Chilled Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze

Looking for a light, refreshing, and colorful dish that’s perfect for hot days?

This Chilled Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze is a must-try.

It’s juicy, sweet, salty, cool, and a little tangy—all in one bite. Whether you need a side dish for a BBQ, a quick lunch, or a healthy snack, this salad brings summer to your plate.

Let’s walk through how to make this super easy and super tasty watermelon salad.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Feta Salad

• No cooking needed—just chop, mix, and chill
• Ready in under 15 minutes
• Refreshing and light, perfect for summer
• Uses just a few ingredients
• Beautiful and colorful to serve at parties
• A great mix of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors

Ingredients You’ll Need (and Easy Swaps)

Here’s what you need to make this cool and tasty salad:

• Watermelon – Use seedless watermelon, cut into cubes. Cold, sweet watermelon is the star of this salad.
• Feta cheese – Crumbled feta adds a salty, creamy touch. You can use goat cheese or vegan feta if you prefer.
• Fresh mint – Chopped mint gives a cool and fresh flavor. Basil works too if you don’t have mint.
• Balsamic glaze – This adds a rich, tangy-sweet drizzle on top. You can use balsamic vinegar if you don’t have the glaze—just reduce it on the stove to thicken.
• Olive oil – A little drizzle adds smoothness.
• Salt and pepper – Just a small pinch brings out the flavors.

Optional Add-Ins

Want to change it up? Try adding:

• Sliced cucumber
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Arugula or baby spinach
• Toasted nuts or seeds (like pistachios or pumpkin seeds)

How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad (Step-by-Step)

This salad is super simple, but here are the easy steps to make it perfectly:

Cut the watermelon
Chop cold watermelon into bite-size cubes and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Add the feta
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the watermelon. Be gentle when mixing so it doesn’t break too much.

Chop and add the mint
Finely chop the fresh mint leaves and toss them in.

Drizzle olive oil
Add a small amount of olive oil—just enough to coat lightly.

Season
Add a little salt and pepper to taste. Remember, feta is salty, so go light on the salt.

Add the balsamic glaze
Drizzle the balsamic glaze right before serving for a nice sweet-tart finish.

Chill or serve immediately
You can serve this salad right away, or chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes for an extra cold and refreshing bite.

Tips for the Best Watermelon Feta Salad

• Use cold ingredients: This salad tastes best when the watermelon and feta are chilled before mixing.
• Cube the watermelon evenly: Bite-size pieces make the salad easier to eat and look nicer in the bowl.
• Don’t mix too early: Combine just before serving to keep the watermelon from getting too watery and the feta from breaking apart.
• Use a sharp knife: This helps make clean cuts through the watermelon without squishing it.

Easy Variations to Try

Want to add your own twist? Here are a few fun ways to change it up:

• Add cucumbers: Thin cucumber slices make it even more cooling.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or thin slices of jalapeño for a spicy-sweet combo.
• Use grilled watermelon: Want something different? Try lightly grilling your watermelon cubes for a smoky flavor.
• Go green: Toss in some baby arugula or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.

What to Serve With Watermelon Feta Salad

This salad goes great with many summer favorites:

• Grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp
• Burgers or veggie patties
• Flatbread or pita chips
• Lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water with lime
• As a light lunch with a slice of toasted bread on the side

Make Ahead, Storage, and Meal Prep Tips

Make ahead:
You can cut the watermelon and crumble the feta a few hours in advance. Keep them in separate containers in the fridge.

Assemble just before serving:
Mix everything right before eating so the salad stays fresh and not soggy.

Leftovers:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The watermelon might release juice, so drain a little if needed before eating.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use balsamic vinegar instead of glaze?
Yes! Just simmer balsamic vinegar on the stove until it thickens into a syrup-like glaze.

Can I make it vegan?
Of course. Use plant-based feta or skip the cheese and add avocado or nuts for creaminess.

What kind of watermelon is best?
Seedless watermelon is easiest to eat, but any sweet, ripe watermelon works well. Just make sure it’s cold!

Is it okay to add other fruits?
Yes! Try adding strawberries, blueberries, or peaches for even more fruity goodness.