Martha Stewart Watermelon, Orange, and Feta Salad

Martha Stewart Watermelon, Orange, and Feta Salad is a quick no cook summer side with salty-sweet flavor in every bite. Thin sliced feta, juicy watermelon, and bright orange segments go on one platter with fresh parsley and red onion for a cookout or family dinner.

A drizzle of olive oil and coarse salt is all the dressing this salad needs, since the watermelon juice does the rest. Cut the fruit into thin, even slices so every forkful gets feta and citrus together.

Martha Stewart Watermelon, Orange, and Feta Salad

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Course: SaladCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

165

kcal

Cool, crisp watermelon layered with creamy feta and juicy orange segments on a bright platter. Ready in 15 minutes with zero cooking.

Ingredients

• 1/4 a small (6-pound) seedless watermelon, rind removed, flesh cut into 1/4-inch slices
  

• 1 large orange, peel and pith removed, flesh cut into segments
  

• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
  

• 2 ounces feta cheese, thinly sliced
  

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
  

• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  

• Coarse salt and ground pepper
  

Directions

• Arrange fruits, onion and cheese: On a serving platter, arrange watermelon, orange, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.
• Drizzle with oil and serve: Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Tools for this recipe

• Victorinox Fibrox 8-inch chef's knife, Benriner Japanese mandoline, Victorinox 3.25-inch paring knife, Partanna Sicilian extra virgin olive oil, 1 liter. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I make watermelon feta salad ahead of time?

You can slice the watermelon and segment the orange up to 4 hours ahead and store them in separate containers in the fridge. Arrange the platter right before serving, because the watermelon releases juice that makes the feta soggy after about 30 minutes. If you have leftovers, eat them within a few hours.

What cheese can I use instead of feta in this salad?

Ricotta salata is the closest swap because it has the same salty crumble without melting. Fresh mozzarella works too, but you lose the salty punch, so add an extra pinch of coarse salt. Cotija is another good option if you want a drier, sharper bite.

How do I pick a ripe watermelon for this salad?

Look for a watermelon with a large creamy yellow spot on the bottom, which means it sat in the field long enough to ripen. It should feel heavy for its size, and when you tap it, you want a deep hollow sound rather than a dull thud. A 6-pound seedless melon gives you the right amount for 4 servings with some leftover for snacking.

What other herbs work besides parsley?

Fresh mint is the most popular swap because it plays up the cool watermelon flavor. Basil adds a peppery note that pairs well with the feta, and you only need about 1/4 cup of torn leaves either way. You can also mix two herbs together: half mint, half basil is a good combination.

Can I add protein to make this a full meal?

Grilled shrimp or sliced grilled chicken breast turns this into a main course for 2 people instead of a side for 4. Season the protein simply with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon so it does not compete with the salad's flavors. Add the protein on top of the platter right after it comes off the grill, while it is still warm against the cold fruit.