Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs

Published: June 28, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad without spending hours in the kitchen.
Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sweet watermelon and tangy feta creates a mouthwatering contrast that’s perfect for hot days.
Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or adjust the cheese for your taste preferences.
Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients, this salad is low in calories yet high in flavor, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Beautiful Presentation: The bright colors of the ingredients make this salad visually appealing—perfect for impressing guests!

Tools and Preparation

To make Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help you prepare and serve this dish efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting board
Serving platter

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all the ingredients easily without spilling.
Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the watermelon into cubes quick and safe.
Cutting board: Using a cutting board protects your countertop and provides a stable surface for chopping.
Serving platter: A beautiful serving platter enhances the presentation of your salad, making it more appealing at mealtime.

Ingredients

For the Salad

about 4 cups watermelon cubes (about 1 inch cubes)
3 Tablespoons olive oil
zest 1 medium lemon
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh mint (or oregano, basil leaves, parsley or dill), chopped (reserve a few whole leaves for garnish)
4 ounces feta cheese (approximately)
3 cups fresh arugula (about 4oz-113g or 720ml)
freshly ground black pepper
kosher salt to taste (optional)

How to Make Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped mint (or herbs of choice). Stir well to ensure everything is mixed together smoothly.

Step 2: Add Watermelon

Carefully add the watermelon chunks to the dressing mixture. Gently stir to coat the watermelon evenly with the flavorful dressing.

Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients

Next, add the feta cheese and arugula to the bowl along with freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Taste your salad for seasoning and add kosher salt if needed. Serve chilled for an extra refreshing experience!

How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs

This refreshing watermelon salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light lunch option. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

As a Side Dish

Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for a balanced meal.
Serve alongside any hearty main dish to provide a refreshing contrast.

In a Wrap

Wrap the salad in whole grain tortillas for a nutritious on-the-go option.
Add some sliced avocado for creaminess and extra flavor.

With Additional Nuts

Top with toasted almonds or walnuts for added crunch.
Nuts can enhance the texture and nutritional value of the salad.

Garnished with Extra Herbs

Sprinkle additional fresh herbs on top just before serving.
This will brighten the flavors and make it visually appealing.

How to Perfect Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs

Enhancing your watermelon salad can make it even more delicious. Here are some tips for perfecting this dish.

Choose Ripe Watermelon: Select watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform shape. This ensures sweetness and juiciness.
Use Fresh Herbs: Opt for fresh herbs instead of dried ones. They add vibrant flavors that dried herbs simply cannot match.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps blend the flavors and makes it even more refreshing.
Balance Flavors: Taste your salad before serving. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs

Pairing side dishes with watermelon salad can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:

Grilled Chicken: Marinated and grilled chicken adds protein and complements the lightness of the salad beautifully.
Quinoa Pilaf: A flavorful quinoa pilaf provides a hearty texture while being healthy and gluten-free.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables bring out deep flavors that contrast nicely with the freshness of the salad.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices can be a filling accompaniment.
Couscous Salad: A light couscous salad featuring lemon dressing enhances the citrus notes in your watermelon salad.
Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on skewers offer an Italian flair that pairs well with feta cheese.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Using Overripe Watermelon – Always choose fresh watermelon that is firm and vibrant. Overripe watermelon can lead to a mushy salad.
Skipping the Dressing – Don’t forget to combine your olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs before adding them to the salad. This step enhances the flavors significantly.
Not Chilling the Salad – Serving the salad chilled makes it refreshing. Allow it to sit in the fridge for a bit before serving.
Forgetting to Taste for Seasoning – Always taste your salad before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
Ignoring Herb Variations – While mint is delicious, experimenting with different herbs like basil or dill can elevate your dish. Don’t hesitate to try new combinations!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover watermelon salad in an airtight container.
It will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs

Freezing is not recommended due to the texture changes in watermelon and feta once thawed.

Reheating Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs

Oven – Not applicable; this salad is best served cold.
Microwave – Avoid using a microwave as it can change the texture of the ingredients.
Stovetop – Not recommended; serve fresh and chilled instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for feta cheese in Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs?

You can use vegan feta or goat cheese as alternatives if you’re looking for different flavor profiles.

Can I add more vegetables to my Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.

How do I make Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs more filling?

Consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas for added protein and substance.

Is Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s great for meal prep as long as you store it properly and consume it within two days.

Final Thoughts

This Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Feta, & Fresh Herbs is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can customize it by incorporating different herbs or adding extra veggies according to your taste. Try this delightful salad at your next gathering or as a light lunch!

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