This watermelon arugula salad is my go-to summer salad recipe! It's got the perfect mix of peppery arugula, tangy feta, sweet watermelon, and a citrusy vinaigrette—and a few other surprise ingredients that you'll love.
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Why It's a Must Make
- Loaded With Flavor. There is just something about the combination of the peppery arugula with the sweet taste of the watermelon and the tang from the cheese. Oh - and don't forget the toasted nuts. It's SO dang good.
- Fool Proof! This feta watermelon arugula salad is an easy and foolproof. Just about any ingredient can be adjusted to your taste - including the dressing.
- Party Approved. This is always the first salad to go at parties - it's light and fresh and pairs with so many summer dishes.
- Healthy. Only minimal healthy ingredients are used. Feta can be a bit salty so feel free to use less.
What You'll Need
Here are the ingredients you will need to make watermelon arugula feta salad:
- Arugula. Ahhh. Arugula. It's peppery and has a fantastic pop of flavor that will really amp up a salad.
- Watermelon.
- Feta.
- Red Onion.
- Toasted Pine Nuts. Please definitely toast them - it brings out a wonderful flavor.
- Lemon Juice. I will often switch it up and use a combination of lemon, lime, or orange juice. Freshly squeezed is always best.
- White Wine Vinegar. Adds additional acidity to the dressing.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil. EVOO is perfect for salads, but you can also use walnut oil or other favorite light-tasting oil.
- Garlic. One smashed garlic clove added to the dressing to infuse a subtle garlic flavor is all you need!
For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!
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Variations and Substitutions
- Oh Nuts - You can really use your choice of nuts - walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios, etc.
- Veg - This is a very versatile salad so feel free to add more veggies, they add texture and a variety of flavor. Radishes would add a hint of spice, cucumbers would add a soft cooling.
- Cheesy - Shaved parmesan, goat cheese and feta cheese can easily be swapped in this recipe. Use what you've got.
- Herbs - Adding chives is a great way to add to the overall freshness and taste - mint pairs well with watermelon and it gives it a freshness and cooling feel. Chives, thyme, oregano, basil would all be great choices.
- Fruit - Other fruit can be added or used in place of watermelon. Cantaloupe, berries like blueberries, strawberries, apple, and pears.
How To Make Feta Arugula Salad
This is intended as an overview only. For detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below. Enjoy!
- Whisk all salad dressing ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl.
- Drizzle vinaigrette over the top and gently toss until coated.
What To Serve With it
- Grilled Pork Steaks - one of my favorite grilling recipes for the summer!
- Filet Mignon on the Grill - the perfect thing to serve for a special occasion. This salad is a wonderful accompaniment.
- Grilled Chicken Thighs - you won't go wrong with these zesty herb marinated then grilled chicken thighs.
- Air Fryer Crab Cakes - if you don't want to fire up a grill then these delicious air fryer crab cakes make a lovely light dinner idea.
Kori's Tips
- Make ahead by preparing and chopping all the ingredients in advance. The vinaigrette can be made up to 2 or 3 days ahead of time. The vegetables and watermelon can be prepped and stored in separate containers.
- If the dressing is too tangy, please add honey to taste. Adjust the salt and pepper until you are happy with the taste.
- Do not toss the salad with dressing until you are ready to serve.
- Leftover dressing is lovely drizzled over steamed veggies or it can be used as a marinade.
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📖 The recipe.
Arugula Salad with Watermelon and Feta
This arugula salad with watermelon and feta is an easy fresh salad recipe loaded with flavor - with minimal ingredients. It's the perfect side dish to make any night of the week, and it pairs well with grilled or roasted proteins.
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (peeled and smashed; smash the garlic with the side of your knife, your hand, or the bottom of a cup)
- kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Arugula Salad
- 3 ounces arugula (approx. 4 cups by volume; a 50/50 blend of baby spinach and arugula may be used)
- 2 cups seedless watermelon (cut into 1" cubes)
- 3 ounces crumbled feta (goat cheese or shaved parmesan cheese can be substituted)
- ⅓ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Add all the vinaigrette ingredients to a bowl or jar. Add a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl. Drizzle as little or as much vinaigrette over the top as you like. Gently toss until coated. (TIP: Do not toss the salad with dressing until you are ready to serve. Leftover dressing is lovely drizzled over steamed veggies or it can be used as a marinade.)
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is not acidic enough add more lemon juice. If it is too acidic drizzle a little honey over the top of the salad.
Kori's Tips
- Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
- VARIATIONS: A combination of arugula and baby spinach can be used instead of all arugula; Feel free to swap out any ingredients. To lower the fat content in this salad use less pine nuts, feta, or olive oil.
- TIPS: Let the vinaigrette dressing sit so the garlic flavor infuses. Don't forget to remove the clove before tossing it with the salad. There will be extra salad dressing, use for other salads, drizzle it over steamed veggies, or use it as a marinade.
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with any favorite protein - it pairs well with grilled and roasted chicken, pork, fish, lamb, and beef.
Nutrition
Calories: 216kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 167mgPotassium: 184mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 687IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 101mgIron: 1mg
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