This refreshing watermelon feta arugula salad in jars is the perfect dish for summer picnics, potlucks, or just a healthy lunch on the go. It combines the juicy sweetness of watermelon with the salty tang of feta cheese and the peppery kick of arugula. The simple dressing of balsamic vinegar and olive oil brings all the flavors together beautifully.
All the ingredients for this salad are easily found in most supermarkets or local grocery stores. However, do pay attention to the quality of the feta cheese as it significantly impacts the overall taste of the salad. Opt for the best quality you can find. Freshly picked arugula and ripe watermelon would make this salad even more delightful.
Ingredients for Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad
Watermelon: The star of this salad, it adds a refreshing and sweet taste.
Feta cheese: Adds a tangy and salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the watermelon.
Baby arugula: Peppery and slightly bitter, it complements the other ingredients well.
Red onion: Provides a sharp and slightly sweet taste.
Balsamic vinegar: Gives the salad its tangy flavor.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used in the dressing, it adds a fruity and slightly bitter undertone.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Fresh black pepper: Adds a mild heat to the salad.
One reader, Corinne Hilton says:
This watermelon feta arugula salad in jars recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and peppery arugula is a burst of flavors. The convenience of serving it in jars makes it perfect for picnics or on-the-go lunches. It's a refreshing and delightful summer treat!
Key Techniques for Making Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad in Jars
How to assemble the salad in jars: Layer the ingredients in the specified order, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures in each jar.
How to layer the salad ingredients: Start by adding the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to each jar, followed by the onion, feta, watermelon, and finally, the arugula. Ensure that the layers are visually appealing and well-distributed.
How to serve the salad: Once the ingredients are layered in the jars, securely seal the lids and serve the salad directly from the jars. This presentation adds a unique touch to the dining experience.
How to enjoy the salad: To fully savor the flavors and textures, use a long fork or spoon to reach all the layers of the salad, ensuring each bite includes a bit of watermelon, feta, arugula, and the balsamic vinaigrette.
How To Make Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad in Jars
These delicious, ready-to-eat arugula salad is made with crunchy baby arugulas and juicy watermelon, all doused in a tangy balsamic glaze.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4cupswatermelon,diced, seedless
- 3ozfeta cheese,crumbled
- 3cupsbaby arugula
- ¼small red onion,chopped
- 2tbspbalsamic vinegar
- 2tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- ⅛tspkosher salt
- fresh black pepper
Instructions
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Divide the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper equally between 4 pint-sized glass jars.
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Divide and layer the onion, feta, watermelon, and finish with ¾ cup of arugula.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 173.54kcal
- Fat: 11.56g
- Saturated Fat: 4.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.94g
- Carbohydrates: 14.83g
- Fiber: 0.92g
- Sugar: 11.91g
- Protein: 4.24g
- Cholesterol: 18.92mg
- Sodium: 258.93mg
- Calcium: 129.52mg
- Potassium: 227.50mg
- Iron: 0.74mg
- Vitamin A: 75.81µg
- Vitamin C: 13.55mg
Helpful Technique for Assembling Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad in Jars
When preparing your watermelon feta arugula salad in jars, it's important to layer the ingredients in a specific order to maintain the freshness and texture of each component. Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by the onion and feta cheese. These ingredients can withstand sitting in the dressing for a longer period. Next, add the watermelon, which acts as a barrier between the dressing and the arugula. The arugula should be the last ingredient you add to the jar, as it's the most delicate and can easily wilt if it comes into contact with the dressing too soon. This layering technique ensures that your salad stays fresh and crisp until you're ready to enjoy it.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and store the watermelon, crumble the feta, and slice the onion in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use pre-washed arugula: Opt for pre-washed baby arugula to eliminate the need for washing and drying, saving you time and effort.
Invest in a good quality balsamic vinegar: A high-quality balsamic vinegar will add more flavor, allowing you to use less and saving time on adjusting the seasoning.
Layer ingredients strategically: Layer the ingredients in a specific order to prevent the arugula from wilting and maintain the salad's freshness for longer.
Multi-task: While layering the ingredients, you can prepare the dressing in advance to save time and streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad in Jars Recipe
watermelon - Substitute with cantaloupe: Cantaloupe has a similar texture and sweetness to watermelon, making it a suitable replacement in the salad.
feta cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture similar to feta, making it a great alternative in the salad.
baby arugula - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach has a mild, slightly peppery flavor similar to arugula and would work well in the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to red onions and can provide a similar oniony taste without being overpowering.
balsamic vinegar - Substitute with red wine vinegar: Red wine vinegar has a slightly tangy and fruity flavor that can replace the sweetness of balsamic vinegar in the dressing.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for dressing in the salad.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and saltiness to kosher salt and can be used in the same quantity in the recipe.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor compared to black pepper and can provide a subtle peppery taste to the salad.
Creative Ways to Serve Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad in Jars
- Elevate the watermelon: Cut the watermelon into elegant cubes or use a melon baller for a refined presentation.
- Layer the ingredients with precision: Carefully arrange the feta, red onion, and arugula to create visually appealing layers within the jar.
- Drizzle the balsamic reduction: Create a beautiful design on the plate using the balsamic reduction to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
- Garnish with microgreens: Sprinkle delicate microgreens on top for a pop of color and a gourmet touch.
- Use high-quality serving jars: Opt for crystal-clear glass jars to showcase the vibrant colors of the salad and add a touch of elegance to the presentation.
- Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to add a touch of whimsy and elegance to the dish.
- Add a finishing touch of sea salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance the flavors and add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Salad Recipe
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping.
- Mixing bowl: Used for mixing ingredients and preparing salads or dressings.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Glass jars: Used for layering and serving the watermelon feta arugula salad.
- Small knife: For cutting the watermelon and onion into smaller pieces.
- Serving plates: For serving the prepared salad.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad
To store the watermelon feta arugula salad in jars, make sure to tightly seal the lids on each jar. This will help prevent any air from entering and keep the ingredients fresh.
Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cool temperature will help maintain the quality and freshness of the watermelon, feta, and arugula.
When ready to serve, give the jar a gentle shake to redistribute the balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing evenly throughout the salad.
If you plan to freeze the salad, it's best to omit the arugula and feta cheese. These ingredients do not freeze well and can become soggy or lose their texture when thawed.
To freeze, place the cubed watermelon and sliced red onion in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
When ready to enjoy the frozen watermelon salad, thaw the contents in the refrigerator overnight.
Once thawed, add the arugula and feta cheese to the jar, along with the balsamic vinegar and olive oil dressing. Give the jar a gentle shake to combine the ingredients before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad
Watermelon feta arugula salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for picnics or as a light lunch. The combination of sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and peppery arugula creates a delightful flavor profile. This salad is not only delicious but also packed with hydrating water content from the watermelon and essential nutrients from the arugula. It's a great way to stay hydrated and nourished during hot summer days. Plus, serving it in jars makes it convenient for on-the-go enjoyment.
Is Making Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This watermelon feta arugula salad in jars recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are relatively affordable and can be found in most local markets. The combination of watermelon, feta cheese, and arugula creates a refreshing and flavorful dish. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, considering its simplicity, nutritional value, and affordability.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Not So Much?
The watermelon feta arugula salad in jars recipe is a refreshing and nutritious option for a light meal or snack. This salad is packed with several healthy ingredients:
- Watermelon is low in calories and high in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium
- Arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron
- Feta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, although it is relatively high in sodium and saturated fat
- Red onion contains antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar levels
- Balsamic vinegar and olive oil are heart-healthy ingredients that provide beneficial compounds like polyphenols and monounsaturated fats
While this salad is generally healthy, there are a few ways to make it even more nutritious:
- Use reduced-fat feta cheese to lower the saturated fat content
- Add more vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or cucumber, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Include a source of lean protein, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more filling and balanced
- Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar, which may offer additional health benefits
- Use a light hand when adding salt, as the feta cheese already contributes sodium to the dish
The Editor's Opinion on This Refreshing Salad Recipe
This watermelon feta arugula salad in jars recipe is a delightful and refreshing summer dish. The combination of sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and peppery arugula creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The use of glass jars not only adds a charming presentation but also makes it convenient for picnics or outdoor gatherings. The balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a touch of acidity. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to showcase seasonal ingredients and is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
Enhance Your Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad in Jars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Discover Delightful Variations on the Classic Watermelon Salad Theme
Perfect Pairings: Main Courses and Desserts to Complement Your Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad
Why trust this Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad in Jars Recipe:
This recipe is a delightful combination of fresh watermelon, creamy feta cheese, and peppery arugula, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The use of high-quality ingredients such as balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil ensures a depth of flavor that will elevate your dining experience. The layering of ingredients in individual jars not only adds a visually appealing touch but also allows for easy serving and portability. Trust in the simplicity and balance of this recipe to deliver a refreshing and satisfying salad experience.
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