Refreshing, Watermelon Salad recipe with Whipped Feta can be served as a Salad or an Appetizer. Simple and quick to make too !
Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta is a refreshing summer dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a combination of juicy watermelon, feta cheese, and a tangy dressing, all thrown together to create a delicious salad.
This salad is not only tasty, but it is also healthy and easy to make.
We love this salad because it is so versatile. You can add other ingredients like cucumber, mint, or red onion to give it a different flavor.
You can also adjust the amount of feta or vinaigrette to your liking. Plus, it is a great way to use up any leftover watermelon you may have.
Whether you are hosting a barbecue, going on a picnic, or just looking for a healthy snack, Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta is a must-try. Very much like a traditional watermelon salad, but with a small twist !
Refreshing Salad
We love a good salad, especially during the summer months when fresh produce is abundant. One of our favorite salads is this refreshing watermelon salad with whipped feta. This salad is a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, and the whipped feta adds a creamy texture that makes it even more delicious.
To make this salad, start by cutting half a watermelon into bite-sized chunks. For the whipped Feta, mix together some crumbled Feta cheese and Double Cream plain Yogurt until smooth.
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Watermelon is a great source of vitamins A and C, while Feta cheese is high in protein and calcium.
This refreshing Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta is a perfect summer dish that is easy to make and healthy. It is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season and get some nutrients at the same time.
Why is Watermelon So Popular During Warmer Months?
When the weather heats up, we start to crave refreshing and hydrating foods and beverages. And what better way to quench our thirst than with juicy, sweet watermelon?
Here are a few reasons why watermelon is so popular during warmer months:
- Hydration: Watermelon is about 92% water, making it a great way to stay hydrated during hot summer days. Eating watermelon can also help replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.
- Seasonal availability: Watermelon is a summer fruit, and it’s at its peak during the warmer months. This makes it a natural choice for seasonal eating and cooking.
- Versatility: Watermelon is a versatile fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be eaten fresh, grilled, blended into smoothies, or used in salads and salsas. The possibilities are endless!
- Nutritional benefits: Watermelon is low in calories and high in vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancer and promote heart health.
Watermelon is a delicious and nutritious fruit that is perfect for summertime snacking and cooking. So next time you are looking for a refreshing and healthy treat, reach for some juicy watermelon !
What goes with Watermelon Salad ?
Watermelon salad with whipped feta is a perfect addition to any summer gathering or barbecue. Serve it alongside grilled meats or seafood for a complete meal.
In general, watermelon salad with whipped feta is a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With these tips, you can serve it up in style and impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Besides the above the salad the perfect addition to Al Fresco dining !
What is Al Fresco Eating ?
Al fresco dining is a term that refers to eating outside, usually in a casual setting. It comes from the Italian phrase “al fresco,” which means “in the fresh air.” Al fresco eating is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and soak up some sunshine while enjoying a delicious meal.
Al fresco eating can take many forms, from a picnic in the park to a barbecue in the backyard. It’s a great way to entertain guests or spend time with family and friends. It’s also a great way to enjoy the warmer months and take advantage of the beautiful weather.
There are many benefits to al fresco eating. For one, it’s a great way to get some fresh air and sunshine. It’s also a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
When it comes to food, al fresco eating is all about fresh, simple, and delicious dishes. Think salads, grilled meats and vegetables, fresh fruit, and light desserts.
Watermelon salad with whipped feta is a perfect example of a dish that is perfect for al fresco dining. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Al fresco eating is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with loved ones while enjoying delicious food. So next time the weather is nice, why not pack a picnic or fire up the grill and enjoy a meal in the fresh air?
What is Whipped Feta?
Whipped feta is a creamy, tangy spread made by blending feta cheese with Double Cream plain Yogurt until it becomes light and fluffy. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from dips and spreads to salads.
One of the best things about whipped feta is that it is incredibly easy to make.
All you need is a food processor or blender. Simply blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy, and you are ready to use it in your favorite recipes.
Here are some other benefits of using whipped feta in your cooking:
- It adds a tangy, salty flavor to dishes that pairs well with sweet or savory ingredients.
- Feta is a great source of protein and calcium, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
- It is easy to customize with herbs, spices, or other flavorings to suit your taste preferences.
Whipped feta is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you are making a salad, sandwich, or dip, it is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.
Make Ahead Dressing and Whipped Feta
When preparing a watermelon salad with whipped feta, it is important to have a well-made Dressing and perfectly Whipped Feta. To save time and effort, we recommend making the dressing and whipped feta ahead of time.
Dressing
The dressing for this salad is a simple combination of fresh mint, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, a pinch of chopped chili and olive oil.
To make the dressing ahead of time, simply whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, give the dressing a quick stir and drizzle it over the salad.
Whipped Feta
Whipping feta cheese creates a creamy and tangy spread (or blobs as I serve my salad) that pairs perfectly with the sweet watermelon. To make the whipped feta ahead of time, simply blend feta cheese and yogurt in a food processor until smooth. Store the whipped feta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When ready to serve, give the whipped feta a quick stir and spoon blobs in between the watermelon pieces. The whipped feta can also be used as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
By making the dressing and whipped feta ahead of time, we can save time and ensure that the flavors have time to meld together. This makes for a delicious and refreshing watermelon salad that is perfect for any occasion.
When to Assemble Salad
When it comes to assembling a watermelon salad with whipped feta, timing is key. Here are a few tips on when to assemble your salad for optimal freshness and flavor.
Prepping Ingredients
Before you start assembling your salad, make sure you have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go.
This includes cutting your watermelon into bite-sized chunks, whipping the feta cheese until it is smooth and creamy, and chopping any additional herbs.
Assembling the Salad
Once all your ingredients are prepped, it is time to assemble the salad. I recommend doing this right before serving to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.
Start by placing your watermelon chunks on a large platter. Next, spoon blobs of the whipped feta cheese between the watermelon, making sure to space it evenly.
Finally, drizzle with the dressing and scatter with Basil leaves.
Serving the Salad
Watermelon salad with whipped feta is best served immediately after assembling. If you need to prepare the salad in advance, we recommend keeping the whipped feta and watermelon separate until right before serving.
This will help prevent the watermelon from becoming too watery and the feta from becoming too soft.
When it comes to serving, you can either serve the salad family-style on a large platter, or divide it up into individual portions on smaller plates.
Ingredients for a Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta
When it comes to making a delicious watermelon salad with whipped feta, you don’t need a lot of ingredients. In fact, the beauty of this salad is in its simplicity. Here are the ingredients we’ll need:
- 1/2 large Watermelon, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons Mint leaves, chopped finely
- 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped finely
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Zest, finely grated
- 1/8 teaspoon Chilies, or Dried Chili Flakes
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin Olive Oil
- 2 discs Feta Cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Double Cream Plain Yogurt
- 1/2 cup Basil Leaves
As you can see, the ingredients are pretty basic and easy to find at any grocery store. The key to making this salad stand out is in the quality of the ingredients you use. Make sure to choose a ripe, juicy watermelon and a good quality feta cheese.
To make the whipped feta, I am only using a combination of Feta cheese and Yogurt. The Yogurt helps to lighten up the feta and make it easier to whip.
Instructions To Make Watermelon Salad With Whipped Feta
Making watermelon salad with whipped feta is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
- First, arrange the Watermelon cubes on a large platter
- Next, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the Mint, Parsley, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest, Chilies and Olive Oil . (This dressing can also be made up to 2 – 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.)
- Prepare the whipped Feta. In a food processor (or use a stick blender), blitz together the Feta cheese and Yogurt until smooth and creamy. (The Whipped Feta can also be made up to 2 – 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.)
- Drizzle the Dressing over the Watermelon cubes.
- Spoon blobs of the Whipped Feta between the Watermelon pieces and sprinkle over the Basil leaves.
What To Serve With Watermelon Salad
Watermelon salad with whipped feta is not only refreshing and delicious but also has an appetizing look. It is perfect for an al fresco lunch or dinner, which means eating outside in the fresh air. Here are some ideas for what to serve with watermelon salad:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp skewers or simply any barbecued meat
- Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- Quinoa or couscous salad
When serving this watermelon salad, it is best to serve it on a platter rather than a bowl. This way, the salad can be arranged beautifully and the whipped feta can be spooned evenly in the salad.
How to Serve the Watermelon Salad
Watermelon salad with whipped feta is not only refreshing and delicious but also has an appetizing look as well. Here are some tips on how to serve this salad to impress your guests:
Plating
When it comes to plating, you can either serve the salad on a large plate or on individual small plates.
I recommend using a large square, round or oval platter to showcase the vibrant colors of the Watermelon, Feta, Dressing and Basil. Each person then helps themselves with watermelon and a blob or two of whipped feta.
If serving as an appetizer, toothpicks, small forks or fancy bamboo skewers are perfect !
Toppings
To add some extra texture and flavor to the salad, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds on top. Pistachios, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are all great options.
However, I have noticed kids are not too much into nuts and seeds, especially in a watermelon salad.
Dressing
The whipped feta dip already adds a lot of flavor to the salad. But serve the salad with the Minty Lemon dressing and you have a stunner salad !
The mint leaves in the dressing add a refreshing flavor and also have some health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
Prefer Lime Dressing ?
If you prefer lime over lemon in your watermelon salad with whipped feta, you can easily make the switch. Lime juice is a great substitute for lime (as well as the zest) in this recipe, and it will give your salad a slightly different flavor.
To substitute lime for lemon in the dressing, simply use the same amount of lime juice as you would lemon juice. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, use 2 tablespoons of lime juice instead.
When it comes to the feta cheese, you can use either sheep or goat feta, depending on your preference. Sheep feta has a creamier texture and a milder flavor, while goat feta is tangier and more pungent.
If you are looking for a vegan alternative to feta cheese, you can use crumbled tofu or a vegan feta substitute made from tofu or nuts. These alternatives will not have the same tangy flavor as traditional feta, but they will still add a creamy texture and salty flavor to your salad.
To assemble the salad, simply add the dressing and whipped feta just before serving. It is best to serve the salad with a toothpick or small bamboo skewer, so guests can easily pick up a piece of watermelon and dip in a blob of whipped feta.
Watermelon salad with whipped feta is easy to make, refreshing, and delicious. It is perfect for an al fresco meal or as an appetizer or salad. The whipped feta not only adds flavor but also an appetizing look to the dish.
More Salad recipes you might like :
- Pineapple Honey-Bacon And Avocado Salad
- Shrimp Salad With Spicy Watermelon Salsa
- Bacon Tomato Pasta Salad With Blue Cheese Dressing
- Brie And Pear Salad
- Mixed Melon and Avocado Salad
Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Recipe
Watermelon Salad Recipe (with Whipped Feta)
Ingredients
- ½ large Watermelon cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons Mint leaves chopped finely
- 2 tablespoons Parsley chopped finely
- ¼ cup Lemon Juice
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Zest finely grated
- ⅛ teaspoon Chilies or Dried Chili Flakes
- ¼ cup extra-virgin Olive Oil
- 2 discs Feta Cheese crumbled
- ½ cup Double Cream Plain Yogurt
- ½ cup Basil Leaves
Instructions
- First, arrange the Watermelon cubes on a large platter
- Next, prepare the Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the Mint, Parsley, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest, Chilies and Olive Oil . (This dressing can also be made up to 2 – 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.)
- Prepare the whipped Feta. In a food processor (or use a stick blender), blitz together the Feta cheese and Yogurt until smooth and creamy. (The Whipped Feta can also be made up to 2 – 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator.)
- Drizzle the Dressing over the Watermelon cubes
- Spoon blobs of the Whipped Feta between the Watermelon pieces and sprinkle over the Basil leaves
Notes
- Freshly milled Black Pepper can be sprinkled over the Salad if you prefer