Simple Watermelon Feta Skewers with Basil 

04/10/16

(Updated 09/15/22)

Skip the chips and mediocre dip — these watermelon, feta and basil skewers make for a terrific appetiser. The delicious combination of refreshing sweet watermelon and creamy salty feta are the perfect flavour pair. Best yet, this simple fruit and cheese skewer idea looks fancy pancy, but is so easy to make.

Are you on the hunt for a yummy appetiser for your next summer party, BBQ, healthy platter or charcuterie board? You’ve got to try these refreshing (and oh so simple!) watermelon and feta skewers with basil.

They’re pretty on the eye and a total flavour knockout. Each mouthful offers sweet watermelon, creamy feta, fresh basil and zingy citrus, and transports your tastebuds to somewhere along the Mediterranean coast.

As a nutritionist, I’m all about wholesome appetiser recipes. While seemingly fancy, these watermelon appetiser bites are easy to make and require just four ingredients. Great to serve to gluten-free and vegetarian friends!

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Watermelon. The sweeter and juicer the better. A smaller fruit is ideal, otherwise opt for ½ a regular or larger fruit.
  • Sheep milk feta cheese. A soft tangy white brined cheese made from sheep (or goats) milk. You could easily customise with another salty cheese, like halloumi or blue vein.
  • Fresh basil. A summer lovin’ herb that adds a burst of fresh peppery flavour. Mint would be a great substitute if on hand.
  • Lemon. A squeeze of citrus makes everything more vibrant. Feel free to substitute in lime.

This feta and watermelon appetiser, and other fruit skewer ideas, are easily scalable ingredient wise. Feel free to increase or reduce the quantity based on mouths to feed🍉.

Kitchen Tips

  • Think bite-sized. Aim to cube watermelon to a size of 3cmx3cm and feta around 2cmx2cm. This makes these easy to eat in just a few bites!
  • You can cube ahead and chill the fruit and cheese seperate until needed. This helps reduce prep time (and so you have more time spent with your guests!), while keeping the dish super fresh.
  • Secure each bite with a toothpick or skewer. Otherwise your basil leaves stand no chance come a gust of wind💨.

Nutrition & Culinary Q&A

  • What are the benefits of eating watermelon? Oh so many! It’s a refreshing fruit with a high percentage of water (around 91%), making it a quintessential hydrating summer fruit. It’s also a good source of vitamin C and lycopene, two antioxidants that help support our bodies defences. Fun fact: lycopene is also responsible for the lovely red hue of watermelon, along with other red foods like tomatoes, grapefruit and guava.
  • How to pick the best watermelon? Some quick detective work is required to find a sweet ripe watermelon. Check for a fruit that is heavy for its size – this indicates more water content and a sweeter melon. A large yellow (field) spot is a good thing too, as this means it has been on the vine for longer under the sun. Flesh wise, go for a dark and dull melon – shiny equates to being underripe.

Thanks for reading! Looking for another healthy appetiser idea starring fruit? Try these avocado, corn and lime fritters🥑.

Simple Watermelon Feta Skewers with Basil 

Rating:

Ingredients:  

  • ½ large or 1 small watermelon
  • 1 block of sheep milk feta cheese
  • A bunch of fresh basil leaves
  • 1 juicy lemon

Method:

  • Carefully cut watermelon into small cubes (around 3cm x 3cm). Squeeze a little lemon juice over each cube.
  • Cut feta into small cubes (around 2cm x 2cm).
  • Top each piece of cubed watermelon with a cube of feta and a single basil leaf. Secure with a tooth pick. 

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe

If you enjoyed this dish, please consider giving it a star rating when you post a comment. Star ratings help others discover my recipes online (and your reviews make my day! 🙂 ). Happy cooking and baking. Danijela x

Recipe Rating




    1 Comment

  1. 5 stars
    I made these on Christmas Day this year along with Nourish&Tempts ‘Caprese Salad Skewer Appetiser’. They were absolutely delicious and everyone commented on how great they looked and most importantly tasted!