What is a watermelon feta checkerboard salad?

It's a salad made with cubed watermelon and feta cheese arranged in an alternating pattern like a checkerboard. It’s refreshing, simple, and visually impressive.

How do you cut ingredients for a checkerboard salad?

Use a sharp knife to cut equal-sized cubes of watermelon and block feta. Chill ingredients beforehand and align carefully when assembling.

What dressing pairs best with watermelon feta salad?

A light vinaigrette—like a honey-lime or mint-lime dressing—works best. Avoid creamy dressings, which can overpower the flavors.

Can I make checkerboard salad ahead of time?

Yes. Cut and store the cubes separately, then assemble shortly before serving. Keep cold and dress at the last moment.

Is checkerboard salad good for summer picnics?

Absolutely. It’s no-cook, travel-friendly, and refreshing. Assemble it on-site for best results.

What are some variations of watermelon feta checkerboard salad?

Try adding cucumber, avocado, arugula, or swapping feta with halloumi or goat cheese. You can also use mango or cantaloupe.

Watermelon Feta Checkerboard Salad: A Stunning Summer Dish Everyone Will Love

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium seedless watermelon, chilled
1 block of firm Greek feta cheese, chilled
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Lemon zest (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Chill watermelon and feta in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting.
Trim the ends of the watermelon, remove the rind, and cut into 1-inch slabs. Then cut into 1-inch cubes.
Cut the feta block into 1-inch thick slices, then into 1-inch cubes matching the watermelon.
On a flat white platter, start arranging the cubes in an alternating checkerboard pattern (red and white) row by row.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon zest as desired.
Drizzle with a light vinaigrette (optional) just before serving.

Notes

Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Keep a damp cloth nearby to wipe the blade between feta slices for a neat finish. Assemble shortly before serving for best presentation.

Author: Anna Gomez
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 220
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: watermelon, feta, salad, summer, checkerboard, no-cook