Though it has – thankfully – cooled off a little here in the UK, watermelon still firmly has its place in providing refreshment where only stifling heat previously existed. So well does the fruit live up to its name that devouring but a few chunks feels akin to seeing off a good few glasses of ice-cold water. Happily – for this recipe for Watermelon, Mint and Feta Salad, at least – watermelon lends itself as well as any fruit to savoury concoctions, providing a sweet juiciness you can’t help but gobble.
Unadulterated watermelon is truly wonderful, juicy… exquisite; but used as a star ingredient in a summery salad magnifies its worth ten-fold. Ushered alongside the sharp, powerful flavour of feta cheese you receive an improved contrast of taste that emphasises just how refreshing and juicy watermelon can be.
Bound together by the luxury and decadence of fresh mint and good-quality extra virgin olive oil, this salad makes an outstanding side and an even better show piece for the lunch table. Just make sure to position yours in the sun for full effect when inhaled…
Some of you may have more expertise in this matter than I, but watermelon tends to be much the same from wherever you buy it. The same cannot, however, be said for feta cheese. Frugalfeeding may be a blog about saving your pennies – frugality – but throwing money away on what they call ‘salad cheese’ is nonsense.
As mentioned in the above missive, the entire basis of this salad rests upon the stark contrast between the meek and mild melon and the tangy cheese. Spend a few extra “coppers” on the feta and enjoy your flavours cleverly. It’s not all about spending as little as humanly possible. For more on my approach when it comes to not ruining food, see my tips section here…
Watermelon, Mint and Feta Salad
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- ¼ of a watermelon, in rough chunks
- 150g feta cheese, cubed
- a small handful of fresh mint, finely sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- a pinch of black pepper
Method:
- Gently mix together the feta and watermelon in a large mixing bowl. Transfer into a serving bowl or onto a large plate, scatter with the mint, drizzle with the olive oil, season with the pepper and enjoy.
Cost: Even good quality feta cheese is relatively inexpensive if you shop around and can easily be picked up for around £1.50 for 200g. Watermelon isn’t expensive per gram either, and despite a drizzle of smashing olive oil, this salad should set you back no more than around £2.
19 replies on “Watermelon, Mint and Feta Salad”
I love this salad, one of my favourites!.. c
Thank you, Cecilia – it’s a wonderful dish for summer.
We will definitely try this dish, looks great!
Thank you – I hope you enjoy it.
The saltiness of the feta cheese must make the watermelon seem extra sweet!
Extra sweet and refreshing!
Love this stuff. Sometimes we swap feta for halloumi (it can be pricer)..there’s something about that salty-sweet combination. yum!
It’s a tad more expensive, but a nice idea too. Maybe I’l give that a shot.
This salad looks delicious. Thank you for sharing. You might like my lavender and lemon shortbread recipe. Take care. Emma.
I’ll take a look – thanks!
I tried this. It was delicious! I do like a cheese and fruit combination. Now figs are coming into season I will be eating a lot of fresh figs, goats’ cheese and walnut oil salad.
Fantastic! I really must do a fig recipe this weekend. Thanks for the reminder.
Classic, and with a glass of dry rosé, perfect. Ken
Personally, I’d go white – never been such a fan of rose, even nice bottles!
One of my favorite summer combinations. I usually leave out the olive oil, but the next time that I make it, I’ll try adding it again! Thanks for the inspiration!
I can’t resist a healthy portion of olive oil…
A perfect summer time salad! I’ve had this a few times this summer and each time it is delicious!
Thank you – it’s so refreshing!
[…] more simple salad ideas, check out my recipes for Watermelon, Mint and Feta Salad, Radish, Watercress and Potato Salad and Beetroot, Pear and Goats Cheese […]