This beautiful Watermelon Feta Salad consists of lightly dressed power mix of greens topped with diced ruby-red watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, honey-candied pistachios and fresh basil leaves. It’s finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This simple salad has it all!
Sadly summer is winding down.
The air, at least in Michigan, has been a little chillier and the sun is setting earlier and earlier. Lately, my life has been revolving around Haileigh and Malloree’s back to school errands. Things like registrations, school shopping, hair and orthodontist appointments. What I really want to do is soak in the lingering summer and fresh produce for as long and as much as possible. I’m not saying that I’m dreading fall, if you know me you are well aware of how I love that time of year, but I’m just sad to see summer go.
Until then, here’s one dreamy salad.
Watermelon in salad is probably my favorite thing. Similar to this salad, yet totally different at the same time. Watermelon and feta together is a flavorful duo. I’ve been dreaming about throwing this combo together with candied pistachios, red onions, mixed greens tossed in my favorite champagne vinaigrette. Lastly drizzle the whole thing with a glossy reduced balsamic glaze and sprinkle with black pepper, red pepper flakes and basil leaves.
This is ultimately summer in a bowl.
Start by making the honey-candied pistachios by adding 2 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
Heat on medium, whisking until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is bubbling. Adjust the heat accordingly so you don’t burn them.
Add in a cup of pistachios, use a rubber spatula to stir and coat the pistachios.
Turn the heat up to medium-high. Stir continuously until the pistachios are completely coated and the pistachios start to toast and are fragrant. About 1 to 2 minutes.
Transfer the hot and sticky pistachios to a parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to cool.
They will continue to harden as they cool.
The pistachios is pretty much the extent of the cooking. While the pistachios cool, dice up 2 to 3 cups of watermelon. I bought a pre-cut slab in the produce section at my grocery store which saves so much time. Then slice a small red onion and whisk together the ingredients for the vinaigrette (recipe below). Crumble the feta, snip some basil leaves and gather the remaining few ingredients.
Use the salad greens you prefer.
Baby spinach, arugula, spring mix or a power mix of baby spinach, kale, mizuna, chard and kale. Really it doesn’t particularly matter.
Drizzle with a desired amount of the champagne vinaigrette (1 tablespoon champagne vinegar + 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper) and toss to combine.
Divide the dressed greens among salad bowls. Then top with cubed watermelon, candied pistachios, sliced red onion and crumbled feta. Garnish it with freshly ground black pepper, chili flakes and fresh basil.
Lastly, but certainly not least-ly, I like to drizzle the watermelon feta salad with reduced balsamic vinegar – homemade or store bought, it’s up to you. The balsamic glaze adds so much deliciously sweet and tangy deliciousness to this salad.
Enjoy! And if you give this Watermelon Feta Salad recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Watermelon Feta Salad with Honey-Candied Pistachios
Ingredients
FOR THE HONEY CANDIED PISTACHIOS:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 cups roasted and salted pistachios, shelled
FOR THE SIMPLE CHAMPAGNE VINAIGRETTE:
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
FOR THE SALAD:
- 5 ounces mixed salad greens, baby spinach or baby arugula
- 2 to 3 cups diced watermelon
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- basil leaves, for serving
- red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)
- 4 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
MAKE THE PISTACIOS:
- In a medium skillet, combine the sugar and honey. Heat on medium until the sugar dissolves.
- Add in the pistachios (add a small pinch of salt if your pistachios are unsalted) stir often and continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes, coating the pistachios evenly.
- Transfer the hot and sticky pistachios to parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to cool. They will harden as they cool.
MAKE THE VINAIGRETTE:
- Meanwhile, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients together and pour desired amount over 5 ounces out salad greens.
MAKE THE SALAD:
- Divide the dressed greens among salad bowls and topped with diced watermelon, red onions, crumbled feta, and honey-candied pistachios.
- Top with freshly ground black pepper, chili flakes, basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
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I’ve been wanting to try a watermelon feta salad for a while now. The pistachios look amazing and I love the idea of the balsamic glaze. This combo of flavors is intriguing. I think the only scary thing is the red onion. Is the onion an essential flavor in this salad?
Hi Marina! I personally love the sharpness of the onions in contrast to the watermelon and sweetness of the pistachios, but feel free to omit them if you don’t think you’ll like it. Enjoy!