Checkered patterns date back to the 17th century and have cycled in and out of style ever since. While I can’t claim firsthand experience from those times, I did have my own gingham-inspired moments in the early 2000s when Vans shoes made the pattern a must-have. And if there’s one thing I love more than a trendy look, it’s food—so when I discovered a viral salad that brings those two worlds together, I was all in.
Lately, it’s nearly impossible to scroll through TikTok or Instagram without spotting one standout trend: Creators artfully arranging fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and more into checkerboard-style salads that are as simple as they are gorgeous. With just a few ingredients and an artistic eye, this chic plating style upgrades everyday ingredients into centerpiece-worthy dishes, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to for effortless entertaining.
With an abundance of produce growing in my garden, from melons to cucumbers, and a cheese drawer that seems like an endless pit, I decided to try my own version of a checkerboard salad. Read on to find out if this dish was just another fleeting social media trend or if it truly lived up to all the online praise.
How To Make Checkerboard Salad
Ashia Aubourg
When conceptualizing this salad, the main goal is to create a checkerboard look. You can take that literally and cut ingredients into perfect cubes, or you can interpret the idea more loosely by following a repetitive, gingham-like pattern, even if that doesn’t involve squares.
The version going viral on social media keeps it simple: cubes of watermelon and feta arranged in this vintage-inspired layout.
I went with a more rustic approach and hand-cut the watermelon myself. First, I sliced off the ends, then cut the melon into 1-inch-thick slices. From there, I trimmed each round into 1-inch cubes. I’ve also seen some creators use a watermelon cuber tool to make the process even easier, which could be a great shortcut. To match the size, I used the watermelon pieces as a guide while cutting the feta.
With everything prepped, I arranged four cubes across the top of a serving plate and five down the side, alternating between watermelon and feta to form the checkerboard pattern. And just like that, it was ready to enjoy.
I dug in right away. While the flavor wasn’t anything unexpected, I couldn’t get over how simple and satisfying the whole process felt. This clever little plating trick instantly upgraded a basic dish, and honestly, I can’t get enough.
How to Upgrade Your Checkerboard Salad
After discovering checkerboard salads on TikTok, I fell down a rabbit hole of creative riffs on the trend. While the watermelon and feta combo remains the most popular, there’s no need to stick with that pairing. I came across clever renditions like cantaloupe with mozzarella, olives with goat cheese, and even saucisson paired with Parmesan. As long as the ingredient can be cubed, it works.
And of course, no salad is complete without a great finish, so here are 15 dressing ideas to use as a garnish for your checkered delight.
