These watermelon skewers are refreshing as is, but the mint, feta and tangy balsamic glaze makes this appetizer absolutely delicious!
These watermelon skewers are a fun, light summer appetizer that is great for BBQs, parties, cookouts, picnics or even just a quick snack. They’re easy to make and the combination of ingredients creates a juicy explosion of flavors.
The sugary watermelon cubes pair perfectly with salty feta and tangy balsamic. The mint adds a refreshing burst of flavor that ties the bite-sized morsel together for total yum factor.
For the ultimate appetizer combo, you could serve these alongside prosciutto cantaloupe skewers and some whipped feta with herbs and lemon zest to really wow a crowd. Watermelon appetizers are fine served alone too as a fun summer hors d’oeuvre.
Ingredients
This recipe only has a few ingredients:
- watermelon – one of the keys to this recipe is having a good ripe watermelon
- feta – a block of the fresh kind, packed in water
- mint leaves – fresh is best
- balsamic vinegar – use a good quality vinegar here or even better, skip making your own and buy a pre-made balsamic glaze or even my blackberry balsamic vinaigrette recipe would be amazing instead
- coconut sugar – or brown sugar or white sugar work fine here (skip this f you’re using a store bought balsamic glaze)
This amount makes 24 skewers and servings are listed as 4 per person. This is enough if serving other appetizers at a small dinner party but if you are not, you may want to plan for 6 per person. The recipe is easy to double if you have a larger group.
How to make feta watermelon skewers
This recipe is simple to make. Here are the steps to make these watermelon appetizers:
- First, cut the watermelon and feta into 24 cubes of each. Then lay the watermelon out on a serving plate with the feta set on top.
- Fold a mint leaf in half, skewer it with a toothpick and poke it into the feta watermelon on the serving platter. Repeat for the remaining mint leaves and watermelon feta cubes.
- Set the skewers aside and heat vinegar and brown sugar over medium-high heat in a small sauce pan. Once it starts to simmer, stir for about 5 minutes until sauce reduces in half.
- Remove it from the heat and let the glaze sit for a few minutes before spooning it over each skewer.
To make it even faster and easier, skip making the glaze and use a store-bought balsamic glaze instead. That’s what I do these days for this caprese salad and all the other recipes calling for balsamic glaze.
Substitutions and variations
The recipe is great as written but there is definitely room to tweak it based on what you have or what you like. The recipe is naturally gluten free and vegetarian. Here are a few ideas:
- Replace the mint with a basil leaf or even a little pesto
- Use a different kind of cheese like a ball of pearl mozzarella
- Make it dairy free and vegan by swapping in a dairy free cheese for the feta
- Use a different type of melon or use a variety of melons for a rainbow look and variety of flavors on the plate
- Use a melon baller (or cookie scoop) to create rounded watermelon instead of cubed
- Add some additional saltiness with some prosciutto
- Add a berry to the skewer on top of the mint
- Use larger skewers and do two stacks of the melon, feta, and mint
- Dress the skewers up with some fancy toothpicks
Can the watermelon skewers be prepped ahead of time?
Watermelon and feta can be cut ahead of time and stored in separate tightly sealing containers in the refrigerator up to a day in advance. The skewers can be assembled an hour or two ahead of time but don’t add the glaze until right before serving.
How do I pick a good watermelon?
Look for a firm, uniformly shaped, dull (not shiny) melon with wide webbing between the stripes and a large yellowish spot that feels heavy. If you pick it up and hold it to your ear and knock on the watermelon, it should sound hollow.
Watermelon Skewers with Feta, Mint and Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cut into 24 1" (2.5cm) cubes
- 4 oz. feta cut into 24 cubes
- 24 mint leaves
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar make sure to use a high quality one
- 2 Tbsp. coconut sugar brown or white sugar is fine too
- 24 toothpicks
Instructions
- Lay watermelon cubes out on serving tray and top with feta squares.
- Fold and skewer a mint leaf with a toothpick and then poke the toothpick through the feta and watermelon. Repeat for remaining cubes.
- To make the balsamic glaze, heat vinegar and brown sugar over medium-high heat in a small sauce pan until it starts to simmer. Stir continuously while simmering for approximately 5 minutes until sauce has reduced almost in half.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes (do not let the glaze sit longer or it will become too thick).
- Spoon a small amount of glaze over each prepared watermelon, feta, mint skewer and serve right away.
Notes
Nutrition
did you make this recipe?
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Originally posted June 25, 2014 but updated in 2022 to include more information, recipe links, and a minor tweak to the recipe.
Comments & Reviews
I ended up using pomegranate vinegar right out of the bottle, which is already the right consistency. Interesting flavor, and I could put it on at the very end. People loved the skewers, and they were all eaten up! Thanks for a great idea.
I want to take these to a dinner. Can I bring the glaze after I cook it to put on the skewers when I get there? Or should I put the glaze on the skewers at home and then transport them (luckily, not very far)? Thanks.