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Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe with Mint and Balsamic Reduction

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A quick and refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and a tangy balsamic reduction. Perfect for light meals or side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes (about 600g / 21 oz)
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 150g / 5.3 oz)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped (about 15g / 0.5 oz)
  • 2 cups baby arugula or mixed greens (optional) (about 60g / 2.1 oz)
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (120ml / 4 fl oz)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (15ml / 0.5 fl oz)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30ml / 1 fl oz)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the watermelon into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes, aiming for uniform pieces. Avoid cutting too close to the rind.
  2. Pour 1/2 cup (120 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or maple syrup. Stir occasionally and simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until thickened to a syrupy consistency.
  3. Remove the pan from heat and let the balsamic reduction cool to room temperature; it will thicken slightly as it cools.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, chopped fresh mint, and arugula or mixed greens if using. Gently toss to mix without crushing the watermelon.
  5. Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil over the salad. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to distribute flavors evenly.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter. Drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the top in thin ribbons.
  7. Serve immediately for best texture. If chilling, cover and refrigerate for no more than 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use ripe watermelon with a creamy yellow spot and hollow sound for best sweetness. Soak feta briefly if too salty. Tear mint leaves instead of finely chopping to avoid overpowering flavor. Assemble salad last minute to keep watermelon crisp. Warm balsamic reduction slightly if it hardens before serving.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://islatable.com/fresh-watermelon-feta-salad-recipe-with-mint-and-balsamic-reduction-easy-and-refreshing/