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Fresh Middle Eastern Watermelon Mint Salad with Feta and Za’atar

Middle Eastern Watermelon Mint Salad - featured image
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A refreshing and vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired watermelon salad combining juicy watermelon, fresh mint, tangy feta, and earthy za’atar, perfect for summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (600g) seedless watermelon, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1/2 cup (15g) fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 teaspoons za’atar spice blend
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (30g) thinly sliced red onion, soaked in cold water for 10 minutes

Instructions

  1. Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut about 4 cups (600g) of seedless watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Set aside in a large mixing bowl. (Tip: Chill the watermelon beforehand for extra refreshment.)
  2. Rinse 1/2 cup (15g) fresh mint leaves under cold water, pat dry with a kitchen towel, then roughly chop. Add to the watermelon. If using red onion, thinly slice 1/4 cup (30g) and soak in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness, then drain and add.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice. Season lightly with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  4. Crumble 1 cup (150g) feta cheese over the watermelon and herbs. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons za’atar evenly over the top.
  5. Using two large spoons, gently toss the salad to combine, being careful not to mash the watermelon. Coat everything evenly with the dressing and spices.
  6. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and intensify.
  7. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed right before serving.

Notes

Chill the watermelon beforehand for extra refreshment. Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Use fresh za’atar for best flavor. Toss gently to avoid watery salad. Optional red onion should be soaked to mellow sharpness. Variations include swapping mint for basil or cilantro, feta for goat cheese or vegan cheese, and adding toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, Middle Eastern salad, mint salad, feta cheese, za'atar, summer salad, refreshing salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/fresh-middle-eastern-watermelon-mint-salad-recipe-perfect-for-summer-refreshing-meals/