Fresh Watermelon Feta Arugula Salad Recipe with Easy Lime Mint Vinaigrette
A bright, refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon, peppery arugula, and salty feta cheese, all tied together with a tangy lime mint vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless or regular)
- 4 cups fresh arugula, washed and dried
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
- Juice of 2 fresh limes (about ¼ cup or 60 ml)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: small pinch of finely minced garlic
Instructions
- Cut about 4 cups (about 600 grams) of watermelon into bite-sized cubes and place in a large bowl.
- Rinse 4 cups (about 120 grams) of fresh arugula leaves thoroughly, dry well, and add to the bowl with watermelon.
- In a small bowl or jar, combine lime juice, olive oil, honey or agave syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake until well combined and slightly thickened.
- Season the vinaigrette with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add minced garlic if desired.
- Finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves and stir into the vinaigrette.
- Drizzle the lime mint vinaigrette over the watermelon and arugula. Toss gently to coat without crushing the watermelon.
- Sprinkle ½ cup (about 75 grams) of crumbled feta cheese on top and toss gently or leave on top for presentation.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
- Serve immediately for best texture. If storing, keep covered in the fridge for no longer than 1 hour.
Notes
Use firm, ripe watermelon to avoid sogginess. Dry arugula thoroughly to prevent limp salad. Whisk mustard and honey with lime juice before adding olive oil for better emulsification. Toss salad gently to keep watermelon cubes intact. Prepare vinaigrette in advance and chill for more vibrant flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 ½ cups per s
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, arugula salad, lime mint vinaigrette, summer salad, refreshing salad, easy salad recipe