Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Feta
Add Preferred SourceIf you’re in the mood for a light and refreshing salad that’s full of flavor, Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Feta is the way to go! The juicy sweetness of watermelon, the salty tang of feta, and the rich balsamic glaze make for an irresistible combination. It’s the perfect summer dish — colorful, fresh, and incredibly simple to prepare.
This post may contain affiliate link(s). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclosure.
This salad is a delightful balance of sweet and savory. The watermelon is juicy and refreshing, the glaze adds a deep sweetness, and the feta brings a creamy saltiness. Whether you serve it as a side dish for a cookout, a light lunch, or a fancy starter, it’s bound to be a hit!
I often bring this salad to potlucks because it’s always well-received. Kids love the watermelon, while the adults appreciate the combination of flavors. Plus, it’s a fantastic choice for a warm summer day.
Ingredients
For Balsamic Glaze:
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
For Salad:
- Seedless watermelon – Cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Mixed baby salad greens – A blend of sweet and bitter greens like radicchio adds a nice pop of color.
- Fresh basil – Thinly sliced using the chiffonade method.
- Crumbled feta cheese – Queso fresco is a great alternative.
- Salt
- Black pepper
How To Make Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Fetta
Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.
Combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until it reduces by about half and becomes thick and syrupy. Remove from the heat and let the glaze cool, as it will thicken more as it rests.
Add the mixed baby greens and watermelon cubes to a large serving bowl. Using a wide bowl makes it easier to toss without crushing the watermelon.
Sprinkle the salad lightly with salt and black pepper, then gently toss to combine. Seasoning at this stage helps bring out the sweetness of the watermelon.
Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad, then drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze just before serving so the greens stay fresh.
Serve immediately and enjoy while the salad is crisp and refreshing.
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- For the best texture, choose a ripe but firm watermelon to prevent it from becoming too watery.
- Save time by using a store-bought balsamic glaze if you’re in a pinch.
- Want a twist? Swap the basil for fresh mint for a refreshing variation on the classic flavors.
Make It A Meal
While this salad is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with proteins or grains for a complete meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a balanced dish. If you’re looking to add more substance, quinoa or couscous make excellent choices. Complement the meal with a slice of crusty bread or a chilled soup for a true summer feast.
Storage
This salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the balsamic glaze separate and drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep it tasting its best.
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Feta
Ingredients
For Balsamic Glaze:
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
For Salad:
- 4 cups seedless watermelon bite-sized cubes
- 4 cups mixed baby salad greens
- ¼ cup fresh basil thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix the balsamic vinegar and honey. Heat over medium and let it simmer gently. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes until it reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
- Arrange the mixed baby greens and watermelon cubes in a large serving bowl.
- Sprinkle the salad with salt and black pepper, then gently toss to combine.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the salad and drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze right before serving.
- Serve immediately!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- For the best texture, choose a ripe but firm watermelon to prevent it from becoming too watery.
- Save time by using a store-bought balsamic glaze if you’re in a pinch.
- Want a twist? Swap the basil for fresh mint for a refreshing variation on the classic flavors.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
