Fresh Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad Recipe with Easy Balsamic Glaze
A refreshing summer salad combining sweet watermelon, salty feta, peppery arugula, and a homemade balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (450g) fresh seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ¾ cup (120g) crumbled firm feta cheese
- 4 cups (120g) fresh baby arugula leaves
- ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (8g) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped or torn (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Cut about 3 cups (450g) of seedless watermelon into bite-sized cubes and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Crumble about ¾ cup (120g) of firm feta cheese over the watermelon.
- Add 4 cups (120g) of fresh baby arugula leaves to the bowl.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, pour ½ cup (120ml) balsamic vinegar and stir in 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey or maple syrup. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces to about half the volume (about 10-12 minutes) to form a glaze.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra virgin olive oil over the watermelon, feta, and arugula mixture.
- Slowly drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad to taste.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons (8g) of fresh mint leaves (if using), a pinch of sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine without bruising the arugula.
- Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter and serve immediately.
Notes
Make the balsamic glaze ahead and store in the fridge for up to two weeks. Drizzle glaze just before serving to avoid sogginess. Use fresh watermelon for best texture; frozen watermelon becomes mushy. Dry arugula thoroughly to keep salad crisp. For vegan version, substitute feta with dairy-free cheese and honey with maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 c
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, arugula salad, balsamic glaze, summer salad, easy salad recipe, refreshing salad