Cantaloupe, Basil, and Feta Salad

Enjoy summer afternoons with this Cantaloupe, Basil, and Feta Salad—a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors. This easy-to-make dish features fresh cantaloupe, basil, and tangy feta, making it a refreshing choice for hot days by the pool or at picnics. Packed with hydrating and nutrient-rich ingredients, this versatile salad can be enjoyed as a side, snack, or appetizer.

With the summer heat ramping up across the United States and summer produce in full swing, it was only a matter of time for me to utilize fresh cantaloupe. The blend of sweet cantaloupe, aromatic basil, and salty feta creates a beautiful balance that is both light and refreshing. Whether you’re spending the day by the pool, at the beach, having a picnic, or looking for a side dish, this salad combines simple ingredients to make a delicious and healthy summer dish.

Beyond balancing sweet and salty with herbaceous notes, this recipe offers an array of nutritional benefits and is a no-brainer for the summer season that everyone will enjoy. Starting with why this salad needs to be on your menu, followed by a nutritional breakdown, and the ingredients you’ll need.

Why Make This Cantaloupe, Basil, and Feta Salad?

Cantaloupe is a quintessential summer fruit and is composed primarily of water and of course, vitamins and minerals. With that said, cantaloupe can be hydrating. This salad may be simple, but there is no compromise on flavor with these humble ingredients.

Simple yet flavorful: This salad combines sweet cantaloupe, fresh basil, and salty feta for a balanced flavor profile. Refreshing, like, and hydrating, this salad is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, and sitting poolside.

Quick and easy: With just three ingredients, this salad is incredibly easy to prepare.

Versatile: A side dish, a snack, or an appetizer, this Cantaloupe salad fits seamlessly into your weekly menu.

Let’s Talk Nutrition!

Cantaloupe: Packed with a plethora of nutrients such as beta-carotene, folate, and vitamin C. Watermelon is also a very hydrating fruit, supporting skin health increasing your body’s water content, and helping the body make collagen thanks to vitamin C.

Feta Cheese: A prevalent Greek cheese, feta is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and harnesses various nutrients. Feta contains B-complex vitamins, phosphorus, and calcium supporting bone health and gut health.

Basil: Contains vitamins and minerals helping aid in the prevention of chronic diseases. Basil may support blood pressure and cholesterol.

How to Make: Ingredients and Steps

Ingredients -

Cantaloupe: The star of the show, I mean salad!

Feta Cheese: Sheep’s milk feta or plant-based can be used if preferred.

Fresh Basil: Fresh is best to use to suit the flavor profile, unfortunately, dried is not the best for this recipe.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (optional): A drizzle on top provides a subtle richness and brings all the flavors together.

Salt and Pepper: To taste

Optional: Balsamic Glaze

Balsamic Vinegar: No substitution.

Honey: Adds a sweetness that contrasts the acidity in the vinegar. Maple Syrup can be used as a substitute.

Steps - Balsamic Glaze (optional)

1. In a small pot, add the balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture has become like a thick syrup. This will take about 5 to 10 minutes.

Steps -

1. Prep the ingredients by slicing the cantaloupe into quarters. Slice the cantaloupe flesh away from the rind and dice into 1/2” x 1/2” cubes. Next, Roughly chop the fresh basil.

2. Add the diced cantaloupe and chopped basil into a large bowl, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Gently mix to distribute the seasonings and basil. Next, crumble the feta cheese directly into the bowl and gently mix to combine.

3. Place the salad into a serving dish, drizzle with olive oil (optional), and serve immediately. If prepping ahead of time, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it into the refrigerator. Storing in the refrigerator also allows for the flavors to meld. Enjoy!