Every bite of this make-ahead, cold and refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad with Basil and Blueberries tastes like a beach party in your mouth! It features a winning combination of sweet ripe watermelon, tangy feta cheese, juicy blueberries, fresh basil, and an optional tangy homemade vinaigrette dressing.
8cupsseedless watermelon,about ½ of a medium-sized watermelon
8ouncesfeta cheese
1pintfresh blueberries
1teaspoonkosher salt
½cupolive oil
3tablespoonsred wine vinegar
5fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Cut the watermelon into bite-size cubes.
Rinse the blueberries and sort through them to remove any stems or bad berries. Let them dry.
Cut the feta into small cubes. Chiffonade the basil by stacking the leaves, rolling them up cigar style, and then slice the rolls into thin strips with a sharp knife.
To make the optional dressing, add the olive oil, salt, and vinegar to a small jar or measuring cup and whisk until it is emulsified.
Add the watermelon, blueberries, feta, and basil to a large bowl and gently toss to combine. Serve chilled. (If you are not serving this salad right away, wait to add the optional vinaigrette until you are ready to serve it. Also, wait to cut and add the fresh basil.
Notes
According to Real Simple, in order to pick a ripe watermelon, look for a melon with a yellowish creamy bottom, a stem that is dry and brown, and that has a deep hollow sound when you thump it. Also, make sure to choose a watermelon without any cuts or blemishes and choose the heaviest watermelon for its size. If all else fails, ask a store produce employee to help you choose the best one.For the best results when storing your blueberries, first, pick through them and discard any berries with mold on them. Place a folded paper towel in the bottom of the container to absorb any extra moisture. Repackage the fresh unwashed blueberries in a breathable container in the refrigerator for up to a week.The vinaigrette for this watermelon salad is delicious and complements the flavors. However, with all of the fresh flavors, I prefer the salad plain, without the optional vinaigrette. My husband, on the other hand, prefers to add the vinaigrette. You decide which you think your family will like best. The other option which is what I do is to make the vinaigrette and then let each person decide whether to add it or not.The nutritional information shows does not include the optional vinaigrette.