This refreshing Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Fresh spinach, juicy watermelon, and sweet blueberries pair beautifully with creamy feta and toasted walnuts, all tied together with a simple balsamic dressing. It's a light dish for spring gatherings or summer meals.
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If you like this watermelon salad recipe, you may also love our Strawberry Spinach Salad or Watermelon Caprese Skewers.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Combination: The sweetness of watermelon and blueberries complements the saltiness of feta and the earthiness of walnuts.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite fruits, greens, or nuts.
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Ingredients
- Fresh Spinach: Provides a nutritious base with a mild flavor.
- Watermelon: Choose a ripe, seedless variety for optimal sweetness and juiciness.
- Blueberries: Add a burst of sweetness.
- Feta Cheese: Offers a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet fruits.
- Walnuts: Toasted for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Forms the base of the tangy dressing.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness to the dressing.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Spinach: Substitute with arugula or mixed greens.
- Feta: Replace feta with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different creamy texture.
- Nuts: Use almonds, pecans, or pine nuts instead of walnuts for varied flavors.
- Fruits: Incorporate strawberries, peaches, or cucumbers for additional freshness.
- Flavor: Add fresh mint and honey to change up the flavor.
How to Make a Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Dressing
STEP 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and dry the spinach, watermelon, and blueberries. Cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion.
STEP 2: Toast the Walnuts
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before chopping.
STEP 3: Make the Balsamic Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
STEP 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, watermelon, blueberries, red onion, feta, and toasted walnuts.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure even coating.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Chill the watermelon before assembling.
✔️ DO Soak red onion slices in ice water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness.
❌ DO NOT Dress the salad too early; toss just before serving to prevent wilting.
Storage
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. For optimal freshness, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Watermelon salad pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, shrimp, or lamb, making it a refreshing side for summer BBQs. It also complements Mediterranean dishes like hummus, pita bread, or a simple couscous salad.
To prevent excess water, drain the watermelon cubes on a paper towel before adding them to the salad. If making ahead, store the ingredients separately and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
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📖 Recipe
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Equipment
- Large Salad bowl
- Small Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board & sharp knife
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cups watermelon cubed
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ⅓ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ⅓ cup walnuts toasted and chopped
- ¼ small red onion thinly sliced
Balsamic Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the spinach, watermelon, and blueberries. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Thinly slice the red onion.
- In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Let them cool before chopping.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- In a large salad bowl, layer the spinach, watermelon, blueberries, and red onion. Sprinkle with feta cheese and toasted walnuts.
- Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Notes
Reheat No reheating required. Substitutions
- Spinach: Substitute with arugula or mixed greens.
- Feta: Replace feta with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different creamy texture.
- Nuts: Use almonds, pecans, or pine nuts instead of walnuts for varied flavors.
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