Fresh spinach, sweet watermelon, tangy feta, and crunchy almonds—drizzled with a light balsamic vinaigrette.
This salad is so fresh and light, but still totally satisfying.
The juicy watermelon with the baby spinach is a match I didn’t expect to love as much as I do.
Add in creamy feta and crunchy almonds? Perfection.
It’s the kind of salad that’s simple enough for a quick lunch but special enough to serve at a dinner party or bring to a potluck.
⏱ Servings + Time
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
I made this for the first time on a hot summer day when I didn’t feel like turning on the stove. It instantly became one of my go-tos. It’s just a few fresh ingredients tossed in a simple vinaigrette, but it hits all the right flavors and textures.
Here’s why I keep making it:
- Takes 10 minutes, max
- Sweet, salty, tangy, and crunchy all in one bite
- Perfect way to use up extra watermelon
- No cooking involved
- Looks beautiful on the table
💪 Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Watermelon’s high water content makes it super refreshing and balances salty ingredients like feta.
- Spinach has a mild flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
- Feta cheese adds creaminess and salt, which pairs beautifully with sweet fruit.
- Almonds add crunch, making every bite interesting.
- Balsamic vinegar adds acidity, tying all the flavors together.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 3 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted if you like)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- Pinch of salt and pepper
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
- Cutting board + knife
- Salad bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Salad tongs or large spoon
💡 Pro Tips
- Use cold watermelon – It makes the salad extra refreshing.
- Toast the almonds – It brings out their flavor and adds more crunch.
- Dress right before serving – Keeps the spinach from getting soggy.
- Cut watermelon into bite-sized cubes – Makes it easier to eat and mix.
- Don’t skip the honey – It balances out the tang of the balsamic.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Try arugula instead of spinach for a peppery kick.
- Swap feta for goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Use pecans or walnuts instead of almonds.
- Add avocado for some creaminess.
- Throw in blueberries or strawberries for more fruity flavor.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- Cube watermelon and make dressing ahead of time.
- Keep dressing and spinach separate until ready to serve.
- Toast almonds in advance and store in an airtight container.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overdressing the salad – A little goes a long way with balsamic.
- Using warm almonds – Let them cool before adding to the salad.
- Soggy spinach – Always spin or pat your greens dry after washing.
🍽 What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak
- Pasta salad or couscous
- Toasted sourdough or flatbread
- Lemon iced tea or crisp white wine
- Summer fruit platter
🥗 How to Make Watermelon Spinach Salad
Step 1: Cube the Watermelon
Cut 3 cups of seedless watermelon into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Add Spinach and Watermelon to Bowl
In a large salad bowl, add 4 cups of baby spinach and the cubed watermelon.
Step 4: Add Feta and Almonds
Sprinkle 1/4 cup crumbled feta and 1/4 cup sliced almonds over the salad.
Step 5: Drizzle the Dressing
Drizzle the balsamic dressing evenly over the salad.
Step 6: Gently Toss and Serve
Gently toss everything together and serve immediately.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Best eaten right after making.
- If you need to store, keep undressed and add vinaigrette just before eating.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day.
❓ FAQ
Can I make this vegan?
Yes—just skip the feta or use a vegan alternative, and make sure your honey is plant-based or swap it for maple syrup.
Can I use bottled dressing?
You can, but homemade balsamic vinaigrette is super quick and tastier!
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes! Prep all the ingredients separately and store in containers. Assemble and dress just before serving.
Do I need to toast the almonds?
Not required, but it does bring out more flavor. A dry skillet for 2-3 minutes works great.
🥄 That’s a Wrap
This Watermelon Spinach Salad is one of those “wow” recipes that takes no time at all but feels special every time. It’s colorful, refreshing, and just plain delicious. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your spin on it! 🍉🥬🧀