We are firm believers that salads never have to be boring. If you think they are, then you aren't making them right. This Kale, Watermelon Feta Salad is refreshing, super simple and packed full of all the good stuff. With its sweet and salty combination, it's the perfect side dish for your next BBQ.
This might seem like a strange combination, but trust us on this one - it really works. The saltiness of the feta and the dressing pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the watermelon. The kale makes the perfect super green base and finishing off with a sprinkle of pecans adds plenty of crunch.
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Why should you try it?
- A delicious new salad to try
- A great way to use up watermelon
- Easy to adapt
- A delicious BBQ side dish
What you will need
- Kale - We used curly kale as it is the easiest to find in shops. You could use black kale (also known as lacinato kale or cavolo nero), or a mixture of both.
- Watermelon - Try to pick a watermelon that has a yellow to dark yellow patch in the skin (this is the part of the melon that was resting on the ground while growing). This indicates the ripeness of the melon - light or no yellow patch means it isn't ripe enough. A skin that is dull, rather than shiny is preferable too. And discard if the skin has large brown patches.
- Feta - A good quality feta is a must. Make sure it is labelled 'feta' rather than 'Greek salad cheese'.
- Nuts - We used chopped pecans as they compliment the flavours well, however cashews or even peanuts will work well.
- Dressing - We went with a simple dressing made up of oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. This dressing softens the kale but lets the flavour come through.
Step by step
One: Roughly chop the kale, wash well and put in a large bowl.
Two: Add the olive oil, cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and salt and pepper to the kale and mix well.
Three: Add the watermelon and feta and gently mix.
Four: Serve in to a bowl and top with the crumbled pecans.
What dressing to use
You don't want anything too overpowering because the watermelon and feta are pretty strong flavours. We just used a drizzle of olive oil, some cider vinegar and lemon juice. You can add some extra sweetness with a drizzle of balsamic glaze when serving.
What other cheese can you use?
I think it's clear how much we love feta by now, but you know what we also love? Halloumi! It's a cheese that squeaks when you eat it and what's not to love about that?
Halloumi is best when grilled as it holds its flavour and has a real meaty texture to it. Add a few slices to this salad instead of feta for a filling meal.
Kale Alternative
You might not have had kale in a salad before, but it's one of my favourite greens in a salad. It has so much more texture and bite to it than lettuce, not to mention more nutritional benefits. Plus, look at that vibrant green colour.
If you usually find raw kale chewy, then you might prefer this salad because the dressing really softens it up, especially if you leave it for 30 minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients.
If you really aren't a fan of kale, then you could use rocket (arugula) or spinach instead.
Salad toppings
I think one of the reasons so many people think salads are boring is because they lack texture. We combat that by always adding something crunchy on top like the pecans in this recipe.
Whilst croutons are a classic crunchy salad topping, why not change things up and go with nuts like pecans, almond flakes or cashews? You could even use seeds like sunflower, pumpkin or linseed.
FAQs
Yes, you can chop everything up and mix it in advance and make the dressing in advance. Then, just before you are ready to serve it, mix the dressing in to the salad. You don't want to add the dressing in advance, because the salad will go soggy.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an air tight container in the fridge until the next day, however it is best to eat it right away because it is such a watery salad.
Extra tips
- If you aren't a feta fan , then grilled halloumi makes a great substitution. It gives the dish much more of a meaty texture and feels more like a whole meal rather than a side dish.
- Speaking of grilling, grilled watermelon is amazing. It really brings out the flavour, changes the texture and makes a great addition to this salad. Just cut the watermelon in to bigger chunks/slices to that it doesn't fall through the grill.
- We haven't added any herbs to this recipe, but in the past we have used fresh mint in it and it pairs beautifully with the watermelon and feta.
- Another delicious addition to this salad is some olives. It gives a little bit of extra saltiness, along with the feta, that contrasts the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Not got enough greens in this? Add some chunks of cucumber or celery for some added texture and to make it even more refreshing.
- If you are all about the sweetness in a salad, then swap the apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar. Or, add a drizzle of pomegranate molasses at the end.
- Add some fresh mint when serving to make this a really light summer salad.
- Make this salad even chunkier by adding some diced cucumber.
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Recipe card
Kale, Feta and Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 100 g curly kale chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 0.5 lemon (juice only)
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 pinch sea salt and black pepper
- 10 pecans crumbled
- 280 g watermelon diced
- 60 g feta cheese
Instructions
- Roughly chop the kale, wash well and put in a large bowl.
- Add the olive oil, cider vinegar, lemon juice, garlic and salt and pepper to the kale and mix well.
- Add the watermelon and feta and gently mix.
- Serve in to a bowl and top with the crumbled pecans.
Notes
- If you aren't a feta fan , then grilled halloumi makes a great substitution. It gives the dish much more of a meaty texture and feels more like a whole meal rather than a side dish.
- Speaking of grilling, grilled watermelon is amazing. It really brings out the flavour, changes the texture and makes a great addition to this salad. Just cut the watermelon in to bigger chunks/slices to that it doesn't fall through the grill.
- We haven't added any herbs to this recipe, but in the past we have used fresh mint in it and it pairs beautifully with the watermelon and feta.
- Another delicious addition to this salad is some olives. It gives a little bit of extra saltiness, along with the feta, that contrasts the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Not got enough greens in this? Add some chunks of cucumber or celery for some added texture and to make it even more refreshing.
- If you are all about the sweetness in a salad, then swap the apple cider vinegar for balsamic vinegar. Or, add a drizzle of pomegranate molasses at the end.
Kristine
This is my kind of salad! Perfect for summertime, pinning this one to make!
Edyta at Eating European
Watermelon and feta goes hand in hand. I love this combo. I never added kale to mine and I think it's a great idea.
Beth
This salad looks so delicious! The watermelon and feta must be glorious together! Salty and Sweet! I'm definitely giving this one a try! Thanks!
Lisa
This is such a lovely flavor combination for a salad!
danielle wolter
I looooove putting feta on salads. This is such a great idea!
kim
Love watermelon and this looks so good!! Will be making these for sure!
Lisa
I love the idea of adding in some watermelon to a salad. This is such a great dish for summer.
Linda Nortje
As we are huge salad lovers in South-Africa, I can not wait to make your kale and watermelon salad, especially since there is feta in as well (which is a #1 fave in our house!)
angie
looks very pretty and refreshing perfect summer time salad
Traci
Watermelon and feta...such a yummy summer staple. And kale too? You're a girl after my own heart! I'll have to try that...just pinned for later. Thanks!
rebecca
this looks delicious! love the flavor combo of watermelon & feta! yum
Linda
Watermelon and feta is always a huge hit at our house! I need to try the halloumi variation you suggested.
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites
I've never had watermelon saald, but this looks delicious! I love the feta and pecans!
Lisa Huff
This is my kind of salad! Love the idea of adding watermelon to a salad in the summer!