Description
A refreshing summer watermelon feta pasta salad that combines juicy watermelon, tangy feta, fresh mint, and a light balsamic dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s the ultimate balance of sweet, salty, and herbaceous flavors—all in one chilled bowl.
Ingredients
- 8 oz ditalini pasta
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 6 oz feta (plus more for garnish)
- 30 fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 3 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed)
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz ditalini (or short pasta) until al dente, about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain but do not rinse. - Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:1/4 cup mayo
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Dress the Pasta While Warm:
Immediately add the hot pasta to the dressing. Toss to coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to cool and marinate. - Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
While pasta chills, cube 2 cups of watermelon, dice 1/4 cup red onion, dice 3 jalapeños (seeds removed), and chop 30 mint leaves. Crumble 6 oz of feta (reserve a little for topping). - Assemble the Salad:
After chilling, stir the pasta gently to loosen it. Add the watermelon, onion, jalapeños, mint, and most of the feta. Toss gently until combined. - Finish and Serve:
Top with reserved feta and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve chilled.
Notes
- For a spicier version, leave the seeds in the jalapeños.
- Use vegan feta and egg-free mayo for a plant-based alternative.
- To keep the salad fresh longer, add mint and watermelon just before serving.
- Don’t skip the chilling step—it’s key for the flavor to set in.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- cooling time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Mediterranean Salad recipe, Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 394 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 393 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 29 mg