Chilled Watermelon and Basil Salad with Feta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A revitalizing summer salad combining juicy watermelon cubes with fragrant basil and salty feta, offering a lively and refreshing experience. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 10 minutes pairs diced (about 600g) Seedless watermelon, roughly torn Fresh basil leaves, crumbled Feta cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 150 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 4 cups of diced seedless watermelon into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/3 cup of roughly torn fresh basil leaves and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese to the watermelon.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss gently to combine without breaking up the watermelon cubes.
  5. Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving to enhance the refreshing and stimulating flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Watermelon and Basil Salad with Feta take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chilled Watermelon and Basil Salad with Feta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep crumbled feta cheese from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Watermelon and Basil Salad with Feta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chilled Watermelon and Basil Salad with Feta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chilled Watermelon and Basil Salad with Feta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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