This watermelon feta dish is the perfect appetizer to celebrate summer. Sweet and tangy, this refreshing recipe is a hit every time!
Originally Published August 2013; Updated July 2020
Watermelon Feta Backstory
To me, watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit. It's sweet, juicy and you can eat a piece in the hot weather to just cool you off.
So I am making this appetizer because watermelon is not just a summer fruit but a great base for an appetizer. It is easy to put together but perfect to serve to company. It also goes well with cocktails. And I can't get enough of this balsamic glaze.
I paired it with feta and it is the perfect sweet and salty combination. It is finished off with a balsamic glaze and sprinkle of fresh herbs. Both mint and basil work well. My husband prefers it without the herbs so I leave off some for his side of the plate.
Make this appetizer and enjoy the flavors of summer!
Ingredient FAQ
Choose the Best Watermelon
- First, pick up the watermelon. Whether it's big or small, it should feel heavy for its size.
- A yellow spot is a sign of ripeness, so check the rind for a creamy yellow splotch (sometimes called a field spot).
- Tapping the watermelon with your hand and listening for the sound is another good indicator of ripeness; a deeper, hollow sound means the watermelon is juicy and ripe.
- Check out this guide from Fifteen Spatulas for more details and visuals so you can pick the perfect melon every time!
Choose the Best Feta
- Look at the ingredients. Good feta contains only sheep's milk and/or goat's milk, rennet, and salt. If there's cow's milk, your feta can sour quickly and crumble too much.
- Authentic feta is Greek, so check to see where the cheese was made.
- The color of the cheese should be white; yellowing means exposure to air, which can lead to spoilage.
- Your cheese should have shallow holes on the surface.
Recipe Variations
- Try adding other kinds of melon into the mix for some extra flavor in your watermelon feta dish. Cantaloupe or honeydew would both work great.
- As mentioned, you can try any combination of fresh herbs on top. Mint will add a cool, refreshing flavor, and basil brings out a pungent aroma that conjures the feeling of summer.
- Vary the seasonings you use as well. Some black pepper or red pepper flakes will add a small amount of heat.
- Instead of (or even in addition to) your balsamic, try a little dash of olive oil, some lemon juice, or red wine vinegar.
- Add chopped cucumber or red onion for some additional crunch. If you're looking to make this dish even more nutritious, serve it over top of greens like arugula or baby spinach.
Pair your Watermelon Feta Appetizer with These Mains
- Cumin Rubbed Steak Kabobs
- Street Corn and Jicama Tacos from How Sweet Eats
- Pesto Zoodle Salad from The Modern Proper
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp Bowls from Chelsea's Messy Apron
- Loaded Caprese Grilled Cheese from Pinch of Yum
Other Appetizers
- Strawberry Feta Skewers with Basil
- Pesto Tortellini Skewers
- Greek Kofta Kabobs
- Chipotle Lime Edamame from Dizzy Busy and Hungry
- Mini Spinach Quiche from Garnish with Lemon
If you like this recipe for my Watermelon Feta Appetizer, please give it a 5-star rating below!
Watermelon and Feta Appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 2 TBS fresh chopped mint
- 2 to 3 TBS balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Arrange the cubed watermelon on a plate. Sprinkle it with feta and chopped mint.
- Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the watermelon.
- Serve chilled.
Nutrition
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I can just imagine how lovely this appetizer must be, with the contrast of sweet, salty, and tart. Yum! And I just so happen to have all of these ingredients on hand. I think I foresee a watermelon feta appetizer in my future : )