Watermelon Feta Salad Bites Recipe

Name: Watermelon Feta Salad Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 medium size seedless watermelon, chilled; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup crumbled feta; 1/3 cup finely diced onion; 1/4 cup finely chopped mint, plus more for garnish if desired

Watermelon Salad with Feta, Red Onion, and Mint

Ingredients

1 medium seedless watermelon, chilled
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
cup extra virgin olive oil
teaspoon kosher salt
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
cup crumbled feta
cup minced red onion
cup finely chopped mint, plus more for garnish if desired

Directions

Step 1: Trim both ends off the watermelon and stand it up vertically on a cutting board.

Step 2: Run a sharp knife along the line where the rind meets the flesh to carefully remove the rind. Continue trimming the sides to create four straight edges. Reserve the trimmings for another use.

Step 3: Cut the watermelon into approximately 2 dozen 2-inch chunks, ensuring even pieces.

Step 4: Using a melon baller or small spoon, hollow out about 2 teaspoons of flesh from the center of each watermelon chunk. Set aside the removed watermelon flesh for later use.

Step 5: Arrange the hollowed watermelon pieces on a serving platter and set aside.

Step 6: In a medium bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 7: Add the crumbled feta, minced red onion, and chopped mint to the dressing mixture. Gently fold everything together until well combined.

Step 8: Spoon the feta mixture into the hollowed-out watermelon chunks.

Step 9: Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves, if desired, and serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 90
Total Fat: 6g (8% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 2g (8% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 6mg (2% Daily Value)
Sodium: 115mg (5% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 9g (3% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 0g (1% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 6g
Protein: 1g (3% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 8mg (9% Daily Value)
Calcium: 36mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 0mg (1% Daily Value)
Potassium: 83mg (2% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of the Watermelon Feta Salad Bites

The combination of watermelon and feta has its roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where the two ingredients are commonly used in various salads. The watermelon feta pairing became popular in the early 2000s as food trends leaned towards fresh, light, and healthy ingredients. This simple, yet refreshing, dish quickly found a place on summer menus worldwide due to its vibrant colors and appealing flavors. Watermelon Feta Salad Bites take this classic combination and transform it into a bite-sized appetizer, perfect for parties and gatherings.

Regional Variations

While the watermelon and feta salad is widely recognized as a Mediterranean dish, its popularity has spread to various regions, each adding their own twist. In Greece, feta is a staple ingredient, and combining it with watermelon brings out the sweet and savory contrast that is a hallmark of Greek cuisine. In the Middle East, where mint and olive oil are commonly used, variations of this salad often include fresh herbs like basil or parsley. In the United States, the salad is often dressed with balsamic vinegar or honey to add complexity to the flavor profile, especially in the summer months.

What Sets Watermelon Feta Salad Bites Apart?

Watermelon Feta Salad Bites distinguish themselves from other similar dishes by their bite-sized, easily shareable format. While traditional watermelon feta salads might feature large cubes of watermelon and crumbled feta, this recipe transforms the ingredients into an appetizer that can be popped into your mouth in one bite. The addition of red onion and fresh mint adds a layer of texture and flavor, making it more dynamic than a simple salad. The hollowed-out watermelon cubes serve as a natural vessel for the feta mixture, adding a touch of creativity to the presentation.

Where to Serve Watermelon Feta Salad Bites

Watermelon Feta Salad Bites are often served as an appetizer at summer parties, picnics, and barbecues. Their light and refreshing nature makes them an excellent choice for outdoor gatherings, especially during hot weather. They can be served as a first course before a meal, or as a snack to complement other party dishes. Their bright colors also make them a great addition to a buffet spread or a cocktail hour, where guests can easily grab a few and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Interesting Facts About Watermelon Feta Salad Bites

The combination of watermelon and feta not only tastes great but also provides health benefits. Watermelon is rich in vitamins A and C, and is known for its hydrating properties, making it perfect for hot days.
The pairing of sweet watermelon and salty feta creates a flavor contrast that has been praised by chefs for its ability to awaken the taste buds.
The addition of fresh mint in the salad offers a burst of freshness and aroma, enhancing the overall experience of this light and vibrant dish.
Watermelon is one of the most hydrating fruits, with about 92% of its content being water, making it an excellent choice for maintaining hydration during summer activities.

FAQ about Watermelon Feta Salad Bites Recipe

Leftover Watermelon Feta Salad Bites should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain their freshness. Be sure to store the feta mixture separately if possible, to prevent the watermelon from becoming soggy.

While it's best to prepare the salad fresh, you can prepare the watermelon cubes and feta mixture ahead of time. Store the cubed watermelon and feta mixture in separate containers in the fridge. Assemble the bites just before serving to ensure the watermelon stays fresh and the feta mixture doesn't become soggy.

If you're not a fan of feta, you can substitute with goat cheese, ricotta salata, or even a vegan feta if you're following a plant-based diet. Just keep in mind that this will alter the flavor, but it can still be delicious.

Yes! You can experiment by adding cucumbers, bell peppers, or even a splash of lime for extra freshness. Some people also enjoy adding berries like blueberries or strawberries for a sweet contrast to the watermelon.

Watermelon cubes typically stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container. Be sure to check for any signs of excess water or mushiness, which may indicate the fruit is no longer at its best.

Yes, you can use different types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. However, red wine vinegar gives this recipe a specific tangy flavor, so using a substitute may alter the overall taste slightly.

Yes, Watermelon Feta Salad Bites are naturally gluten-free as long as the feta cheese and other ingredients do not contain gluten. This makes them an excellent choice for those following a gluten-free diet.

If you'd like to add some heat to the salad, consider sprinkling a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of the finished bites.

Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich, fruity flavor, but you can use regular olive oil if that's what you have on hand. The flavor will be slightly less intense, but it will still work well in this recipe.