Watermelon and Feta Salad with Jalapeno Lime Syrup

Why you will love this watermelon and feta salad

• 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, blueberries, 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 it as a side dish with your favorite summer meal.
• Sweet and savory syrup - Dress the salad with a drizzle of jalapeño 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!
• Patriotic color palette - This red, white, and blue salad is ideal for all of your summer celebrations.

For more fruit favorites, try Berry Fruit Salad with Mint Syrup and Greek Yogurt with Granola and Berries.

Ingredient notes

• 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.
• Blueberries add more sweetness and pair beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Feta cheese - Greek sheep's milk feta is my go-to. It's so creamy and mild and balances the cool crisp melon perfectly. If you can't find sheep's milk feta, use your favorite variety. 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 it as a sweetener for iced tea or lemonade like this Fresh Homemade Strawberry Lemonade. 
• Add sweetness to cocktails.
• Pour over a pound cake to infuse extra flavor and moisture.

Step-by-step instructions

Refer to the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

How to make jalapeño lime simple syrup

1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan set over medium-low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. Cut the jalapeño in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and the membrane. If you like it spicy, you can leave the seeds in. Add the jalapeño to the saucepan. Cut the lime in half. Squeeze the juice into the mixture and toss in the lime halves.
3. 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.
4. 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

1. Use a melon ball scoop or a small cookie scoop to create watermelon balls. Alternatively, you can cut the melon into cubes or wedges.
2. Cut the feta into cubes - about ½ inch or so.
3. Combine the melon, blueberries, and feta in a serving bowl. Drizzle with a few tablespoons of jalapeño lime syrup. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for watermelon salad

• Start with a chilled watermelon for the most refreshing salad. If the watermelon isn't chilled, chill the salad before serving.
• Start with a block of feta cheese. It stays fresher than pre-crumbled which dries out easily. Dice or crumble the cheese when assembling the salad.
• To prep the ingredients ahead of time, store the watermelon separately due to its high liquid content. Combine the ingredients when ready to serve.
• Store leftovers for 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Recipe faqs

Equipment

Saucepan | Liquid measuring cup | Measuring cups | Juicer | Mesh strainer | Mason jar | Cookie scoop

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