Vegan Watermelon Feta Salad with Balsamic Reduction

By Jessica Swartz March 28, 2023 26 mins read 112 Views

This refreshing side dish is packed full of bold flavours, vegan watermelon and feta salad. It is easy to put together and takes only 15 minutes.

Sometimes we prefer to cook with flavours that complement each other. Sometimes it's all contrasts. This vegan watermelon and feta salad is a great example. This salad is not about pairing watermelon and other sweet ingredients. It adds ingredients that contrast with the watermelon's sweetness.

The watermelon is crisp and crunchy with crumbly feta. The saltiness of vegan cheese contrasts with the refreshing, juicy flavour of the fruit. To balance the sun-ripened watermelon's sweet flavour, add tart lime juice and herbaceous basil leaves. Is your mouth watering?

This perfect summer recipe is a must-have for any backyard party! It takes only minutes to put together. Make the balsamic reduction and then add everything to the bowl. Watch this vegan watermelon-feta salad disappear!

Notes on Ingredients

Scroll down the recipe card for the ingredients and instructions.

The Vegan Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon I recommend using a seedless watermelon for easier preparation.
Almond Feta - This can be made with tofu feta, or any other store-bought variety.
Basil
Sea salt, ground black pepper
Lime

Balsamic Reduction

Balsamic Vinegar -Boil it until it thickens. There's no reason to spend a lot for a syrupy, aged version.
Coconut sugar -- Or, substitute brown sugar.
Fine sea salt

How can you tell if a watermelon is good?

Watermelon is the star here so make sure to get one that is at its best. You want one that is straight and uniform, has a dull color (not shiny), and doesn't have any soft spots. It is ready to be tapped. If the watermelon makes a hollow sound, it is considered ripe. Finally, the melon should feel heavy for its weight when lifted.

How to make vegan watermelon feta salad with balsamic reduction

Begin by making the balsamic vinegar reduction. Once it is done, you can start assembling the salad. Make sure to prepare the salad close to the stovetop. This will allow you to keep an eye on the glaze and ensure it doesn't get too hot.

The balsamic reduction is made. Mix all the ingredients for the balsamic reduction in a saucepan. Heat on medium heat. After about five minutes, the glaze should thicken. You want the glaze thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. The consistency of the vinegar will also play a role in the time it takes to thicken. Remove the pot from the heat once the reduction has thickened.

Mix the ingredients for the salad. Combine the watermelon and vegan feta in a large bowl. Toss gently.

Season. Sprinkle the sea salt, black pepper and lime juice over the salad. Stir again.

Finish. Toss the salad in the balsamic reduction and serve.

Tips to Success

This vegan watermelon feta recipe is easy as you can see. Here are some additional tips and tricks.

Start early. If you wish, you can make the balsamic reduction and cut the watermelon ahead of time.
Do not toss too many. This is not a traditional green salad. To prevent the vegan feta from crumbling into small pieces, make sure to gently toss the ingredients.
Use the extra reduction. This will give you extra balsamic, which you can use to drizzle on fresh fruit, sandwiches, salads and other dishes. It's particularly good with peaches and strawberries! ).

Serving Suggestions

This summer salad of vegan watermelon and feta is perfect for pairing with Grilled Peach Basil, Vegan "Goat", Cheese Pizza or Caprese Sandwiches with Parsley Pesto. It can be served alongside fluffy quinoa, or over large amounts of arugula.

Variations

For more colour and flavor, add blueberries and blackberries. Kalamata olives can be used to increase the saltiness. You can substitute vegan parmesan for feta if you don't like feta. For some crunch, you can add chopped almonds and pecans to the mix.

How to store

This salad is best eaten fresh. However, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 2 days.

P.S. P.S.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED // SHOP MY FAVORITE INGREDIENTS & PREP PRODUCTS

Have fun with your friends Please tag #jessicainthekitchen in your photos if you make this vegan watermelon and feta salad! If you leave a comment and rate the recipe, we'd love it! We appreciate your kind words!

Here are more ideas for vegan salads

Greek Cucumber Salad
Quinoa Salad in 15 Minutes with Sesame Ginger Dressing
Vegan Chickpea Tuna Salad
Easy Vegan Caesar Salad

Watermelon Feta Salad With Balsamic Reduce

This Watermelon Feta Salad has a refreshing, juicy taste and is drizzled with a balsamic reduction. This salad is ready in 15 minutes.

Course Salads

Cuisine American

Prep time 15 minutes

Total time HTML5_ HTML4_ HTML5_ HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML7_ HTML8_ HTML9_ HTML5_ HTML7_ HTML8_ HTML5_ HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML5_ HTML5_

Servings 2

Calories 467 kcal

Author Jessica Hylton

Ingredients

1/2 watermelon about 4 cups, cubed
4 ounces almond crumbled or Tofu Feta
1/4 cup basil in chiffonade
Sea salt and ground pepper
1/2 lime

Balsamic reduction (you can store any excess):

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1-2 tablespoons coconut sugar
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the watermelon and feta with the basil.
To season it, add the sea salt and ground pepper to the mixture and then squeeze the lime.
Mix gently to combine.
Use balsamic reduction to drizzle.

Balsamic Reduction

Heat all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir. Be careful - the glaze should thicken within 5 minutes. You want it to stick to the back end of a spoon but not to become a glob. The glaze can quickly become very thick so be careful.
After the glaze has thickened, turn off the heat.

Notes

Store Keep in an airtight container (tupperware) for up to two days. Fresh salad is best.

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 104g

Jessica in the Kitchen first published the post Vegan Watermelon Feta Salad With Balsamic Reduction

By: Jessica Hylton
Title: Vegan Watermelon Feta Salad with Balsamic Reduction
Sourced From: jessicainthekitchen.com/watermelon-feta-salad-balsamic-reduction/
Published Date: Mon, 27 Mar 2023 05:00:00 +0000

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a plant diet be considered harmful?

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Is a diet based on plants the same as a vegan one?

No, a plant-based diet is not the same as a vegan diet. A plant-based diet consists of an eating plan that emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts. This eating pattern generally reduces or eliminates animal products like meat and dairy. However, some animal proteins may still be consumed. Veganism, on other hand, is an ethical lifestyle choice. It involves eating a plant-based diet and avoiding cosmetics or clothing made with animal products. Although vegans may also choose to adopt a plant based diet as part their lifestyle, they are separate concepts.

What are the health benefits of a plant-based diet

A plant-based diet offers many benefits such as improved heart and digestive health. It also provides energy, reduced stress hormones and possible environmental protection. Soy-based protein is made from legumes, beans and whole grains. It has higher fiber and lower levels of saturated fat than animal proteins. Plant-based diets contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. They can help prevent cell damage from inflammation, oxidative damage, and other chronic illnesses like cancer. Increased fiber intake can promote gut bacteria growth and support digestive health. Research suggests that eating a plant-based diet can improve moods and reduce stress hormones. Alternatives to factory farming are also becoming popular, such as switching away from animal protein.

Can I eat meat if I follow a plant-based diet

While plant-based diets don't allow for meat, fish or poultry, some food items can be made with limited animal products. People on a plant-based lifestyle can still eat eggs and dairy in moderation. There are many options for those who want to make the switch to a plant diet. Plant-based diets emphasize fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes (such as beans and lentils), nuts and seeds like oatmeal and quinoa as well as soy products and fortified food such as non-dairy coconut or almond milk.

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Statistics

According to research published, going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)
In fact, according to research published in the going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)

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How To

How do I include more whole foods in my plant-based diet

For optimal health, it is crucial to include more whole foods into your plant-based diet. It helps you get more dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Start by replacing animal protein and processed foods with more nutritious options like legumes, seeds and nuts. Include whole grains, nuts and fruits as a source of sustenance.

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Finally, explore different pathways to create a lasting balanced lifestyle: making delicious vegan baked goods to substituting preferred ingredients like tofu for fish. Exploration is key to making food choices that are healthy and delicious.