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Do you ever find yourself craving something light, refreshing, and utterly delicious on a sweltering summer day? I sure do! Last summer, during a family barbeque, I was tasked with bringing a salad. Tired of the usual leafy greens, I decided to get creative. Inspired by the vibrant colors of the season and the abundance of fresh fruit, I concocted this Watermelon Strawberry Splash Salad. And boy, was it a hit! The kids devoured it, the adults raved about it, and I basked in the glory of creating something so simple yet so satisfying. Ever since, it’s been a staple in our summer menu. You know, sometimes the best recipes are born out of spontaneity and a desire to try something new. This salad is a perfect example of that. It's more than just a mix of fruits; its a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on your tongue. The sweetness of the watermelon and strawberries is beautifully balanced by the salty tang of feta cheese, while the fresh mint adds a cool, aromatic finish.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. It requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking. Not a fan of feta? Try goat cheese or mozzarella. Want to add a little kick? A sprinkle of chili flakes does the trick. The possibilities are endless! This salad is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes. The vibrant reds and greens create a visually stunning dish that's sure to impress your guests. I remember one time, I brought this salad to a potluck, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone wanted the recipe, and I felt like a culinary rockstar. It's moments like these that make cooking so rewarding. It's about sharing joy, creating memories, and nourishing those you love with wholesome, delicious food.
Beat the heat with this Watermelon Strawberry Splash Salad! Combining juicy watermelon, sweet strawberries, tangy feta, and fresh mint, it’s a burst of summer in every bite—perfect as a light lunch or refreshing side dish.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Prepare the Watermelon: Begin by cutting the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. Remove any seeds as you go. Place the cubed watermelon in a large mixing bowl. Pro-tip: I like to use a melon baller for a more uniform look, but cubes work just as well!
Hull and Slice the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly. Remove the green stems (hulls) and slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size as the watermelon cubes. Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl with the watermelon.
Add the Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon and strawberries. Don't be shy! The salty, tangy flavor of the feta is what really makes this salad sing. If you're using a block of feta, make sure to crumble it evenly. If pre-crumbled, just sprinkle it on top.
Chiffonade the Mint: Gently wash the fresh mint leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel. Stack a few leaves on top of each other, then roll them up tightly like a cigar. Use a sharp knife to slice the roll into thin strips. This technique, called chiffonade, releases the mint's aromatic oils and creates beautiful, delicate ribbons. Sprinkle the mint over the salad.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze (Optional): If you're using balsamic glaze, drizzle a small amount over the salad. Be careful not to overdo it, as balsamic glaze can be quite strong. A little goes a long way! If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can skip this step or use a light vinaigrette instead.
Gently Toss the Salad: Use a large spoon to gently toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to mash the watermelon or strawberries.
Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to become nice and cold. I usually chill mine for about an hour for the best flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the salad from the refrigerator and give it one last gentle toss. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing burst of summer flavors! Garnish with a few extra mint leaves or a sprinkle of feta, if desired.
📝 Notes
For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based feta alternative.
Add a squeeze of lime juice for an extra zing.
If you don't have balsamic glaze, a light honey-lime vinaigrette works well too.