If you're seeking a refreshing, light, and invigorating dish perfect for warm weather, look no further than this watermelon, arugula, and feta salad. Cool and juicy watermelon contrasts beautifully with peppery arugula and salty feta cheese, creating a balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Most of the ingredients for this salad are readily available. However, arugula might not be a staple in everyone's pantry. It is a peppery, nutty green that is often used in Italian cuisine. You can typically find it in the produce section of supermarkets, often near other salad greens. For this recipe, we also use feta cheese, which is a Greek cheese that has a tangy and salty flavor. It's usually located in the dairy or cheese section of grocery stores.
Ingredients You Need for Watermelon, Arugula and Feta Salad
Watermelon: This is the star of the salad, providing a crisp and refreshing sweetness.
Arugula: This leafy green adds a distinctive peppery taste to the salad.
Feta: Adds a nice salty contrast to the sweet watermelon and tangy arugula.
Red onion: Gives the salad a bit of a bite and a pop of color.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds acidity and sweetness to balance out the flavors.
Olive oil: Used in the dressing, it adds a smooth and rich flavor.
Salt and pepper: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
One reader, Darleen Gilchrist says:
This watermelon, arugula, and feta salad recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the watermelon complements the peppery arugula and tangy feta perfectly. It's a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for a summer day. Highly recommended!
Techniques for Mastering Watermelon, Arugula and Feta Salad
How to prepare the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, removing any seeds if necessary.
How to crumble feta: Use a fork to crumble the feta into small pieces.
How to slice the red onion: Thinly slice the red onion into half-moons.
How to wash arugula: Fill a large bowl with cold water, add the arugula, and swish it around to remove any dirt. Then, dry the arugula well using a salad spinner or paper towels.
How to toss the salad: Gently toss the watermelon, feta, arugula, and red onion with the vinaigrette until well combined. Be careful not to crush the watermelon or arugula.
How To Make Watermelon Arugula and Feta Salad
Enjoy summer in a bowl with this watermelon, arugula, and feta salad! This recipe gives a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3cupsseedless watermelon,cubed and chilled
- ½cupcrumbled feta
- 7ozarugula
- ¼smallred onion,sliced very thin
- 2tbspbalsamic vinegar
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and fresh pepper
Instructions
-
Wash arugula and dry well.
-
In a large bowl whisk vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.
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Toss with the remaining ingredients and serve.
Recipe Notes
Arugula can be replaced with romaine, butter lettuce, watercress or mixed greens.
Nutrition
- Calories: 166.54kcal
- Fat: 11.26g
- Saturated Fat: 3.81g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.86g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.04g
- Carbohydrates: 13.46g
- Fiber: 1.48g
- Sugar: 10.33g
- Protein: 4.80g
- Cholesterol: 16.69mg
- Sodium: 473.46mg
- Calcium: 186.01mg
- Potassium: 347.62mg
- Iron: 1.29mg
- Vitamin A: 114.98µg
- Vitamin C: 17.12mg
Pro Tip for Elevating Your Salad Game
When preparing your watermelon, ensure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for a balanced flavor profile in every bite of the salad. Also, when adding the feta, crumble it finely to allow it to mix well with the arugula and watermelon, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad
Prep ahead: Chop and store the watermelon, crumble the feta, and slice the red onion in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use pre-washed arugula: Opt for pre-washed arugula to eliminate the need for washing and drying, saving you time and effort.
Invest in a good quality balsamic vinegar: Using a high-quality balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavor of the salad, reducing the need for additional seasoning and saving time in the kitchen.
Multi-task: While the watermelon is being cut, the arugula can be washed, and the feta can be crumbled, allowing you to efficiently prepare multiple components simultaneously.
Prep in bulk: Consider preparing a larger quantity of the salad ingredients and storing them separately, allowing for quick and easy assembly of multiple servings throughout the week.
Substitute Ingredients For Watermelon Arugula and Feta Salad Recipe
watermelon - Substitute with cantaloupe: Cantaloupe has a similar texture and sweetness to watermelon, making it a suitable replacement in the salad.
arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a mild, slightly peppery flavor similar to arugula and will work well in the salad.
feta - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy and creamy texture similar to feta, making it a great alternative in the salad.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Salad
- Elevate the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into elegant cubes or use a melon baller for a refined presentation.
- Artfully arrange the arugula: Create a bed of arugula on the plate, ensuring it's evenly spread out for a visually appealing base.
- Crumble the feta with precision: Carefully crumble the feta over the salad, ensuring even distribution and a sophisticated touch.
- Garnish with finely sliced red onion: Thinly slice the red onion and use it as a delicate garnish to add a pop of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction: Use a squeeze bottle to create an artistic drizzle of balsamic reduction around the plate for a professional touch.
- Finish with a flourish of olive oil: A final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a glossy finish and enhances the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Crafting the Perfect Salad
- Cutting board: A flat surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile and essential knife for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing dressings or marinades.
- Whisk: Used for blending and mixing ingredients together, especially for dressings and sauces.
- Serving platter: A large, flat dish used for serving and presenting the salad.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients.
- Salad tongs: Used for tossing and serving the salad.
- Vegetable peeler: For peeling the skin off fruits or vegetables, if needed.
- Cutting knife: A smaller knife for precise cutting and trimming of ingredients.
- Salad spinner: Used for washing and drying the arugula and other greens.
Surprising Fact About Watermelon, Arugula and Feta Salad
Watermelon, arugula and feta salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer. The combination of sweet watermelon, peppery arugula, and tangy feta creates a delightful flavor profile. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It's a great way to stay hydrated and nourished during hot weather. Additionally, watermelon is about 92% water, making it an excellent choice for maintaining hydration. Enjoy this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for a barbecue. It's a simple yet impressive dish that will surely be a hit at any gathering.
Is Making This Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This watermelon, arugula and feta salad recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and widely available. The combination of watermelon, arugula, and feta creates a refreshing and flavorful dish that is both affordable and nutritious. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, this recipe is a solid 9/10 for its affordability and delicious taste.
Is This Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?
The watermelon, arugula, and feta salad recipe is a refreshing and nutritious combination of ingredients. This salad is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice for a light meal or side dish. The watermelon provides hydration and a good source of vitamin C, while the arugula is rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, and folate. Feta cheese adds a tangy flavor and a boost of protein and calcium. The balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing is a heart-healthy option, as it contains monounsaturated fats that can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch and a dose of healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Sprinkle some freshly chopped mint leaves over the salad for an additional burst of flavor and a natural digestive aid
- Include a variety of colorful vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers, to increase the fiber content and provide a wider range of vitamins and minerals
- Opt for a reduced-fat feta cheese to lower the overall calorie and saturated fat content of the dish
- Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider or red wine vinegar, to introduce new flavors while still maintaining the health benefits of the dressing
Editor's Take on This Refreshing Summer Salad
This watermelon, arugula, and feta salad is a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and peppery flavors. The juicy watermelon pairs perfectly with the tangy feta, while the arugula adds a nice peppery bite. The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully. It's a refreshing and vibrant salad that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine, making it a standout dish. Overall, this salad is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that will surely impress your guests.
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Why trust this Watermelon Arugula and Feta Salad Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful combination of refreshing watermelon, peppery arugula, and tangy feta. The flavors are brought together with a simple yet flavorful dressing made with balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. The sweetness of the watermelon, the sharpness of the arugula, and the creaminess of the feta create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Trust the quality of the ingredients, including the crisp arugula and juicy watermelon, to ensure a delicious and satisfying salad experience.
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