Watermelon and Feta Salad with Jalapeño Lime Syrup is 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.
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This post was originally published on June 1, 2019, and has been fully updated.
When fresh berries are in season, I love starting the day with this Greek yogurt granola bowl or a dish of berries and mint. When watermelon is in season, I crave this Watermelon and Feta Salad.
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Why you will love this 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. You can bring it to picnics or barbecues or serve it as a side dish with your favorite summer meal.
- Sweet and savory syrup - Dress the salad with 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 your summer celebrations.
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, perfect for a summer salad.
- Blueberries add more sweetness and pair beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Feta cheese - Greek or French sheep's milk feta is my go-to. It's so creamy and mild and balances the cool, crisp melon. If you can't find sheep's milk feta, goat's milk feta is also delicious.
What is Simple Syrup?
Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water heated to dissolve the sugar. It can be infused with herbs, citrus, or spices. Simple syrup can be used to add flavor and sweetness to a variety of recipes.
- Drizzle over fruit salads, such as Fruit Salad with Anise Simple Syrup.
- Use it as a sweetener for iced tea or 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
- Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Cut the jalapeño in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and the membrane. If you like spice, 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.
- 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 for other recipes (as discussed above).
How to prepare the salad
- To create watermelon balls, use a melon ball scoop or a small cookie scoop. Alternatively, you can cut the melon into cubes or wedges.
- Cut the feta into cubes - about ½ inch or so.
- Combine the melon, blueberries, and feta in a serving bowl. Drizzle with a few tablespoons of jalapeño lime syrup. Serve and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- For the most refreshing salad, start with a chilled watermelon. 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.
- Due to its high liquid content, store the watermelon separately if preparing the ingredients in advance. Combine the ingredients when ready to serve.
- Store leftovers for 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe FAQs
Buy watermelon when it's in season. Choose a melon that is heavy for its size. This is a sign of a juicy watermelon. Also, check the color of the field spot. The field spot is a flat area where the melon rests on the ground as it grows. Look for a yellow or orange spot. A white spot means the melon isn't ripe.
This salad is wonderful all summer long. Enjoy it as a refreshing snack by the pool, or add it to a brunch buffet. Serve it as a side dish 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.
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📖 Recipe Card
Watermelon and Feta Salad with Jalapeno Lime Syrup
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EQUIPMENT
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 chilled watermelon balls (or 1 mini seedless watermelon roughly the size of a cantaloupe)
- 6 ounces blueberries
- 4 ounces block feta cheese (cut into small cubes)
- 2-3 tablespoons jalapeno lime syrup (plus extra as desired)
Instructions
Jalapeno Lime Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the sugar and water, stirring to dissolve. Add the jalapeno and squeeze the lime juice into the pan. After juicing the lime, add the lime to the pan.
- Warm over medium-low heat until the sugar is dissolved, approx. 3-5 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes while the lime and the jalapeno steeps in the syrup. Strain the syrup into a mason jar. Chill while prepping the salad. Keep leftovers refrigerated.
Watermelon and Feta Salad
- Use a melon baller or small cookie scoop to make melon balls. Alternatively, cut the melon into cubes or wedges. Add the watermelon and blueberries to a serving bowl.
- Cut the feta cheese into small cubes, approx. ½ inch. Add to the fruit. Gently toss.
- Drizzle the syrup over the salad. Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
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