Zesty Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze

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

A refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon, tangy feta, fresh mint, and a sweet balsamic reduction for a perfect balance. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs seedless watermelon, cubed, crumbled feta cheese, fresh mint leaves, torn 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup torn fresh mint leaves.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle the salad with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Just before serving, drizzle the cooled balsamic reduction over the salad to add a glossy, tangy sweetness that complements the fresh ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zesty Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Zesty Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze?

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 seedless watermelon, cubed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zesty Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze?

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 Zesty Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze 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 Zesty Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Balsamic Glaze 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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