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Fresh Macro-Friendly Watermelon & Feta Salad Recipe with Protein Boost

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A refreshing and satisfying watermelon salad with feta, quinoa protein boost, and a tangy dressing, perfect for summer meals and post-workout refuels.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups watermelon, cubed (ripe and sweet)
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1/2 cup dry quinoa under cold water. Add to a medium saucepan with 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Let cool for 10 minutes.
  2. While quinoa cooks, chop about 4 cups of watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Dice 1 medium cucumber into similar-sized pieces. Place both into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds and toast, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 1 teaspoon honey or agave. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
  5. Add the cooled quinoa, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh mint leaves, and toasted pumpkin seeds to the bowl with watermelon and cucumber.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine without breaking up the watermelon or feta too much.
  7. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 hour to let flavors meld.

Notes

Use chilled watermelon to keep the salad refreshing and prevent feta from melting. Cook quinoa just right to avoid mushiness. Toast pumpkin seeds carefully to avoid burning. Toss gently to maintain texture. Add dressing just before serving if prepping ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: watermelon salad, feta salad, quinoa salad, protein salad, summer salad, healthy salad, macro-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free option

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/fresh-macro-friendly-watermelon-and-feta-salad-recipe-with-protein-boost/