You knew that watermelon and feta went together, but what about the other melons? And what happens if you add basil to the mix?
You may have had Watermelon Feta Salad before, but we’re taking it a step further by using three kinds of melon. It results in a beautiful salad that is a perfect side dish or appetizer all summer long. This dish is especially a big hit at summer potlucks and cookouts.
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
Why Pair Feta With Melon?
Have you ever sprinkled salt on fresh watermelon? The salt brings out the flavor, making it seem sweeter and juicier than before. Pairing melon with feta cheese plays with that same idea. The salty feta cheese provides a savory contrast to the sweet fruit making for a delicious experience.
Ingredients
I think by now we all know that feta and watermelon are insane together. It’s actually true that all the melons taste good with feta though, which is why this salad also has cantaloupe and honeydew melon. It’s so colorful and you get slightly different flavors with each bite.
We’re also seasoning this melon salad with a little lemon juice (lime juice is good too), salt, pepper, and some fresh basil. If you’re not a basil fan, you could substitute fresh mint instead for a little something different.
I like to leave it at that, because I’m all about keeping this simple and tasty. But if you wanted to expand on this summer salad by including some veggies like cucumber or red onion, you can.
To Chop or Tear Basil?
Topping off this salad is some nice fresh basil. Basil and sweet fruit like melon are great together. And basil and feta? I mean, come on!
A quick basil tip: The basil is not chopped in this recipe but is instead torn using your fingers. Why? Unless you knife is super-sharp (as it should be but, if you’re like me, rarely is) chopping the basil will bruise it. Bruised basil gets brown at the edges and does not look nice on a salad. When you instead tear basil, it rips cleanly and does not get the bruised appearance. You also get nice big pieces, which is great in a salad like this.
More Great Salad Recipes
Melon, Feta, and Basil Salad Recipe
You knew that watermelon and feta went together, but what about the other melons? And what happens if you add basil to the mix?
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped cantaloupe
- 1 cup chopped honeydew
- 1 cup chopped watermelon
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 4 large leaves basil, torn
- 2 tsp. feta, crumbled
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- In bowl, place the chopped melon. Toss in lemon juice.
- Sprinkle with basil and feta. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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This post originally appeared in June 2016 and was revised and republished in May 2024.
This is soooo good. Pretty sure I’ll be making this every time melon is on sale now.
Glad to hear it, Callie!