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Fresh Watermelon Feta Mint Salad Recipe with Easy Balsamic Reduction

watermelon feta mint salad - featured image

A refreshing and easy-to-make summer salad combining juicy watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and a sweet-tangy balsamic reduction glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ½ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (optional)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pour ½ cup (120 ml) of balsamic vinegar into a non-stick saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey or maple syrup. Turn the heat to medium-low and stir to combine. Let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a syrupy consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let it burn. Set aside to cool.
  2. While the balsamic reduction cools, cut about 4 cups (600 g) of watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Crumble 1 cup (150 g) of feta cheese over the watermelon cubes. Roughly chop ½ cup (15 g) of fresh mint leaves and sprinkle over the salad.
  4. Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of extra virgin olive oil over the salad if desired. Add a pinch of sea salt and a light sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to combine all ingredients without breaking up the watermelon or feta too much.
  5. Once the balsamic reduction has cooled to room temperature, drizzle it evenly over the salad.
  6. Give the salad a gentle toss to distribute the balsamic reduction but be careful not to mush the watermelon. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes if preferred.

Notes

Make the balsamic reduction ahead and store in an airtight container. Use firm, seedless watermelon to avoid sogginess. Gently toss salad to keep watermelon and feta intact. Serve shortly after assembly for best texture. Variations include swapping watermelon with peaches or cantaloupe, adding nuts, or using vegan cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, balsamic reduction, summer salad, fresh mint, easy salad recipe, healthy salad