Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup

from 12 votes

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup Recipe

We are sweatin’ to the 90s over here in southern California, and I’m not talking about an aerobic dance party with yours truly nailing every lyric to the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way.” It is HOT. H-O-T hot. And that means dinners have been a whole lot of no-cook options followed up by a gratuitous amount of no-churn cream and 5-minute frozen yogurt after nearly every meal.

But it doesn’t get much more thirst-quenching than a melon made of water. So if I’m looking to lighten the sugar factor but still beat the heat, this Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup is on repeat all day, every day.

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup Recipe

Major bonus: It satisfies all of my OCD urges by allowing me to meticulously melon-ball an entire watermelon. Big win! But if you don’t find satisfaction in this sort of activity, go ahead and grab your knife and just start slicing. (Don’t forget my trick for the easiest way to cut a watermelon!)

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup Recipe

With your melon balls (or squares) in place, it’s then time to dress up your fruit with a refreshing blend of lime juice and olive oil. A pinch of salt and pepper may seem like a skippable afterthought, but trust me when I tell you that they will bring the full flavor of this watermelon salad to life.

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup Recipe

The balsamic syrup, which can be made from scratch or purchased at most major grocery stores, is an optional addition. However, I will say this: The combination of sweet, juicy watermelon and tangy balsamic syrup is a summer stunner. Add a little creamy crumbled feta and fresh mint to the bowl and feel free to take notes, Ina Garten, because we will be rockin’ that summer soiree with the best of ’em. Now how easy is that?

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup Recipe

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Salad

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup stars refreshing watermelon, creamy feta, tangy lime dressing and sweet balsamic syrup.
Author: Kelly Senyei
5 from 12 votes
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Syrup Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients 

  • 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1 (7-to 8-pound) watermelon
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions 

  • In a small saucepan set over medium-high heat, combine the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and continue cooking it, scraping down the sides as needed, until it has reduced and is the consistency of syrup, about 5 minutes. (It will thicken as it cools and only yield a few tablespoons.) Set it aside to cool while you prepare the salad.
  • Cut the watermelon into cubes or use a melon baller and scoop it into balls. Add it to a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the watermelon, add the chopped mint and feta cheese, and toss to combine. Drizzle the salad with the balsamic syrup and serve immediately.
  • โ˜…ย Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcal, Carbohydrates: 64g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 9g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Sodium: 200mg, Potassium: 892mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 53g, Vitamin A: 4420IU, Vitamin C: 62.9mg, Calcium: 147mg, Iron: 2.2mg

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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.


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5 from 12 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Bonnie says:

    5 stars
    So goood!!!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      So glad you enjoyed it, Bonnie!

  2. Scott C. says:

    5 stars
    Terrific recipe! Iโ€™ve made it a couple of times now and love it as and with basil and mint combined. To fancy it up I cut the watermelon in 3/4 inch slabs a little larger than a playing card. Then I top with all of your ingredients and slivered prosciutto. It never fails to impress. Thank you for this wonderful recipe!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Scott! I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying the recipe!

  3. Linda says:

    5 stars
    Perfect! Refreshing, tasty, light and delicious!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      So glad you enjoyed it, Linda!

  4. Deb C. says:

    This recipe looks wonderful. I was thinking about adding some thinly sliced red onions or maybe even some basil. Not sure if I should use the basil instead of the mint. What are your thoughts?

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Basil would be delicious, too, Deb!

  5. DC Ron says:

    5 stars
    Very refreshing to have on a hot day with other light dishes. Everyone loved it. I grow mint year round and am always searching for any recipe that uses it. Home run.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Woohoo! I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!

  6. Patti says:

    Can I substitute lemon juice for the lime juice?

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      That works! It wonโ€™t drastically change the outcome, just the flavor a bit. :)

  7. Hollis Adams says:

    I made this last night and it was the best. Thank you!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      You are so welcome, Hollis! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!

  8. Christine says:

    5 stars
    I made this awesome salad with green grapes and blueberries and sans feta (not on my diet). It was amazing and so flavor packed. Great compliments from my friends at a picnic. No problem making ahead I just dumped out the extra juice.. I purchased a balsamic glaze but would love to make my own. How long does the glaze last in the frig? Can I use a substitute for the sugar like honey or pomegranate juice?

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      So glad you enjoyed it, Christine!

  9. Don Bruns says:

    Fresh basil also.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      That would be delicious, too!

  10. rachael says:

    This recipe looks delicious, and I’d like to try it this weekend. My husband HATES feta cheese. Do you think I can substitute 2/3 cup of mozzarella pearls? Would that work? thanks

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Sure!

  11. Susan Calabrese says:

    I made this salad for a home cookout. It was great. Now I want to bring it to a party that is two hours away. Will it hold up or become to soggy?

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Hi Susan – I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe! I suggest you prep all the components but keep them separately stored in a cooler while you travel. Then all you have to do when you arrive at your destination is quickly toss everything together just before you are ready to serve it. Hope that helps!

  12. Sarah S says:

    5 stars
    I made this for a Memorial Day Barbecue yesterday and it was SO refreshing and delicious – people (and me) had seconds and thirds!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Sarah!

  13. JAMI L SHELTON says:

    5 stars
    Yummy! I halfed the recipe and it was delicious! I’ll definitely make this again!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Jami!

  14. Carol Schommer says:

    Canโ€™t wait to try new recipes!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Enjoy, Carol!

  15. Hollie says:

    5 stars
    I made this over the weekend and it was a big hit with friends and family. Thank you! It was refreshing and healthy. I will make it again.

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Glad to hear this, Hollie!

  16. Elizabeth says:

    5 stars
    My husband and I love this watermelon salad! It’s so refreshing and healthy. Although I have to say, my husband was a bit skeptical when I first showed him this recipe. Now we make it all the time!

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      So glad you enjoyed it!

  17. Enid says:

    Plz sign me up

    1. Kelly Senyei says:

      Adding you now, Enid!