Red White and Blue Watermelon Wonder a 4Th of July Salad
Recipe Introduction
Craving Some 4th of July Party Food ?
Oh my gosh, are you planning your 4th of July bash? Are you looking for amazing 4th of july party food ? I've got you covered! This watermelon feta salad with a balsamic glaze recipe is seriously divine! Sweet watermelon, salty feta, tangy red onion and herby goodness.
Honestly, it is the perfect red white and blue salad .
Quick Bite of History
This isn't just any summer salad recipe . This watermelon feta salad is perfect patriotic party food . It elevates your 4th of july potluck ideas .
It's like giving the traditional Greek combo a 4th of July makeover. It’s super easy to make, clocking in at about 25 minutes.
It yields 6-8 servings. Perfect as bbq side dishes .
Why This Salad Rocks
It's incredibly refreshing summer salads . It’s also surprisingly good for you! Watermelon is mostly water and packed with vitamins. It helps keep you hydrated on a scorching day.
Perfect as one of your easy 4th of july appetizers . What makes this recipe extra special is that homemade balsamic glaze.
It takes minutes to make but adds a gourmet touch.
Let's Gather Our Goodies
Before we dive in, let's make sure we have everything. You'll need watermelon, feta, red onion, mint, basil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
Oh, and maybe some pine nuts if you're feeling fancy. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the ingredients!
Okay, so you're planning a 4th of july party food extravaganza? I've got you covered! This watermelon feta salad is the bomb, especially with a killer balsamic glaze recipe .
Forget those boring potato salads. This red white and blue salad is light, refreshing, and totally screams summer. Seriously, it’s one of my go-to summer salad recipes , and perfect if you're after patriotic party food .
Honestly, it is one of the easy 4th of july appetizers you can actually make in less than 30 minutes, what about that uh? And if you’re looking for 4th of july potluck ideas , this baby travels like a champ.
Plus, it goes awesome with just about any bbq side dishes . Let's talk ingredients, shall we? This ain't rocket science, but a few key things will make all the difference.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this refreshing summer salad :
- 6 cups cubed seedless watermelon. About 1.4 kg. Make sure it's nice and cold . You want that watermelon crisp !
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled. That's around 225g. Look for a good quality block of feta in brine. The pre-crumbled stuff just doesn't have the same punch.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion. Aim for about 50g. Honestly, the thinner the better. Nobody wants a huge bite of raw onion, you know?
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped. About 15g. Fresh is key here, dried mint just won't cut it.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped. Again, around 15g. Adds a sweet, herby note that complements the watermelon perfectly.
- (Optional) 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or pepitas. About 30g. These add a nice crunch. But hey, if you're allergic or just don't have any, skip them.
Seasoning Notes
Now, for the flavour boosters:
- Balsamic Vinegar & Honey: The balsamic and honey combo in the glaze is a match made in heaven! It will make your watermelon feta salad unforgettable.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t skimp on the fresh mint and basil. These are essential . The herbs really take your 4th of july party food to the next level.
- Flavor Enhancers: The saltiness of the feta works wonders with the sweet watermelon.
- Quick Sub: No honey? Maple syrup works fine in the glaze.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, folks:
- Large mixing bowl: For tossing everything together.
- Small saucepan: For making the balsamic glaze. I have a non-stick one.
- Whisk: To stir that glaze.
- Cutting board & Knife: Obvi!
Red, White, and Blue Watermelon Wonder: A 4th of July Salad
Oh my gosh, you guys! It's almost the 4th of July! Are you ready for some serious patriotic party food ? Honestly, when I think of the 4th, I think BBQ, fireworks, and of course, delicious food.
But sometimes, you just need something light and refreshing , you know? Something that won't weigh you down in the summer heat.
That's where this Red, White, and Blue Watermelon Wonder comes in. It's like a party in your mouth! The best 4th of july party food in town.
This summer salad recipe will be your best friend this summer.
This vibrant watermelon feta salad is the perfect bbq side dish and is ridiculously easy to make. I mean, seriously, even I can't mess this one up, and that's saying something.
It’s the perfect 4th of july potluck ideas dish to pass. The sweetness of the watermelon, the salty feta, and that tangy balsamic glaze recipe ? Chef's kiss!
Prep Steps
Essential mise en place is key here. This includes cubing the watermelon , crumbling the feta, and slicing the red onion super thin.
Time saving organization tips: Get all your ingredients prepped before you start. It’ll make your life so much easier. Safety reminders (if applicable): Use a sharp knife to avoid slips, especially when cutting the watermelon.
No one wants a trip to A&E on the 4th!
step-by-step Process
- Make the balsamic glaze : Combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low. Simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened, about 8- 10 minutes . It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Cool completely.
- In a large bowl, gently combine 6 cups cubed watermelon , 8 ounces crumbled feta , 1/2 cup sliced red onion , 1/4 cup chopped mint , and 1/4 cup chopped basil .
- Toss gently to combine.
- Drizzle with the cooled balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional).
Pro Tips
- Chill everything! Cold watermelon and feta make this salad even more refreshing and delightful on a hot day.
- Avoid over glazing. A little balsamic glaze goes a long way. Too much can overpower the other flavors.
- If you wanna get this done ahead, the balsamic glaze can be made a day or two in advance. Store it in the fridge, easy peasy!
Honestly, this easy 4th of july appetizers salad is a total crowd pleaser. It's colourful, it's delicious, and it's the perfect way to celebrate America.
So, this 4th of July, ditch the heavy stuff and whip up this refreshing summer salads salad. You won't regret it.
Recipe Notes for Your Red, White, and Blue Watermelon Wonder
This watermelon feta salad isn't rocket science. Seriously, it's so straightforward. Even I, who once set fire to toast (don't ask), can pull it off.
Let's dive into some helpful hints. We'll cover serving, storing, and tweaking the recipe to make it your own. Plus, a bit about why this summer salad recipe is actually good for ya.
Plating Like a Pro
Honestly, presentation is half the battle, right? For this red white and blue salad , think layers. Start with a bed of watermelon, then sprinkle with feta, red onion, and herbs.
Drizzle that gorgeous balsamic glaze recipe on top. A few extra mint leaves? Always a good call. This is perfect 4th of july party food ! For a touch of fancy, use a melon baller to make watermelon spheres.
Feeling extra? Skewer it all for a fun easy 4th of july appetizers ! It's guaranteed to be a hit at your 4th of july potluck ideas .
For drinks, maybe some iced tea or lemonade.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Pop that watermelon feta salad in an airtight container. It'll be good in the fridge for about 2 days.
I wouldn't freeze it, though. Watermelon gets weirdly mushy when frozen and defrosted. Nobody wants that! When reheating, just give it a gentle stir.
If the feta has released some water, just drain it off. No biggie! This will make sure that it remains the star of your 4th of july party food .
Mix It Up, Baby!
Want to get a little wild? You can totally adapt this patriotic party food recipe. For a vegan twist, swap out the feta for a good quality vegan feta alternative.
And use maple syrup instead of honey in the balsamic glaze. Boom! Dietary needs covered. As for seasonal swaps, try adding grilled peaches or nectarines for extra summery goodness.
It makes for a great bbq side dishes , you know?
The Skinny on Nutrition
Okay, let's talk health. This watermelon feta salad is more than just a pretty face. Watermelon is hydrating and packed with vitamins.
Feta gives you protein and calcium. And that balsamic glaze? Well, it's delicious! One serving is roughly 200-250 calories. Not bad, right? So, dig in and enjoy your refreshing summer salads guilt free!
So there you have it! This 4th of july party food is easy to make, fun to serve, and surprisingly good for you.
Go on, make this star spangled watermelon feta salad . It's going to be a hit. Trust me!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Red, White, and Blue Watermelon Wonder: A 4th of July Salad ahead of time? I don't want to be stuck in the kitchen when the fireworks are on!
You can definitely prep parts of this 4th of july party food ahead of time! The balsamic glaze can be made a day or two in advance. However, I recommend assembling the salad no more than a few hours before serving, as the watermelon can get a little soggy if it sits too long. Nobody wants a droopy salad at their BBQ!
What's the best way to store leftover watermelon feta salad? I always seem to have some after my 4th of July party.
Storing this salad can be a bit tricky. The watermelon tends to release more liquid as it sits. The best way is to store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and drain any excess liquid before serving. It's best enjoyed within 1-2 days, but honestly, it tastes so good, leftovers rarely last that long!
I'm not a huge fan of feta cheese. Can I substitute it with something else in this watermelon salad?
Absolutely! If feta isn't your cup of tea, try using goat cheese for a similar tangy flavor. Alternatively, fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) would be a milder, creamier option that would still be delicious with the watermelon and balsamic glaze.
Just remember, it's your 4th of July party food, so make it how you like it!
Is the balsamic glaze absolutely necessary? Can I skip it if I'm short on time?
While the balsamic glaze adds a delightful sweet and tangy element, you can skip it if you're in a real pinch. However, I highly recommend giving it a try. It really elevates the flavors of the watermelon and feta.
If you skip it, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to brighten up the salad.
I'm trying to be healthy. Are there any ways to make this watermelon feta salad even lighter?
You're already on the right track with a salad like this! To lighten it up further, you can reduce the amount of feta cheese or use a reduced fat version. You can also swap the honey in the balsamic glaze with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Every little bit helps, right?
Remember to check the nutritional information of the feta if you are buying pre-crumbled, these often have added ingredients.
My balsamic glaze turned out too thick/thin. How do I fix it?
Uh oh, it's like Goldilocks and the three bears! If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time, whisking until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
Remember, it will thicken as it cools, so err on the side of slightly thinner than you think.
Red White And Blue Watermelon Wonder A 4th Of Ju
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 200-250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10-15g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |
