Watermelon-Feta Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette
A refreshing summer salad with juicy watermelon, salty feta, and a bright vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 10 minutes pairs cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh mint 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 195 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 cups, cubed watermelon
- 4 oz, crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh mint
- 1 tbsp Aperol
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together Aperol, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and honey until emulsified.
- Step 2: Gently toss watermelon cubes and chopped mint with half the vinaigrette in a large bowl.
- Step 3: Arrange watermelon mixture on a serving platter, then sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the top.
- Step 4: Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette, ensuring every piece is lightly coated. Serve immediately at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Watermelon-Feta Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette 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 Watermelon-Feta Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette?
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 cubed watermelon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Watermelon-Feta Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette?
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 Watermelon-Feta Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.
What goes well with Watermelon-Feta Salad with Aperol Vinaigrette?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
