Watermelon Salad with Mint + Vegan Feta

What is Watermelon Salad?

Well, if we were writing this post a few years ago, we might describe watermelon and feta as a surprising flavor combination. However, we think you’ve seen it at enough BBQs and picnics to be familiar by now. Although it probably originated somewhere in the Mediterranean, watermelon salad with feta) is enjoyed everywhere – and with good reason! However, what we don’t see often is a vegan watermelon salad. Accordingly, we’re here to fill that gap with our very own salad recipe including watermelon, mint and vegan feta cheese!

We’ve added ideas for two watermelon salads in this post. To begin with, we have a simpler “classic” recipe with just 4 ingredients (plus a tasty dressing). In addition, we have a second recipe we call the “leveled up” version, which is substantial enough to move from side dish to main meal!

Classic Watermelon Salad

Watermelon and vegan feta cheese combine to form a sweet/salty combination that really pleases the palate! In addition, fresh mint leaves add a herbal aroma that makes our watermelon salad even more enticing! Finally, we top things off with a bright, zesty dressing of olive oil, lemon, and balsamic vinegar. Is your mouth watering yet?

The “Leveled Up” Salad

To give this salad a level up, we put in some extra ingredients before adding the dressing. Firstly, kalamata olives add some more complex salty flavors. Also, the olives combine with the balsamic vinegar dressing for a burst of delicious umami, which gives the salad a more savory edge.

To balance these stronger flavors, we lighten the watermelon salad with fresh, crunchy cucumbers, and the leafy green goodness of spinach. Note: for a peppery twang you can substitute the spinach for arugula. Overall, this “leveled up” version transforms your watermelon salad from a side dish into a satisfying main meal.

How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad

The quality of your ingredients is essential in a recipe this simple. Therefore, here are our recommendations for finding the most delicious produce!

Selecting a Great Watermelon

Here are a few tips for getting your watermelon choice right:

• Look for a creamy yellow spot on one side of the watermelon. This is the ‘field spot,’ which rested on the ground while the melon grew. A creamy yellow field spot means the watermelon should be ripe and sweet.
• Heft the melon in your hands. A good, juicy watermelon will feel heavy for its size. A light watermelon is probably dry and mealy.
• Knock on it! A ripe watermelon will make a deep, hollow sound. An unripe or overripe melon will sound “muted.”
• Read Up on some more great watermelon tips.

Vegan feta? Really?

It’s a fact, vegan cheese is getting better and better! And there’s no greater proof than the feta we used for this recipe. It comes from a Greek company called Violife, and they’ve used every drop of their heritage to make this stuff! In fact, it comes in a soft, briny block that you won’t believe is plant-based. Therefore, it’s the perfect complement to a vegan watermelon salad recipe. You’ll never miss dairy-based feta again!

Assembling the Salad

There aren’t any special tricks to putting the watermelon salad together. We’ve already talked about selecting quality ingredients, which is the most important step. It’s as easy as putting all the elements into a large bowl, sprinkling with the dressing, and stirring it together!

You might also wonder: can watermelon salad be made ahead? Well, that can be tricky. Both versions of the salad are a little watery. So, if they aren’t eaten quickly, the liquid will pool in the bowl. The best method for preparing ahead is to chop the ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready, mix everything together and add the dressing just before serving.

Now you have a cool, refreshing and vegan watermelon feta and mint salad to keep you and your friends cool at summer gatherings! If you make these salads, please let us know how they turned out with a comment and rating. Every bit of feedback helps make the blog even better!

And if you’re looking for more cooling watermelon treats, check out our super-fun Watermelon Popsicle Recipe! We can also help you beat the heat with our frozen Pitaya Bowl and refreshing Cold Brew coffee.

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