Star-Shaped Watermelon and Feta Salad

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

A refreshing, colorful salad of star-shaped watermelon chunks paired with creamy feta and fresh mint for a festive summer appetizer. This mediterranean-inspired summer cookout (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes pairs crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh mint leaves, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Using a small star-shaped cookie cutter, press into 4 cups of 1-inch watermelon cubes to create star shapes; reserve extra cubes for snacking.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the star-shaped watermelon pieces with 1 cup crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the salad with 2 tbsp lime juice and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated, then chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Star-Shaped Watermelon and Feta Salad 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 Star-Shaped Watermelon and Feta Salad?

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 Star-Shaped Watermelon and Feta Salad?

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 Star-Shaped Watermelon and Feta Salad 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 Star-Shaped Watermelon and Feta Salad 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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