Pakistani dishes in Usa
  • Home
  • About us
  • New
  • Featured
    • Lifestyle
    • Sports Group
      • Category 1
      • Category 2
      • Category 3
      • Category 4
      • Category 5
    • Sub Menu 3
    • Sub Menu 4
  • Contact Us

Here’s how to cook corn on the cob: my top 5 ways! Try these easy methods to make it boiled, grilled, oven roasted, and more.

Summer is all about corn on the cob, and there’s nothing better than sinking your teeth into that first sweet bite. Over here, I’ve mastered the art of cooking corn. After all, we do live in Indiana, which is all about Midwestern corn season!

There are various method for how to cook corn on the cob, each with their own pros and cons. Browse these methods below and pick what’s right for you. The perfect grilled corn is my favorite, but I make boiled and oven roasted when I don’t feel like firing up the grill.

How Long to Cook Corn on the Cob?

Here’s a quick look at the timing, then scroll down for my methods:

  • Boil it for 5 minutes in rapidly boiling water.
  • Grill it shucked, right on the grates for 12 to 15 minutes at medium high heat, or wrapped in foil for 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Roast it in the oven for 35 minutes on a baking sheet.
  • Microwave it for 5 to 6 minutes with a damp paper towel.
How to cook corn on the cob

How To Cook Corn on the Cob: My 5 Methods

How to Boil Corn on the Cob

Boiling is the method everyone should know: simple, reliable, and hard to mess up.

  1. Place 1 tablespoon kosher salt in a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes, so plan accordingly. 
  2. Shuck the corn, removing the silk. 
  3. When the water is boiling, place the corn cobs in the pot. Boil covered for 5 minutes, until bright yellow and cooked through. Season with butter, salt and pepper. 

See my Boiled Corn on the Cob method for more.

How to Grill Corn on the Cob

If you ask me for my favorite, this is it. Grilled corn is smoky, a little charred, and sweet all at once. Here’s what to do:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
  2. Shuck the corn by peeling down the outside layers one at a time, keeping them attached and facing downwards away from the cob. Optional: Use kitchen twine or string to tie the leaves together and make a natural handle for eating the corn. 
  3. Use your hands to rub oil on each corn cob evenly. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook until it begins to blacken, then turn.
  4. Cook 12-15 minutes total, until blackened on all sides. 
  5. Serve immediately with butter and sea salt, using the tied corn husks as a handle for easy eating.

See my Grilled Corn on the Cob method for more.

How to Cook Corn in the Microwave

Some nights you want corn and you want it now. The microwave is the fastest method:

  1. Place a wet paper towel under and on top of the corn cobs. Microwave on High for 4 minutes.
  2. Remove the paper towel and check to see if the kernels are bright yellow and cooked through on all sides of the cobs. Rotate the cobs and continue to microwave in 2 minute bursts until the kernels are bright yellow on all sides, depending on how many cobs and the strength of your microwave. Cooking 1 to 2 cobs takes about 4 to 5 minutes and cooking 3 to 4 cobs takes about 8 to 10 minutes.

Here’s my Microwave Corn on the Cob method for more.

How to Oven Roast Corn on the Cob

For roasting corn there’s almost no prep, and you don’t even husk it first. Here’s what to do:

  1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Using a knife or kitchen scissors, cut off the excess corn silk from each ear of corn. Remove any loose outer pieces of husk.
  3. Place ears with husks on, directly onto the oven grates, spacing them out evenly. Bake for 35 minutes.
  4. Remove the corn from oven and allow it to cool slightly before peeling off the husks. Season as desired (I like butter or olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper).

See my Oven Roasted Corn method for more.

How to Smoke Corn on the Cob

If you have a smoker, you’ve absolutely go to try smoked corn on the cob! The smoky sweet, buttery, salty flavor is incredible. Here’s what to do:

  1. Heat your smoker to 300°F. Prepare wood chips or chunks according to the manufacturer’s directions. Any type of smoking wood will work — I like using hickory.
  2. Shuck the corn by peeling down the outside layers one at a time and keeping them attached, facing downwards away from the cob. When you’ve finished, use kitchen twine or string to tie the leaves together (see the photos). This step is optional, but it’s handy for making a natural handle for eating the corn. Otherwise, simply shuck the corn.
  3. Place the corn cobs in a single layer on the grates and smoke until golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes. Turn once halfway through if the smoker allows. Serve immediately with butter and salt, using the tied husks as a handle for easy eating.

See my Smoked Corn on the Cob method for more.

Ways To Season Corn on The Cob

Once you’ve cooked your corn on the cob, it’s time for topping! There are lots of great topping ideas for corn cobs, but we like to keep it simple with these flavors:

  • Butter and salt. There’s nothing better than the classic! Take it over the top with an additional sprinkle of smoked paprika and finely minced parsley.
  • Mexican street corn (aka Elote). This Elote recipe is our favorite: top the corn with a creamy sauce of lime and chili powder, and crumble cheese over the top.
  • Old Bay. This popular seasoning blend is perfect for corn and adds mega flavor.
  • Feta, Parmesan, and chopped fresh basil. A simple topping of butter and two cheeses makes fresh corn sing.
Elote recipe (Mexican Street Corn)

How To Cut Corn Off The Cob

Planning to serve your corn in a salad? You’ll need to chop that corn right off the cob. But if you’ve tried it before, you know it’s extremely messy! Here’s our method for How to Cut Corn off the Cob that collects those kernels in a neat pile:

  • Grab a bundt pan. Place the tip of the corn cob into the hole in the middle of the pan. Hold the bottom of the corn cob securely with your non-cutting hand. (Don’t have one? Read more here.)
  • Slice downwards. Use a large chef’s knife to cut in a downward motion, letting the corn cobs kernels collect neatly into the bundt pan.
How to cut corn off of cob

More Corn Recipes To Try

Want to use your corn in creative ways? These corn recipes show the best ways to use seasonal corn on the cob in soups, salads, and more:

  • Use it in soup! Try Creamy Corn Chowder or Fresh Corn Soup.
  • Make a corn salad! Make a batch of Classic Corn Salad or Grilled Corn Salad.
  • Add it to salsa! Try Corn Salsa or Black Bean and Corn Salsa.
Print

How to Cook Corn on the Cob (5 Ways!)

Grilled corn
Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

Here’s how to cook corn on the cob: the best ways! Try these easy methods to make it boiled, grilled, oven roasted, and more.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Various
  • Cuisine: Corn
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 4 to 8 ears corn

Instructions

  1. Boiled: Place 1 tablespoon salt in a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes, so plan accordingly. Shuck the corn, removing the silk.
    When the water is boiling, place the corn cobs in the pot. Boil covered for 5 minutes, until bright yellow and cooked through. Season with butter, salt and pepper.
  2. Grilled: Heat a grill to medium high heat (375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit). Shuck the corn by peeling down the outside layers one at a time and keeping them attached, facing downwards away from the cob. When you’ve finished, use kitchen twine or string to tie the leaves together (see the photos). This step is optional; it makes a natural handle for eating the corn. Otherwise, simply shuck the corn. Use your hands to rub oil on each corn cob evenly. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook until it begins to blacken, then turn. Cook about 12 to 15 minutes total, until blackened on all sides. Serve immediately with butter and salt, using the tied husks as a handle for easy eating.
  3. Grilled in foil: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit).
    Shuck the corn. Place each corn cob in a sheet of aluminum foil. Rub it with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top it with a few thin pats of butter (½ tablespoon in each packet). Seal foil around corn, sealing the edges at the top but not making it too tight. Poke a few small holes in each packet. Place the packets on the grill grates and grill for 20 to 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until corn is bright yellow and cooked.
  4. Oven roasted: Preheat an oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. Using a knife or kitchen scissors, cut off the excess corn silk from each ear of corn. Remove any loose outer pieces of husk. Place ears with husks on directly onto the oven grates, spacing them out evenly. Bake for 35 minutes. Remove the corn from oven and allow it to cool slightly before peeling off the husks. Season as desired (we like butter or olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper).

Did you love this recipe?

Get our free newsletter with all of our best recipes!



from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/So5N8UY

I’m here to share the 3 best methods for grilling corn on the cob. Each technique brings delicious flavor to the table and ensures the corn is cooked perfectly.

How to grill corn on the cob

Grilled corn has always been a summer favorite in my family, and over the years, I’ve tried just about every method to get it right. The goal is always to keep it sweet and juicy, but there’s something special about a hint of char in that first crunchy bite. If you’re not making yours like this: you haven’t lived (yet!).

Below, I’m sharing three ways to approach corn on the grill: right on the grate (the fastest and my personal favorite), in foil (the easiest method), and right in the husks (a flavor bomb for those with a little more time). Each way brings something different to the table, but the end result is always the same: something deliciously simple everyone loves! 

5 Star Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Buttered and added old bay before cooking…..OMG….. awesome” -Tom

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Just what I was looking for in seconds, well done!” -D

Method 1: Grilling on the Grates

My favorite way to grill corn is right on the grill grates. It makes the best grill marks and comes out tender and crispy. To take things a step further, I like to tie the husk back to form a makeshift handle. This makes the messy job of eating corn on the cob a breeze! 

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high (around 375-450°F).
  2. Tie back the leaves to make a handle. Pull down the outermost leaf first, then keep pulling down one leaf at a time to work your way around the corn. You may notice some leaves crack when they’re pulled back. That’s OK!
  3. Use your hands to rub neutral or olive oil on each corn cob evenly.
  4. Grill the cobs directly on the grates for 12-15 minutes, turning until they’re blackened on all sides.
Above view of corn on a grill.

Method 2: Grilling the Corn in Foil

Grilling corn in foil results in the juiciest corn, but you sacrifice that smoky grill flavor since the grates won’t permeate the foil. I like using this method when I want to keep things hands-off while working on the rest of that night’s meal. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F).
  2. Place the corn on foil and rub it with olive oil. 
  3. Cover it with salt and pepper, and then place a few pats of butter on top.
  4. Loosely wrap the corn in foil. Poke a few holes in the aluminum foil to allow air to escape.
  5. Grill your corn for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s bright yellow.
Grilled corn in foil

Method 3: Grilling in the Husk

Making corn on the grill in its husk takes a little longer, but you’ll get a flavor combination between the methods above. Your corn will be deliciously moist and sweet with a subtly charred flavor you’d expect on grilled veggies. Here are the steps:

  1. Pull back the husks, remove the silk of the corn, then pull the husks back up.
  2. Soak the cobs for 20 minutes. This prevents them from catching fire while grilling.
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high, or around 375-450°F.
  4. Grill the corn for 20-22 minutes. Turn them to get even blackening on the outside of the husk. (You can test if it’s done by checking one cob to ensure it’s bright yellow.)
How to grill corn in the husk

Ways To Season and Serve 

Once you’ve got your grilled corn, there are so many things you can do to make them even more delicious. Salt and melted butter are great, but here are some of my favorite (more creative) seasonings and toppings:

  • Compound butter: This compound garlic butter with fresh herbs is ideal for corn. I have a classic homemade butter recipe if you’ve always wanted to try that out, too.
  • Old Bay: The iconic seafood seasoning is great on corn. Try my homemade version!
  • Yum Yum sauce: This quick Yum Yum sauce is just as tasty as it sounds. If you’re grilling shrimp, slather those with this sauce, too.
  • Ranch seasoning: Add butter or sour cream and a sprinkle of ranch seasoning for extra savory corn.

Making Grilled Corn Into Side Dishes

Grilled corn can also be the base for some fun corn-based side dishes and appetizers. Here are my favorite uses for grilled corn kernels:

  • Elote: This Mexican street corn is made with a creamy Cotija cheese sauce (instead of parmesan), lime, chili powder, and cilantro. It’s the perfect grilled side for tacos or burgers.
  • Grilled corn salad: Cut kernels off the cob to make this zingy corn salad, or try elote salad with Mexican grilled corn flavors.
  • Corn dip: This Mexican street corn dip takes the classic flavors of elote and turns them into an app. 
  • Black bean and corn salad: My classic recipe calls for canned corn, but opting for grilled corn is an upgrade with smoky flavor that really pops with the lime juice.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers 

As with most grilled dishes, grilled corn is best served fresh and warm. If you made too much, your corn will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. To store leftovers, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container.

To reheat, throw your corn back on the grill or warm it up in the oven as roasted corn for best results. If you’re going for efficiency, the microwave is fine; just cover it with a damp kitchen towel to keep it from drying out.

More Grill Recipes I Love

Veggie kabobsGrilled Veggie KabobsGrilled Caesar SaladChicken Pesto SandwichChicken Pesto SandwichGrilled codGrilled Red SnapperBaked Potato on GrillBaked Potato on the Grill

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you grill corn on the cob?

It depends on your method. I grill corn directly on the grates for 12–15 minutes, in foil for 20–25 minutes, and in the husk for 20–22 minutes. I like the grate method best for the best charred flavor.

Is it better to grill corn in the husk or in foil?

Neither is better, they just do different things. Foil gives you the juiciest corn but skips the smoky char. The husk lands in the middle: moist and sweet with a subtle char. I usually go straight on the grates, which is still my favorite of the three because it has the smokiest flavor.

Do you have to soak corn before grilling?

No, only if you’re grilling in the husk. I soak husk-on corn for at least 20 minutes so the leaves don’t catch fire over the flame. For corn grilled directly on the grates or wrapped in foil, there’s no need to soak at all.

What temperature should you grill corn?

I grill corn over medium-high heat, around 375 to 450°F. That range is hot enough to caramelize the natural sugars and get a little char without getting too dark.

How do you know when grilled corn is done?

Grilled corn is done when the kernels are plump, tender, and bright yellow. On the grates you’ll also see browning and a few blackened spots, which is exactly what you want. If you grilled in the husk, peel one cob back to check the color before pulling the rest off.

Should you oil or butter corn before grilling?

I rub the cobs with a neutral or olive oil before grilling: it helps prevent sticking and encourages those golden char marks. I save the butter for after.

How often should you turn corn on the grill?

I turn corn every 3 to 4 minutes so it chars evenly on all sides instead of scorching in one spot. Over 12 to 15 minutes on the grates, that’s about four turns. In foil or the husk you can be more hands-off and just rotate occasionally.

Print

How to Grill Corn on the Cob (3 Best Ways)

How to grill corn on the cob
Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 5 reviews

Grilling corn on the cob is easy, especially when you have options! Here are my 3 favorite ways to cook corn on the grill, one of my favorite summertime BBQ treats.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 8 ears of corn
  • Olive oil
  • Butter (or vegan butter)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, for serving

Instructions

On the Grates

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
  2. Shuck the corn by peeling down the outside layers one at a time, keeping them attached and facing downwards away from the cob. 
  3. Optional: Use kitchen twine or string to tie the leaves together and make a natural handle for eating the corn. 
  4. Use your hands to rub oil on each corn cob evenly. 
  5. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook until it begins to blacken, then turn.
  6. Cook 12-15 minutes total, until blackened on all sides. 
  7. Serve immediately with butter and sea salt, using the tied corn husks as a handle for easy eating.

In Foil

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
  2. Shuck the corn, and place each corn cob in a sheet of aluminum foil. 
  3. Rub the corn with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
  4. Top each packet with ½ tablespoon butter. 
  5. Seal the foil around the corn without making it too tight. 
  6. Poke a few small holes in each packet. 
  7. Place the packets on the grill grates and grill for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is bright yellow and cooked.

In the Husks

  1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F).
  2. Shuck the corn by peeling down the outside layers one at a time and keeping them attached, facing downwards away from the cob. 
  3. Remove the silk, then pull the husks back up over the corn. 
  4. Soak the corn cobs in cool water for at least 20 minutes to prevent scorching. 
  5. Place the corn directly on the grill grates and cook until the husk begins to blacken, then turn. 
  6. Cook 20-22 minutes total, until the corn is cooked through. To check whether it’s done, pull back the husk on one corn to make sure it is bright yellow to the bottom of the cob.
  7. Serve immediately with butter and salt.

Notes

Delicious grilled corn recipes for home cooks start with a quality product. Summertime is the ideal time to enjoy fresh, sweet corn – especially if you have access to a farmers market where you can buy farm-fresh corn. 

When picking the best corn, even if it’s at the grocery store, choose firm cobs with tassels that are white, yellow, or light brown. (Those silky bits at the top shouldn’t be brown or sticky.) You really shouldn’t peel the whole cob, but if you need a peek at the husk, peel back a small portion.

Did you love this recipe?

Get our free newsletter with all of our best recipes!



from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/z0nckJH

These easy vegetarian meatballs use chickpeas, feta, and fresh herbs for a protein and fiber-packed dinner. Serve them with pasta, pita, or a grain bowl!

Vegetarian Meatballs

After eating 100% vegetarian for about a decade, I still eat mostly that way with some fish and chicken thrown in (aka, the Mediterranean diet). The other day I made the best Greek chicken meatballs recipe and immediately thought: I have to create a vegetarian version!

This recipe came out of loads of recipe testing: a delicious, flavor-packed meatball made with chickpeas, feta cheese, and spices that’s so simple to make and baked in the oven. It’s a great vegetarian dinner packed with fiber and protein that you can serve so many ways: my favorites are with marinara sauce or in a bowl with rice, veggies and tzatziki!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of meatless meatballs over the years, and here’s why I like these:

  • They actually hold together. Chickpeas and oats do the binding work to make a stiff dough that sticks.
  • They’re also easy to make. No pan frying, just whiz them up then throw them in the oven.
  • They’re protein-packed. Chickpeas, cashews, feta, and egg make this an actually filling vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Chickpeas give body to these meatballs: they bring in protein and fiber and form the base.
  • Old-fashioned oats act as the binder and make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Cashews add a bit more texture to these meatballs.
  • Feta brings a salty pop to the flavor on the finish: it makes them more satisfying.
  • Fennel seeds, cumin, and oregano are what bring big savory flavor; the fennel in particular helps them taste meaty.
  • Fresh mint or parsley add a nice herbaceous flavor.
Vegetarian meatballs in marinara

How to Make Vegetarian Meatballs

Here are the basic steps for these vegetarian meatballs. I love them because the texture of the dough is very sticky so it’s easy to roll:

  1. Food process the base. Pulse the garlic, oats, and fennel seeds until finely ground, then add the cashews and then process everything else: chickpeas, feta, egg, olive oil, herbs, and remaining spices.
  2. Roll and brush. Scoop into about 20 balls of 1 ½ tablespoons each (a #40 cookie scoop makes it easy), placing them onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little olive oil.
  3. Bake. Bake at 350°F for 22 to 25 minutes, until set and golden on the bottom.

Tips To Keep in Mind

  • Only the bottoms browns. I made these baked so you don’t have to pan fry and try to flip these babies. This means that only the bottoms will be golden brown, but that’s ok: I just flip them all over and see the nice “finished” side.
  • Remember, the texture is naturally drier than “meatballs”. Think of them more like falafel that works great with marinara.
  • Leftovers keep really well. These are so great to make and then put in the fridge; they’re delicious for up to 5 days.
Vegetarian meatballs

Ways to Serve Vegetarian Meatballs

I originally created these vegetarian meatballs to go in the Mediterranean diet-inspired plate above with Greek chicken meatballs and tzatziki. They’re the perfect swap for that, or you can serve them a variety of ways:

  • Over pasta with red sauce: Spoon them over a simple marinara sauce or tomato basil sauce and spaghetti for a meatless spin on the classic.
  • On a Mediterranean plate: Add rice or farro, cucumber, tomato, tzatziki, and if you want, pickled red onions.
  • Tucked into pita: Wrap them in pita bread with crunchy vegetables.
  • On a grain bowl: Pile them over a Mediterranean quinoa salad or Mediterranean chickpea salad.

How to Store and Freeze

  • Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 8 minutes, or warm gently in sauce on the stovetop.
  • Freeze: These freeze beautifully. Freeze baked meatballs in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Dietary Notes

These vegetarian meatballs are vegetarian and gluten-free. They contain dairy (feta), egg, and tree nuts (cashews). For more meatless mains, here are my favorite vegetarian dinner recipes.

Print

Easy Vegetarian Meatballs

Vegetarian Meatballs
Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These easy vegetarian meatballs use chickpeas, feta, and fresh herbs for a protein and fiber-packed dinner. Serve them with pasta, pita, or a grain bowl!

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (20 balls) 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • ¾ cup Old Fashioned oats
  • ¼ teaspoon fennel seeds
  • ½ cup cashews
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and patted dry
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large handful mint or Italian parsley leaves
  • For serving: Marinara sauce or rice and tzatziki sauce (see above)

Instructions

  1. Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  2. To make the meatballs, in a large food processor, process the garlic, oats, and fennel seeds until finely ground. Add the nuts and process until mostly ground. Add the chickpeas, feta cheese, egg, olive oil, and spices, and pulse a few times to combine. 
  3. Scoop out 1½ Tbsp portions of the mixture and roll into 20 to 21 uniform balls (a #40 cookie scoop is helpful). Place the meatballs on the prepared sheet and brush the tops with olive oil. 
  4. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until set and browned on the bottom. Remove from the oven, flip the balls over to show the browned side up, and allow to cool for 3 minutes before serving. Store up to 5 days refrigerated. 

Did you love this recipe?

Get our free newsletter with all of our best recipes!

More Meatless Meatball Recipes

  • Spinach Meatballs with Feta
  • Best-Ever Eggplant Meatballs
  • Easy Vegan Meatballs
  • Vegan Spaghetti and Meatballs
  • Veggie Nuggets


from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/RPT4keI

A watermelon feta salad is the ultimate summer treat! Pairing sweet melon with salty cheese is such a simple way to highlight the fruit of the season.

Watermelon feta salad

Here’s the best recipe for when watermelon is in season, hands down: watermelon feta salad! This classic combination of sweet juicy melon and salty cheese is one of summer’s great pleasures.

This recipe was the very first recipe I ever wrote for this website over a decade ago. So much has changed since then, but this summer salad has become massively popular: and for good reason! It’s so refreshing, fast and easy to make, and has a carefree vibe that’s just right for barbecues and picnics.

5 Star Reader Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious! Made it for a party today and got lots of raves!!” -Yale

Watermelon Salad Ingredients

Watermelon feta salad is a popular salad of fresh cubed watermelon and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil or a quick vinaigrette. The salad may have originated in Egypt, and it’s eaten in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions and around the world. While you may see it all over Pinterest: no, it was not invented by social media influencers! It highlights age old tradition of pairing sweet fruit with salty cheese.

Often you’ll see this type of recipe at summer potlucks and cookouts, since it’s so refreshing in hot weather. Some recipes use a quick vinaigrette to dress the watermelon, but we like a simple drizzle of olive oil. Here are the watermelon feta salad ingredients:

  • Ripe watermelon: Finding a ripe melon is key
  • Feta cheese: a block, not the pre-crumbled tub
  • Fresh herbs: I like fresh basil or mint, both work well
  • Olive oil: Add just enough “dressing” to make it a salad
  • Salt and pepper: For seasoning
Watermelon feta salad

How To Choose A Ripe Watermelon

Because this watermelon feta salad is so simple, it’s important that you buy the best quality ingredients. An unripe watermelon tastes bitter and flat: not at all what you need for this salad! Here’s how to select a great ripe fruit:

  • Shop in watermelon season. It’s the only sure way we’ve found to get a great fruit.
  • Look for the field spot. Most watermelons should have a patch on the bottom, which is where they were resting on the ground before being picked. If the patch is yellow, the watermelon is ripe (if it’s white, it’s unripe).
  • Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. That means there’s lots of juice inside! Honestly this one is hard to assess in the grocery, but keep it in mind when you’re shopping.

How To Buy The Best Feta Cheese

Equally as important is the feta cheese you purchase. Skip the pre-crumbled stuff and go for a block of full-fat feta cheese. This kind of feta has the best flavor.

To be most authentic, avoid feta that’s made from cow’s milk. It crumbles more easily, which isn’t what you want. Feta from Greece (traditionally made with sheep’s milk) has incredible flavor if you can find it! We’ve been able to locate Greek feta at our local grocery store.

Watermelon Feta Salad Dressing

I don’t dress this salad, because simply olive and a pinch of salt make the melon taste amazing! If you do want a dressing, add it at the last second. Here are a few ideas:

  • Lime juice. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top is the simplest option.
  • Honey-lime. One tablespoon lime juice, one teaspoon honey, a pinch of salt.
  • Balsamic glaze. Balsamic goes perfectly with watermelon. I would use a thick balsamic glaze or just a hint of my go-to balsamic vinaigrette, right before serving.
Watermelon feta mint salad

Tips For The Best Watermelon Feta Salad

  • Make big cubes. The goal is approximately 1-inch pieces. Small cubes release more liquid.
  • Use a platter, not a bowl. Bowls collect juice at the bottom and the last servings sit in a puddle.
  • Salt at the very end. Salt draws out water, so sprinkle it right before serving.
  • Tear the herbs. This makes it super simple to put together the salad!

Make Ahead And Storage Tips

This watermelon feta salad is best freshly made, so we have a few tips for making it ahead:

  • To make ahead, cut the watermelon and refrigerate; add feta before serving. Chopped watermelon releases a lot of liquid, so the best way to make this salad in advance is to chop and store the melon separately. Make up the salad right before serving.
  • Leftovers are not ideal, but store up to 2 days. This salad is sub-optimal as leftovers because it releases so much juice. It does work, but it’s better for laid back lunches than impressing dinner guests.

Variations On Watermelon Feta Salad

There are lots of variations on watermelon feta salad, swapping in different cheeses, herbs, and dressings. Here are a few options:

  • Mint: This watermelon mint salad is a favorite variation: omit the feta and add lime juice and mint.
  • Basil: Making watermelon basil salad adds an herbaceous twist and lemon zest.
  • Cucumber: Add this cooling vegetable to make watermelon cucumber salad.
  • Onion: Throw in thinly sliced red onion or minced shallot to add a hint of savory.
  • Baby arugula: Add baby arugula to turn it into a green salad.

What To Serve Alongside

This salad goes with almost any cookout food! Here are a few of my top things to pair:

  • Grilled chicken thighs or grilled shrimp skewers
  • Grilled salmon or grilled veggie kabobs
  • Alongside grilled corn salad or grilled zucchini on a potluck table
  • With a pitcher of watermelon lemonade, or a watermelon margarita

Dietary Notes

This watermelon feta salad recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free, go to Watermelon Salad with Mint.

Print

Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon feta salad
Pin Recipe
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 3 reviews

A watermelon feta salad is the ultimate summer treat! Pairing sweet melon with salty cheese is such a simple way to highlight the fruit of the season.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Raw
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 8 cups cubed ripe seedless watermelon (5 pounds or 1/2 medium watermelon), chilled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 4 basil or 6 mint leaves, minced
  • Lemon zest (optional)
  • 1 pinch kosher salt, for garnish
  • Fresh ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Chop the watermelon and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with feta crumbles, basil or mint, and kosher salt. Add lemon zest or black pepper if desired.
  2. Serve immediately. If making ahead, refrigerate the cubed watermelon separately: it releases a large amount of water after it is cut. Then assemble the salad right before serving. Leftovers store for up to 2 days.

Did you love this recipe?

Get our free newsletter with all of our best recipes!

More Watermelon Recipes To Try

  • Watermelon Slushie
  • Easy Watermelon Salsa
  • Watermelon Smoothie
  • Watermelon Water
  • Pickled Watermelon Rind
  • Watermelon Sorbet
  • Watermelon Sangria
  • Easy Watermelon Mojito


from A Couple Cooks https://ift.tt/jGpZXVv
Newer Posts Older Posts Home

POPULAR POSTS

  • Best No Knead Bread
  • 21 Best Green Salad Recipes
  • Epic Fish Tacos
  • Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas
  • Easy Tofu Stir Fry
  • How to Cut a Pineapple (with a Video Guide)
  • How to Make Simple Syrup
  • 12 Easy Budget Friendly Meals
  • Greek Pasta Salad
  • How to Grill Corn on the Cob (3 Methods)
Powered by Blogger

Recipe, Healthy meal

  • A Couple Cooks
  • A Couple Cooks
  • Pakistanfoodinusa

About Me

Traditional Pakistani Food in USA
View my complete profile

Best Potato Salad

By Traditional Pakistani Food in USA Published at July 15, 2026
Image

About Blog



Food stylist & photographer. Loves nature and healthy food, and good coffee. Don’t hesitate to come for say a small “hello!”

A

Popular Posts

Best No Knead Bread

Image

21 Best Green Salad Recipes

Image

Epic Fish Tacos

Image