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Fresh Watermelon Feta Mint Salad with Balsamic Reduction

fresh watermelon feta mint salad - featured image

A refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon, creamy feta, fresh mint, and a tangy-sweet balsamic reduction drizzle. Perfect for quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing summer entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar into a medium saucepan. Add 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sweetener.
  2. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces by about half, roughly 10-15 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon—thick but still pourable. Watch carefully as it can burn quickly near the end.
  3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
  4. While the balsamic reduction simmers, cut watermelon into 1-inch cubes, aiming for firm pieces that hold shape but are juicy.
  5. Roughly chop about 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and chopped mint. Add freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
  7. Gently toss everything together to distribute ingredients evenly, being careful not to mash the watermelon.
  8. Transfer the tossed salad to a serving bowl or platter. Drizzle the cooled but still pourable balsamic reduction over the top.
  9. Serve immediately for the freshest taste. If prepping ahead, keep the balsamic reduction separate and drizzle right before serving to avoid sogginess.

Notes

Pat watermelon cubes dry if extra juicy to prevent watery salad. Rinse feta lightly if very salty. Drizzle balsamic reduction just before serving to keep watermelon crisp. Balsamic reduction can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, mint salad, balsamic reduction, summer salad, easy salad, refreshing salad, healthy salad