A refreshing no-cook salad combining juicy watermelon, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, fresh mint, and red onion. Naturally hydrating and packed with flavour, it’s the perfect dish for warmer weather, summer gatherings, barbecues, picnics, or when temperatures start to climb. Light, colourful, and ready in just 10 minutes, it’s an easy way to make the most of seasonal ingredients.

Why this recipe works

➡️ Watermelon is naturally hydrating and provides key vitamins. Made up of around 90% water, watermelon is a refreshing choice during warmer weather. It also contains vitamins A and C, which support normal vision, skin health, collagen production, and immune function.

➡️ Feta cheese provides calcium and protein. Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, whilst protein is needed for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.

➡️ Walnuts provide healthy fats and plant-based omega-3s. Walnuts are one of the few nuts that naturally contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fat. They also provide fibre, magnesium, and antioxidant compounds.

➡️ Fresh herbs contribute more than flavour. Mint and basil contain naturally occurring plant compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which contribute antioxidant properties alongside their fresh taste and aroma.

➡️ Extra virgin olive oil provides heart-healthy fats. Rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, olive oil has long been a key feature of Mediterranean-style eating patterns.

➡️ A colourful way to increase dietary variety. Combining fruit, herbs, nuts, dairy, and healthy fats helps create a dish that is rich in flavour, texture, and a variety of nutrients, all without requiring any cooking.

Watermelon Feta & Walnut Summer Salad

Juicy watermelon, creamy feta, crunchy walnuts, fresh herbs, and red onion come together in this refreshing summer salad. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a simple no-cook dish packed with flavour, texture, and colour.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Servings: 4 serving

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 600 g watermelon cut into bite-sized cubes
• 200 g feta cheese crumbled
• 50 g walnuts roughly chopped
• ¼ red onion thinly sliced
• Small handful fresh mint leaves torn / roughly chopped
• Small handful fresh basil leaves torn / roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

optional:

• Fresh lemon juice for extra freshness (squeeze)
• A pinch of sea salt (if needed, depending on the saltiness of the feta)

Equipment

• chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Large mixing bowl
• Serving bowl or platter
• Measuring spoons optional

Method

 

1. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes and place them into a large mixing bowl.
2. Thinly slice the red onion and roughly chop the walnuts. Tear the mint and basil leaves into smaller pieces.
3. Add the red onion, walnuts, mint, and basil to the bowl with the watermelon.
4. Gently crumble over the feta cheese.
5. Drizzle with the extra virgin olive oil and season with freshly ground black pepper. If using, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
6. Carefully toss everything together until evenly combined, taking care not to break up the watermelon or feta too much.
7. Transfer to a serving platter or bowl and serve immediately for the freshest flavour and texture.

Notes

TNK’s Tip

For the best texture, prepare the salad just before serving. If making ahead, keep the watermelon, herbs, and dressing separate and combine everything at the last minute to prevent the salad from becoming watery.