Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip Recipe

If you’re craving something refreshing, unexpected, and absolutely gorgeous for your next gathering, look no further than Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip. With juicy marinated watermelon, a pillowy layer of whipped feta, and pops of zesty herb garnishes, this dish is summer on a platter. The flavors are bright, the textures are luxurious, and you’ll have everyone asking for the recipe after the very first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe pulls its weight, effortlessly coming together to create a vibrant, flavor-packed salad. From the tangy marinade to the bold spices and creamy feta, each component adds something special—so let’s take a moment to spotlight what you’ll need.

• Champagne vinegar: Brings a gentle tartness to the marinade, keeping the watermelon bright without overpowering it.
• Shallot: Finely minced for mellow sweetness and depth; it complements the fruit’s natural sugars beautifully.
• Fresh ginger: Adds fresh, zippy heat that wakes up the whole salad; don’t skip this!
• Extra virgin olive oil: For silkiness in both the marinade and the whipped feta; be sure to use the good stuff here.
• Sea salt: Lifts and balances the flavors—adjust to taste, keeping in mind feta’s saltiness.
• Seedless watermelon: The star of the show—choose a ripe one, and cut it into sturdy rectangles for easy serving.
• Pink and black peppercorns: Toasted and freshly ground for a peppery, floral punch in the spice topper.
• Sumac: Offers a tangy, lemony note that pairs perfectly with melon and cheese.
• Cayenne: Just a pinch for gentle heat that tingles without overwhelming.
• Feta cheese: Buy a block of Greek feta in brine for a creamy, authentic whipped dip.
• Basil, mint, and tarragon: Torn fresh herbs bring a burst of color and a trio of complementary flavors.
• Flaky sea salt: A finishing touch that adds crunch and an irresistible salty sparkle.

How to Make Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Whisk together the champagne vinegar, minced shallot, grated ginger, and 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a medium bowl. Once smooth, season your marinade with sea salt—adjust to your taste, remembering that the feta will add more saltiness later. This marinade is packed with zing and sets the stage for extraordinary flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Watermelon

Arrange your watermelon rectangles (about 4 inches by 1 inch each) in a large resealable bag or a roomy shallow dish. Pour the marinade right over the melon pieces, making sure every one is coated. Seal or cover, and let the flavors infuse in the fridge for 30 minutes. This short “soak” is what makes this Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip a total showstopper.

Step 3: Toast and Grind Your Spices

Meanwhile, grab a small frying pan and toast the pink and black peppercorns over moderately high heat for about two minutes. When they’re fragrant, pull them off the heat and let them cool a touch. Next, toss the toasted peppercorns into a spice grinder and blitz them up. Add in the sumac and cayenne to create a deeply aromatic spice mix—trust me, this is next-level seasoning!

Step 4: Whip the Feta Dip

Place your block of feta cheese into a food processor and pulse until broken up. With the food processor running, drizzle in a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil. Let it blend until completely creamy and smooth. It’s perfectly tangy, ultra-silky, and ready to become the bed for your marinated melon.

Step 5: Assemble and Finish

Use a spatula to spread the whipped feta dip onto a round or oval platter. With a slotted spoon or spatula, scoop the watermelon rectangles out of the marinade and fan them out over the whipped feta. Drizzle just a little reserved marinade on top, then go wild sprinkling the aromatic spice mix all over. Finish your Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip with an artful scattering of torn basil, mint, chopped tarragon, and a final flourish of flaky sea salt.

How to Serve Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip

Garnishes

The beauty of this salad lies in its vibrant garnishes. Go for a generous handful of torn basil, mint, and chopped tarragon—these fresh herbs add color and a burst of garden flavor. Finally, scatter some flaky sea salt across the top for that irresistible crunch and salty kick that makes Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip unforgettable.

Side Dishes

You have lots of flexibility here. This salad pairs dreamily with grilled flatbreads, crispy pita chips, or even crusty baguette slices. For a bigger summer spread, serve it alongside grilled chicken skewers, herby grain bowls, or simple fresh tomato salads to embrace all the seasonal goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want this dish to be the centerpiece, serve the Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip on a wide platter so everyone can swipe a piece of watermelon through the creamy feta. For parties, you can skewer the watermelon pieces and set them around a bowl of the dip, or layer the ingredients in individual glasses for a fun, composed starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the watermelon and whipped feta separate if possible, so the cheese remains creamy and the melon doesn’t get too watery. Be sure to cover each component tightly to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dish. Watermelon turns mushy and loses its texture when frozen and thawed, and the whipped feta can become grainy. This salad is best enjoyed freshly made or within a day or two at most.

Reheating

No reheating required! This salad is meant to be served deliciously chilled. If you’ve made the feta dip ahead of time and it’s too firm from the fridge, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes and give it a quick stir before serving.

FAQs

Can I use pre-crumbled feta for the whipped dip?

It’s best to use a block of feta cheese instead of pre-crumbled. Blocks of feta are creamier and produce a much smoother whipped dip, while pre-crumbled feta tends to be drier and saltier.

What other herbs can I use in place of basil, mint, or tarragon?

You can swap in parsley, cilantro, or even a little dill if you prefer. The key is to use soft, leafy herbs that add freshness and color to your Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for the whipped feta dip?

For a dairy-free version, try blending vegan feta-style cheese with olive oil, or make a creamy cashew dip seasoned with lemon and salt. The marinade and spices will still shine!

Can I prep Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can make the whipped feta dip up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Marinate the watermelon up to a day ahead, but assemble just before serving for the best texture.

What should I do if my watermelon is too watery?

If your watermelon releases extra liquid after marinating, simply drain off the excess before arranging it on the platter. This keeps your Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip vibrant and not soggy.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, Marinated Watermelon Salad with Whipped Feta Dip is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make all season long. It’s playful, stunning, and a total flavor bomb. Gather your friends, grab some ripe watermelon, and prepare to fall in love with this modern classic!

Print