This is the salad you serve when aperitivo hour stretches into dinner hour and you need something cooling, refreshing, and utterly effortless. Sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh mint, and a kiss of Aleppo pepper—it's the kind of dish that tastes like summer in Italy, even if you're nowhere near the Mediterranean.
The Italians understand contrast. Bitter and sweet in a Negroni. Salt and sweet in this salad. The watermelon is pure refreshment, the feta adds creamy, salty richness, and the mint provides that bright, clean finish. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper tie it all together with gentle heat and acidity.
It's ridiculously simple—ten minutes from start to finish—but it looks and tastes like you put thought into it. Serve it before a heavy meal, alongside grilled meats, or as a light lunch with crusty bread. This is the kind of salad that makes you pour another glass of wine and linger at the table. Aperitivo perfection.
Ingredients
- 800g seedless watermelon, cut into cubes
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled
- Large handful fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or chilli flakes)
- Flaky sea salt
Method
- Cut the watermelon into rough 3cm cubes. Don't be too precious about it—irregular chunks look more rustic and Italian. Place in a large serving bowl.
- Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow its sharpness. Drain well and pat dry.
- Add the crumbled feta, drained red onion, and torn mint leaves to the watermelon. Tear the mint rather than chopping it—less bruising, more fragrance.
- Drizzle over the olive oil and lime juice. Sprinkle with Aleppo pepper and a pinch of flaky salt. Toss gently—you want to coat everything without crushing the watermelon or turning the feta into mush.
- Serve immediately while the watermelon is still cold and crisp. This salad doesn't keep well—the watermelon will weep and dilute the dressing—so make it fresh and eat it straight away. Pair it with chilled white wine or a Negroni Sbagliato. This is summer on a plate.
Nutritional Information
Per serve (approximate)