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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Watermelon Salad with Basil, Feta and Balsamic Syrup

    UPDATED Sep 23, 2022 · PUBLISHED Jul 30, 2019 BY Marjory Pilley · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Watermelon Salad in Mason Jar with graphics for Pinterest

    Watermelon Salad with basil, feta and balsamic syrup is a refreshing summer side dish that's perfect for potluck dinners because it's simple to make and there are so many "fun" ways to serve it!

    Watermelon Basil Feta Salad in a mason jar with a fork next to it.

    Chunks of fresh watermelon topped with fresh basil, crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic syrup is a winning flavor combination that will delight the palate...and be the cookout recipe everyone talks about.

    Because...well, there are many watermelon purists out there. People who don't want to mess with the perfect fruit.

    I'm one of them. Watermelon disappears at our house almost immediately. There's never time or leftovers to experiment with!

    Save a couple of times when I made Watermelon Granita and a Fancy Salad with Fennel and tiny squares of watermelon in it, we enjoy it right off the rind.

    But, Watermelon Basil Feta Salad is well worth leaving a few cups behind. It's divine and your taste buds will thank you because you're giving them something new...and delicious.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Ways to Serve
    • 📋 Recipe

    Ingredients

    Watermelon Salad is a more or less recipe! Adjust the suggestions as desired.

    • Watermelon - Cut into 1-inch chunks or use a melon baller to make small balls.
    • Fresh basil - Chiffonade the basil by stacking 4 to 5 leaves at a time, rolling them and then cutting them with scissors or a knife. Basil leaves that have been stacked and rolled being cut with scissors.
    • Feta cheese - Crumbled. For a dairy-free version, leave this ingredient off or use a vegan option such as the Vegan Feta Cheese by Healthier Steps.
    • Balsamic syrup - Balsamic glaze can be purchased at the store. But it's so easy to make this reduction! Double the amount so you can use it with other things like Roasted Asparagus or Caprese-style dishes.
      • Place about half a cup of balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan.
      • Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then reduce to low and simmer until it turns syrupy and coats the back of a spoon.
      • It takes about 10-15 minutes depending upon how much you want to reduce it! 
      • There's no need to add any sugar or sweetener, but you can add a pinch if desired.
      • Allow it to cool before drizzling over the watermelon.

    Prepare the watermelon, feta cheese, and balsamic reduction in advance. Combine the ingredients and prepare the basil closer to serving time.

    A chunk of watermelon salad with basil, feta and balsamic syrup on a fork.

    Ways to Serve

    It may seem quite obvious...just serve Watermelon Salad with basil, feta, and balsamic syrup in a bowl. That works.

    But, there are other options that ensure each serving gets a fair share of all the toppings, makes entertaining and little easier, and has maximum presentation appeal!

    Slice of Watermelon topped with feta, basil and balsamic reduction

    • Mason jars - add the watermelon first and then top with the other ingredients. If you're entertaining, make these up and store them in an ice bucket for guests to take out and enjoy!
    • Bite-sized appetizers - arrange the watermelon chunks in a single layer and top with basil, feta, and balsamic syrup. Stick a toothpick or skewer in each chunk!
    • On a slice of watermelon - top a slice or round of watermelon with all the goodies.
    • Ala carte - put out all the ingredients and allow each person to add what they like!

    Watermelon Salad with basil, feta cheese and balsamic glaze in a bowl.

    No matter how you decide to serve this watermelon salad, you're sure to have a crowd-pleaser at your next party.

    Please rate this recipe and tag @DinnerMom or #DinnerMom on social media. We love to see what you are cooking up!

    📋 Recipe

    Watermelon Basil Feta Salad in a mason jar with a fork next to it.

    Watermelon Salad with Basil and Feta

    Watermelon Basil Feta Salad perfectly combines just 4 Ingredients for the ultimate summer side dish.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Cool time for Balsamic Syrup: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 87kcal
    Author: Marjory Pilley

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup balsamic vinegar or ¼ cup balsamic reduction
    • 4 cups watermelon cubes
    • ½ cup basil fresh
    • 4 teaspoons feta cheese crumbled

    Instructions

    Balsamic Syrup

    • Add balsamic vinegar to a small saucepot and bring to boil over medium-high heat.
    • Turn heat down and simmer for about 15 minutes or until balsamic vinegar becomes syrupy and coats the back of a spoon. Stir occasionally.
    • Allow balsamic reduction to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

    Watermelon Salad

    • Start the salad while the balsamic syrup is simmering.
    • Divide watermelon between 4 serving bowls.
    • Stack, roll and cut basil into strips and sprinkle over watermelon.
    • Sprinkle feta cheese over watermelon.
    • Drizzle balsamic reduction over the watermelon in each bowl.
    • Serve immediately.
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    Nutrition

    Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1044IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg
    Nutritional and Food Safety Disclaimer

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Linda

      July 31, 2019 at 9:06 am

      5 stars
      I love a good watermelon feta salad and usually have it 3 or 4 times during the summer. I add walnuts to mine too to add another crunch factor. I love the idea of serving it in the mason jars and putting them on ice. That's just brilliant. Thanks for all the great suggestions and that yummy balsamic syrup.

      Reply
    2. Jennifer Banz

      July 31, 2019 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      looks so refreshing! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply

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