Watermelon and Feta Salad with Jalapeno Lime Syrup will be the only salad you need this summer. The cool and crisp melon contrasts deliciously with the saltiness of the feta. Quick and easy to pull together, this salad is the perfect addition to your next cookout or picnic.
Why you will love this
- Sweet and salty and so refreshing - There's nothing better on a hot summer day than cold, refreshing watermelon. The contrast of flavors in this salad is incredible. Sweet juicy melon and salty feta may seem a little unexpected... but this combo is so delicious!
- Quick and easy prep - This salad requires minimal prep and isn't the least bit fussy. Bring this salad to picnics or barbecues or serve as a side dish with your favorite summer meal.
- Sweet and savory syrup - Dress the salad with a drizzle of jalapeno lime simple syrup. The syrup is super easy to make and adds a hint of tartness and mild spice. It's the perfect finishing touch!
Ingredients
I love the flavors in this salad. The watermelon is sweet and refreshing. The feta cheese adds a salty, creamy bite. The jalapeno lime syrup is slightly tart and mildly spicy.
- Watermelon - A mini seedless watermelon (about the size of a cantaloupe) will yield about 5-6 cups of melon balls. These small watermelons are extra sweet and juicy... just perfect for a summer salad.
- Feta cheese - I love using sheep's milk feta. Greek sheep's milk feta is my absolute favorite. It's so creamy and mild and balances the cool fresh melon perfectly. If you can't find sheep's milk feta, no worries. Any variety works just fine. Use what you have or what you love.
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts of sugar and water that is heated to dissolve the sugar. The syrup can be infused with herbs, citrus, or spices. You can use simple syrup to add flavor and sweetness to many different recipes.
- Drizzle over fruit salads, such as Berry Fruit Salad with Mint Syrup or Fruit Salad with Cinnamon-Anise Simple Syrup
- Use as a sweetener for unsweetened iced tea or homemade lemonade - try Fresh Homemade Strawberry Lemonade.
- Add sweetness to cocktails like my Favorite Moscow Mule.
- Pour over a pound cake to infuse extra flavor and moisture.
Steps - instructions
How to make jalapeno lime simple syrup
- Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan set over medium-low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Cut the jalapeno in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and the membrane. If you like it spicy, you can leave the seeds in. Add the jalapeno to the saucepan. Cut the lime in half. Squeeze the juice into the mixture and toss in the lime halves.
- When the sugar is fully dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and allow the flavors to infuse the syrup. When cool, strain the syrup into a mason jar.
- You only need a few tablespoons of syrup for this salad. Store the remainder in the refrigerator to use in other recipes (as discussed above).
How to prepare the salad
- Start with a chilled watermelon for the most refreshing salad. If the watermelon isn't chilled, chill the salad before serving.
- Use a melon ball scoop or small cookie scoop to create balls of watermelon. Alternatively, you can cut the melon into cubes or wedges - whatever you wish.
- Cut the feta into cubes - about ½ inch or so.
- Combine the melon and feta in a serving bowl. Drizzle with a few tablespoons of jalapeno lime syrup. Garnish with lime zest. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe FAQ's and tips
Block feta stays fresher longer. Just crumble or dice when ready to add to salads or other recipes. Pre-crumbled cheese is convenient but it dries out more quickly and doesn't taste as fresh.
This salad is wonderful all summer long. Enjoy it as a refreshing snack by the pool or add the salad to a brunch buffet. Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or with sandwiches like BBQ Bacon Chicken Sandwich or Triple Decker Turkey Club Sandwich.
There are lots of ways to customize this salad. Swap in goat cheese or blue cheese for the feta. Add sliced red onion or cucumbers. Fresh mint adds a pop of color and freshness. Toss in some arugula or nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, or pecans.
Equipment
Saucepan | Liquid measuring cup | Measuring cups and spoons | Channel knife or zester | Mesh strainer | 1 Tbsp cookie scoop | Mason jar
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Watermelon and Feta Salad with Jalapeno Lime Syrup
Ingredients
Jalapeno Lime Simple Syrup
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups water
- 1 jalapeno halved with seeds and membranes removed
- 1 lime
Watermelon and Feta Salad
- 5 cups watermelon balls or 1 mini seedless watermelon (about the size of a cantaloupe)
- 4 ounces block feta cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons jalapeno lime syrup plus extra as desired
- 1 lime zested
Instructions
Jalapeno Lime Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan set over medium-low heat, combine the sugar and water, stirring to dissolve. Add the jalapeno and squeeze the lime juice in the pan. After juicing the lime, add the lime to the saucepan.
- Warm over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved, approx. 3-5 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes while the limes and the jalapeno steeps in the syrup. Strain the syrup into a mason jar. Chill while prepping the salad. Keep leftovers refrigerated. (Note 1)
Watermelon and Feta Salad
- Use a melon baller or small cookie scoop to make melon balls. Alternatively, cut the melon into cubes or wedges. Cut the feta cheese into small cubes, approx. ½-inch.
- Add the watermelon and feta to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the simple syrup. Garnish with lime zest.
EQUIPMENT
Notes
- Reserve remaining syrup to serve over fruit or to add to drinks or cocktails.
- Start with a chilled watermelon for the most refreshing salad. If the watermelon isn't chilled, chill the salad before serving.
- Use block feta for the freshest taste. Alternatively, pre-crumbled feta can be used.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending upon the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Author's note: This post was originally published in June 2019 and has been updated.
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