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Fresh watermelon-feta pasta salad close-up

Watermelon Feta Pasta Salad


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  • Author: Ines Zahraoui
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

  3. 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.
  4. 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).
  5. 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.
  6. 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