Watermelon Feta Salad with Almonds (Panera Copycat)

Watermelon Feta Salad with Almonds — Inspired by Panera

A bright, refreshing salad inspired by Panera’s seasonal favorite! Juicy watermelon, creamy feta, toasted almonds, quinoa, and peppery arugula all come together with a light champagne vinaigrette. Perfect for summer lunches, cookouts, or anytime you crave something fresh and simple.

Panera’s seasonal Watermelon Feta Salad combines sweet watermelon, peppery arugula, feta cheese, toasted almonds, mint, and an ancient grain blend. The salad is finished with a light champagne Dijon vinaigrette and extra-virgin olive oil.

This homemade version captures those same fresh summer flavors with simple ingredients you can find at most grocery stores.

Ingredients

• 5–6 cups baby arugula
• 2 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
• 2–3 fresh mint leaves, torn (optional)
• 1/4 cup Champagne vinaigrette (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Arrange the arugula on a large serving platter or bowl.
2. Top with cubed watermelon and sprinkle with feta crumbles.
3. Lightly scatter the cooled cooked quinoa over the salad.
4. Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds across the top.
5. (Optional) Add a few torn mint leaves for a fresh burst of flavor.
6. Drizzle lightly with champagne vinaigrette just before serving.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing mix of sweet, salty, peppery, and nutty flavors!

Notes

• Champagne Vinaigrette Tip: If you can’t find bottled champagne vinaigrette or prefer to make your own, whisk together 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar, 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Watermelon Tip: Use cold, firm watermelon for best texture.
• Almonds Tip: Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden to enhance their flavor. Trader Joe’s has sliced toasted almonds.
• Quinoa Tip: Cook quinoa ahead of time and let it cool fully before adding to the salad to prevent wilting the greens.
• Dairy-Free Tip: Last time I had this salad at Panera, I opted to skip the feta — and it was still delicious! Feel free to leave it out if you prefer a dairy-free version.
• Vegan Plant-Based Cheese Version: If you’re skipping dairy, Violife Just Like Feta is my favorite plant-based feta alternative and makes an easy substitute in this salad.
• Panera Version: Panera’s Watermelon Feta Salad features watermelon, arugula, mint, feta cheese, toasted almonds, an ancient grain blend, salt and pepper, and a champagne Dijon vinaigrette made with extra-virgin olive oil.

Serving Size

Serves 4–6 as a side salad, 2–3 as a main dish.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet and refreshing, you might also like my Peach and Blueberry Green Smoothie Bowl — inspired by Panera’s Peach and Blueberry Smoothie, and just as easy to make at home! Note that Panera has removed the smoothie from their menu.

Looking for another Panera-inspired salad? You might also enjoy my Panera Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Avocado Dressing and Panera Seasonal Greens Salad.

Last Updated on June 20, 2026 by Jodi