A fresh, colorful, and tasty summer salad that is guaranteed to get you compliments at a potluck! There are many variations of a watermelon salad, but this is my favorite way to make this dish. The farro adds a little weight to the salad, making it a good choice for a light lunch. Feel free to substitute quinoa or couscous for the farro. You can also substitute your favorite tangy, crumbly cheese such as queso fresco, or even gorgonzola.
Watermelon and feta salad with farro
Ingredients
- 1/2 Large Watermelon cut into 1.5” cubes, or triangles
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil opt for a good quality oil
- 1/2 Cup Farro
- 1 Avocado cut into chunks
- 3-4 Stalks Fresh mint leaves torn into large pieces
- 1-2 Oz Feta cheese To taste
- 8-10 Kalamata olives. halved Optional
- 2 Tsp Balsamic glaze I use Trader Joe’s brand
- Crushed pepper To taste
- Tajin seasoning To taste
- Salt To taste
Instructions
- Cook the farro as per the package instructions. Then spread the cooked farro in a wide bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, assemble all the fresh ingredients for the salad
- To a large salad bowl, add the watermelon, cooled farro, olives, mint leaves, and avocado. Reserve a few mint leaves and olives for garnish.
- Add salt, crushed black pepper, olive oil, and Tajin and toss gently.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and top with the feta cheese. Garnish with the remaining mint leaves and olives, and serve.
Notes
- This is a simple, yet filling salad for a light lunch, or as a side for a summer gathering.
- Use a ripe and juicy watermelon for the best flavor.
- If you don’t have Tajin, you can squeeze a little lemon juice and sprinkle some paprika and coarse salt instead.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. The feta will mix with the watermelon juice and make a pool of pink juice at the bottom of the bowl. This is fine, but be aware that the watermelon will start to soften overnight.
- Feel free to play with the presentation for this salad, it is a show stopping dish visually.