.
• Pistachio - Finely chopped roasted and salted pistachios form the base of the crunchy topping.
• Feta cheese - I prefer using a block, as it tends to be creamier, but use any feta you like.
How to Make a Melon Feta Salad
1. Halve the four melons (save half to snack on).
2. Scoop out the melon balls with a melon baller.
3. Blend the pistachios and fresh mint in a mini food processor.
4. Add finely crumbled feta.
5. Spoon half the nut and feta mixture onto a large platter.
6. Arrange the melon balls on top.
7. Sprinkle the remaining nut crumble over the melon.
8. Mix the lemon juice with honey.
9. Pour the dressing over the salad.
10. Serve.
Possible Variations
• Arrange the melon in groups (like I did) or place them randomly.
• Swap one or two of the melons - Try mango, avocado, grapes, cucumber, or pomegranate.
• Add extra virgin olive oil or finely chopped red onion to the dressing for a more pungent flavor.
• Make the dressing spicy - Use hot honey, or add red pepper flakes or chili flakes.
• Replace the fresh herbs - Try fresh basil, dill, or lemon balm.
FAQs
I don't have a melon baller, what do I do?
Simply cube the melon into similar-sized pieces instead.
What can I serve the salad with?
It makes a tasty side dish with grilled fish, chicken, or beef.
I'm not a fan of feta, what can I substitute it with?
Try cheddar, blue cheese, or chop up more nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, or macadamia).
Can I make the salad in advance?
You can shape the melon balls a few hours ahead and store them in the fridge, but wait to assemble the salad 1 hour before serving.
How long will the leftovers stay fresh?
Leftovers are best eaten on the same day, as the salad will get watery over time.
Other Watermelon Salads
• Feta Watermelon Salad with Granola
Ingredients
- 5 grams fresh mint
- 3 tablespoons pistachios (roasted, salted)
- 150 grams feta
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 half watermelon
- 1 half Galia melon
- 1 half Gaya melon
- 1 half cantaloupe
Instructions
Serves 6-8.
1. Halve the four different melons (dice and store the remaining half melons in the fridge to snack on).
2. Scoop out the melon with a melon baller.
3. Add the pistachios and fresh mint to a mini food processor until you have a coarse crumb.
4. Top with feta and crumble the cheese with your fingers or a fork.
5. Spread half of the nut and cheese mixture onto a platter.
6. Top with the melon balls.
7. Squeeze the lemon into a glass or small bowl. Add honey and mix well.
8. Pour the dressing on top of the salad.
9. Garnish with fresh mint.
10. Serve.
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