My Basil Watermelon Feta Salad has become my absolute summer obsession! I’m so excited to share this refreshing dish with you today.
When those hot summer days arrive, nothing satisfies quite like the juicy sweetness of watermelon paired with tangy feta and aromatic basil.
You’ll find yourself making this quick, vibrant salad all season long—I know my family requests it constantly!
Why You’ll Love This Basil Watermelon Feta Salad
This salad brings together unexpected flavors that create pure magic in your mouth.
The sweet juiciness of the watermelon plays beautifully against the salty feta, while fresh basil adds an aromatic dimension that ties everything together.
I love how it takes just minutes to prepare but delivers impressive results.
If you enjoyed this Basil Watermelon Feta Salad, I think you’ll also love my Classic Caprese Salad and Refreshing Mango and Avocado Salad!
Ingredients You Need for This Basil Watermelon Feta Salad
- 6 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (using seedless makes prep so much easier)
- 4 ounces feta cheese, broken into small chunks (buy the block, not pre-crumbled, for best texture)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced into ribbons
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (use a good quality one for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (freshly squeezed makes a world of difference)
- 1 tablespoon honey (local honey adds a wonderful nuance)
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar (for a delicate acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Basil Watermelon Feta Salad
- Start by selecting a perfectly ripe watermelon. When you tap it, listen for a deep, hollow sound—that’s my foolproof method for finding the juiciest ones!
- Cut your watermelon into 1-inch cubes, removing any seeds if necessary. I like to chill my watermelon before cutting to maintain that refreshing crispness.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, and champagne vinegar until well combined. This dressing might seem simple, but it perfectly highlights the main ingredients.
- Place your watermelon cubes in a large serving bowl.
- Add the feta chunks throughout the salad. I prefer breaking the feta by hand rather than cutting it—those irregular pieces add wonderful texture variation.
- Sprinkle the thinly sliced basil over the watermelon and feta.
- Drizzle your prepared dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Be careful not to overmix—you want those beautiful feta chunks to maintain their shape.
- Season with a small pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste.
- For best results, serve immediately, though you can refrigerate for up to an hour before serving if needed.
My Tips for the Best Basil Watermelon Feta Salad
My years of making this salad have taught me a few tricks! Always use cold watermelon for the crispest texture—I often chill mine for at least an hour before cutting.
When selecting feta, look for cheese packed in brine rather than the pre-crumbled variety; it has a much creamier texture and better flavor.
I also recommend adding the basil at the very last minute to prevent it from wilting or turning dark.
For an extra special touch, chill your serving bowl beforehand, keeping the salad refreshingly cool even on hot summer days.
Can I make this watermelon feta salad ahead of time?
While I always prefer serving this salad immediately after making it, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cut your watermelon and store it separately from the dressing.
Make the dressing and keep it in a jar in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything and add the fresh basil.
This way, your watermelon won’t release too much juice and turn the salad watery.
What dressing goes on watermelon feta salad?
The best dressing for watermelon feta salad is light and acidic to balance the sweet watermelon and salty feta.
My go-to is a simple honey-lime vinaigrette made with olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, and champagne vinegar.
This combination enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming them. I’ve found that heavier, creamy dressings tend to mask the refreshing qualities that make this salad so special.
Do watermelon and basil go together?
Watermelon and basil are absolutely wonderful together!
This might seem like an unusual pairing if you haven’t tried it, but the aromatic, slightly peppery qualities of fresh basil perfectly complement watermelon’s juicy sweetness.
The basil adds a sophisticated herbal note that elevates the watermelon beyond just being a sweet treat.
I discovered this combination years ago at a summer garden party and have been pairing them ever since.
Why do people eat watermelon with feta?
The watermelon-feta combination is all about balance! The sweet, juicy watermelon contrasts beautifully with the salty, tangy feta cheese, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
This pairing follows the culinary principle of combining opposite flavors—sweet and salty—to create a more complex taste experience.
I find this combination particularly refreshing on hot summer days when you want something light yet satisfying. My taste buds do a happy dance every time!
How to make feta cheese and watermelon salad?
Making watermelon feta salad is wonderfully simple! Start with cubed watermelon and crumbled feta as your base. Add thinly sliced fresh basil.
For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, and a touch of vinegar. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to break up the feta too much.
Season with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper, and serve immediately. The detailed step-by-step instructions are included in the recipe card below!
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Refreshing Basil Watermelon Feta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
A refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and aromatic basil, dressed with a honey-lime vinaigrette.
Ingredients
- 6 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 ounces feta cheese, broken into chunks
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, and champagne vinegar.
- Place watermelon cubes in a large serving bowl.
- Add feta chunks and sprinkle with sliced basil.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- For best flavor, use block feta packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled.
- Chill the watermelon before cutting for optimal crispness.
- Add the basil just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Can I add other ingredients to this Basil Watermelon Feta Salad?
This salad is wonderfully versatile. I sometimes add thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch, or a handful of baby arugula for a peppery note.
Diced red onion adds a lovely sharpness, and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts brings interesting texture.
My family also enjoys this with a few mint leaves mixed with the basil.
How do I pick the perfect watermelon?
I always look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, has a uniform shape, and a creamy yellow spot (where it sat on the ground ripening).
When you tap it, listen for a deep, hollow sound rather than a dull thud. These indicators have rarely steered me wrong!
My Serving Suggestions
My favorite way to enjoy this salad is as part of a summer barbecue spread. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish—the fresh flavors complement smoky grilled foods perfectly.
For a light lunch, I’ll sometimes add grilled shrimp directly to the salad for a complete meal.
When hosting brunch, I’ve found this makes a beautiful side dish that brightens up the table and impresses guests with minimal effort.