Watermelon Feta Salad with Avocado

Enjoy a simple, delicious summer salad with this Watermelon Feta Salad with Avocado. Fresh and juicy watermelon, avocado, red onion, lots of freshly chopped cilantro and crumbles of feta make this easy salad recipe so delicious and refreshing. 

Watermelon is the definition of summer to me. Give me a glass of watermelon frosé and a big bowl of this watermelon, feta, and avocado salad, some sunshine and I am set.

Nothing says summer like a big juicy slice of watermelon. So refreshing!

Why you will love this recipe:

• It takes minutes to toss together. The cubing of the watermelon will take the most work--unless you buy it already cubed.
• Uses a handful of simple ingredients. Watermelon, avocado, feta, onion and cilantro are the main ingredients. A squeeze of lemon juice, olive oil and that should just about do it. I never have to make a special run to make this salad!
• It is so refreshing. I mean, watermelon in a salad, if a salad is going to be refreshing, this is the one!
• Pairs perfectly with other BBQ sides and dishes. The full spread will balance out this watermelon feta salad nicely. Some Spinach Feta Turkey Burgers, Street Corn and maybe a Tortellini Caprese Salad. All of the variety is great on one big paper plate! That is how ya barbecue!

Watermelon Feta Salad Ingredients:

• Watermelon: Since watermelon can vary so much in size and weight, I went with about 5 cups cubed watermelon versus measuring by the ½ or ¼ watermelon, etc. You don't have to be 100% exact on the measurement as you can always add a touch more oil, feta, etc. to get it all balanced out.
• Avocado: Nice and ripe, but not mushy. You want it to cube up really nice.
• Feta: I prefer to buy a feta block and then crumble it. The flavor and moisture is so superior to pre-crumbled feta. Both will work, but if you can get it blocked, by all means, do it!
• Red Onion: My husband doesn't like red onion much, so sometimes I skip it if he is eating the salad and we enjoy it that way as well.
• Cilantro: You can never ever ever have too much cilantro in my opinion. EVER.
• Olive Oil: a good, flavorful olive oil will round it out well
• Balsamic Vinegar: If you don't have any, a red wine vinegar will work as well.
• Lemon Juice: This will help keep the avocado from turning brown before you eat it as well!
• Sea Salt/Cracked Pepper: To taste

How to pick the best watermelon:

There are a couple of easy tips to follow when looking for a juicy, ripe watermelon.

1. Look for a big yellow spot on one side of the watermelon. This is called the "field spot" and a yellow spot indicates that the melon spent enough time ripening on the vine before being picked. If the spot is more on the white side, it means it was picked before fully ripe.
2. The watermelon should feel heavier than it looks. When you pick it up, it should feel like it weighs more than its size makes it look like. This means its nice and juicy!
3. Tap the watermelon. I find this tip always to be subjective. A ripe, juicy watermelon should make a deep sound when you thump it. I think this can be confusing, so I typically use the other two tips!

Expert Tips and Notes:

• I have found this tutorial to be the best guide for cutting watermelon. If you avoid cutting watermelons, don't. They really aren't as daunting as we make them out to be.
• You can actually make this watermelon salad without any of the olive oil or balsamic. The natural juices from the watermelon will be enough to bring it all together.
• I find this salad is best when made the same day you plan on serving it. If you need to make it a day in advance, wait to add the feta and balsamic vinegar until before serving. Make sure to add a generous amount of lemon juice as well to help keep the avocado from browning.

Variations:

• Toss in some baby arugula or serve this watermelon feta salad over top.
• Swap goat cheese or fresh mozzarella for the feta.
• Add in some blueberries or thinly sliced cucumbers.
• Switch up the cilantro for fresh mint or basil.

Other Summer BBQ Recipes:

• Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
• Street Corn with Garlic Feta Butter 
• Lemon Orzo Salad
• Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
• 3 Bean Cowboy Caviar
• Simple Pasta Salad with Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini

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