Citrus and Mint Infused Watermelon Salad with Feta and Pistachios
A refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon cubes with fresh mint, tangy feta cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a zesty citrus dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs roughly chopped fresh mint leaves, crumbled feta cheese, shelled and chopped pistachios 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 180 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.
Ingredients
- 4 cups, cut into 1-inch cubes seedless watermelon
- 1/4 cup, roughly chopped fresh mint leaves
- 3/4 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup, shelled and chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt until well combined to make the citrus dressing.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups 1-inch watermelon cubes and 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh mint leaves. Pour the citrus dressing over the watermelon and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Transfer the salad to a serving platter and sprinkle with 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1/3 cup chopped pistachios for a balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus and Mint Infused Watermelon Salad with Feta and Pistachios take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Citrus and Mint Infused Watermelon Salad with Feta and Pistachios?
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 Citrus and Mint Infused Watermelon Salad with Feta and Pistachios?
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 Citrus and Mint Infused Watermelon Salad with Feta and Pistachios 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 Citrus and Mint Infused Watermelon Salad with Feta and Pistachios 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.