What ingredients do I need to make a watermelon arugula salad?

To make a refreshing watermelon arugula salad, you typically need fresh arugula leaves, seedless watermelon cut into cubes or balls, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onions. For dressing, use a simple mixture of olive oil, fresh lime or lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Optional additions include fresh mint or basil leaves, toasted nuts like almonds or pistachios, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

How do I prevent the arugula in the salad from wilting?

To keep arugula crisp, wash and dry the leaves thoroughly before assembling the salad. Use a salad spinner to remove excess water, and add arugula just before serving to prevent it from wilting. Keeping the salad chilled in the refrigerator until ready to eat also helps maintain the freshness and crunch of the arugula.

Can I prepare watermelon arugula salad in advance?

Yes, but for best results, prepare the components separately. Cut and deseed the watermelon, wash and dry the arugula, and crumble the feta cheese ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine all ingredients and dress the salad just before serving to prevent sogginess and maintain the salad’s texture.

What are the health benefits of eating watermelon arugula salad?

This salad offers several health benefits. Watermelon is hydrating and rich in vitamins A and C, while arugula provides antioxidants and vitamins K and folate. Feta cheese adds protein and calcium. The salad is low in calories and contains healthy fats from olive oil, making it a nutritious, balanced option for a light meal or side dish.

What are some variations to try with watermelon arugula salad?

You can customize watermelon arugula salad by adding ingredients like avocado for creaminess, grilled chicken or shrimp for protein, or toasted nuts for crunch. Swapping feta for goat cheese or adding a sprinkle of chili flakes can alter the flavor profile. For dressing, try honey or maple syrup combined with lime juice to add a touch of sweetness. These variations keep the salad fresh and interesting.

Watermelon Arugula Salad With Feta And Tangy Herb Dressing

Name: Watermelon Arugula Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups seedless watermelon cubed and chilled for that sweet and juicy base; 7 ounces arugula for a peppery, fresh green foundation; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese to add creaminess and a salty touch; 1/4 of a small red onion sliced very thin for a sharp, crisp element; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar for the tangy dressing base; 2 tablespoons olive oil to blend the flavors smoothly; Kosher salt to taste for seasoning; Fresh ground black pepper to taste for a bit of heat; 4 cups fresh arugula as an additional leafy green base if you want more volume; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese noted again for emphasis on quantity options; 1/4 cup toasted walnuts to bring in crunch and healthy fats; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for extra acidity to balance tastes

Description

🍉 Enjoy a refreshing and colorful Watermelon Arugula Feta Salad perfect for summer days and light meals.
🌿 This vibrant dish balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with fresh herbs and a zesty dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups seedless watermelon cubed and chilled for that sweet and juicy base

7 ounces arugula for a peppery, fresh green foundation

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese to add creaminess and a salty touch

1/4 of a small red onion sliced very thin for a sharp, crisp element

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar for the tangy dressing base

2 tablespoons olive oil to blend the flavors smoothly

Kosher salt to taste for seasoning

Fresh ground black pepper to taste for a bit of heat

4 cups fresh arugula as an additional leafy green base if you want more volume

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese noted again for emphasis on quantity options

1/4 cup toasted walnuts to bring in crunch and healthy fats

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice for extra acidity to balance tastes

Instructions

1-Start by rinsing and drying 7 ounces of arugula thoroughly to remove any dirt.

2-Cube 3 cups of seedless watermelon into bite-sized pieces and chill them for the best texture.

3-Slice 1/4 of a small red onion very thin to add a sharp contrast to the sweetness.

4-Whisk together 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of kosher salt, and fresh ground black pepper for the dressing.

5-In a large bowl, combine the arugula, cubed watermelon, sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.

6-Gently toss everything with the dressing to coat evenly without bruising the leaves.

7-Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors at their peak. For pairings, try it with grilled chicken or fish as suggested.

Notes

🍉 Use seedless watermelon for easy preparation and bright flavor.
🥗 Gently toss the salad to avoid bruising the delicate arugula and feta.
🍋 Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to balance the sweet and tangy flavors.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Tossing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 120
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: Watermelon Salad, Arugula Salad, Feta Cheese Salad, Summer Salad