Watermelon Feta Salad with Avocado, Pistachios & Mint

Bright, fresh, and busting with summer flavour, this watermelon feta salad is the perfect quick and easy dish for warm-weather days.  This no-cook recipe comes together in minutes with juicy watermelon, creamy avocado, salty feta, crunchy pistachios, and fresh mint, tossed with bright lime for delicious combination of sweet, savoury and tangy.  Perfect for summer lunches, BBQ's, picnics, potlucks, and easy weeknight dinners, this simple watermelon feta salad is a beautiful, healthy side dish that requires no cooking and minimal prep.

This is one of those easy summer recipes we come back to again and again at The Lakehouse.  And it isn't your run-of-the-mill watermelon feta salad.  Layered with fresh herbs flavours, creamy avocado and crunchy pistachios, this unexpected twist gives a summer classic a modern makeover - with all the bright flavours you expect from the classic Mediterranean combination of watermelon and feta - plus a little something more.  This water melon feta salad is quick to prepare, requires no cooking, and makes the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients - exactly what you want on a hot summer day.  It's also one of those dishes that looks effortlessly beautiful on the table and is always a hit with guests.  And the best part?  There's no dressing to make.  The lime juice and zest mingle with the natural juices from the watermelon and the fresh herbs to create a wonderfully fresh, flavourful salad that practically dresses itself.  Simple, refreshing and delicious, this Watermelon Feta Salad is made for easy entertaining and relaxed summer days.

What goes in Watermelon Feta Salad with Avocado, Pistachios & Mint

For this easy Watermelon Feta Salad, you'll need a simple mix of fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together to create a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired summer salad.

• Watermelon: Watermelon is the star of any watermelon feta salad.  Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon that feels heavy for its size.  Watermelon is the foundation of this salad, providing a refreshing burst of summer sweetness while its natural juices mingle with the lime and herbs to create a wonderfully fresh, self-dressing salad.  You'll need about half of a whole watermelon to make this crowd-pleasing salad.
• English Cucumber:  Crisp, refreshing, and virtually seedless, English cucumber is ideal for this salad because it adds satisfying crunch without overwhelming the other flavours.  Persian cucumbers are also a great choice - they're small, crisp and naturally sweet.  No need to peel either variety - simply chop and add to the salad.
• Green Onions: Depending on where you live, green onions are also known as scallions or spring onions.  Adding a fresh, mild onion flavour, green onions won't overpower the delicate ingredients in this salad.
• Feta Cheese: For the best flavour and texture, look for feta sold in tubs submerged in brine and crumble it yourself.  Brined feta tends to be creamier and more flavourful than pre-crumbled varieties, adding the perfect salty, tangy contrast to the sweet watermelon and fresh herbs.
• Fresh Mint: Fresh mint brings a bright, cooling flavour that makes this salad especially refreshing on a hot summer day.  Use fresh leaves for the best flavour, and don't be shy with them.  Pack the measuring cup with mint to add beautiful layers of herbaceous flavour that compliments the sweetness of the watermelon and the tanginess of the feta.
• Fresh Basil:  Summer is synonymous with fresh basil, and its sweet, aromatic flavour is a natural match for this bright watermelon feta salad.  Basil adds another layer of fresh, herbaceous flavour that pairs perfectly with the watermelon, lime, mint and feta.  For the best flavour and fragrance, gently chop or tear the basil leaves just before adding them to the salad.
• Lime: You'll need both the zest and the juice for this recipe, which brings a citrusy lift to the salad.  One particularly juicy lime should give you the tablespoon of juice needed for this recipe, but it's always wise to buy a few extra in case your limes are on the drier side.  Look for limes with smooth, vibrant green skin that feel heavy for their size and have a little give when gently squeezed - these tend to be juicier and more flavourful.
• Avocados: Choose ripe but still-firm avocados so they hold their shape when sliced and add a creamy contrast to the crisp watermelon and cucumber.  For the prettiest presentation, slice them just before serving to prevent browning.
• Pistachios:  Pistachios add a wonderful salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy and creamy textures in this watermelon feta salad.  Choose shelled, unsalted (or lightly salted) pistachios so you can control the seasoning and give them a rough chop before adding them to the top of the salad.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This Watermelon Feta Salad with Avocado, Pistachios and Mint is made for warm-weather entertaining and is especially delicious served chilled on a hot summer day.  Serve it as a refreshing summer side dish alongside grilled chicken, or fish.  For a complete meal, add Cilantro Lime Rice for more summer-fresh flavours.  This watermelon feta salad adds a light and delicious counterpoint to grilled steaks and burgers.  It's perfect for BBQ's, picnics, potlucks, patio parties and lakehouse gatherings.  Since it's a quick, no-cook recipe, it's an easy make-ahead option when you want something fresh, colourful, and effortlessly beautiful for summer entertaining.

DRINK PAIRINGS

Since this Watermelon Feta Salad with Avocado, Pistachios and Mint is most often served as a side dish rather than the main event, the drink doesn't necessarily need to be paired specifically with the salad.  Instead, look for wines and drinks that complement the fresh, light flavours of a summer meal in general.  Here are a few suggestions that work particularly well with this salad and with the grilled meats, seafood and other seasonal dishes you might serve alongside it.

 For a wine choice, crisp, refreshing wines are the best fit for a summer menu.  Food friendly Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Albariño, and dry rosé all work beautifully with the fresh flavours of a watermelon feta salad.  A chilled sparkling wine is another lovely option, particularly for summer entertaining.  Keep cocktails bright and refreshing with a gin and tonic, vodka soda with lime, a Hugo Spritz or a Paloma. Cucumber, mint and lime cocktails, such as a Mojito, or watermelon-based cocktails are especially well curated to the light, summery flavours of this salad.

 For alcohol-free options, try sparkling water with lime and fresh mint, cucumber mint lemonade or chilled iced tea with citrus.  Watermelon Agua Fresca is another refreshing choice for a hot summer day.

The overall rule for summer drink pairings is simple:  choose something crisp, chilled, and refreshing that lets the fresh seasonal flavours of the meal shine!