Summer in a bowl—that’s exactly what you get with this Watermelon Salad! It’s a glorious mix of sweet, juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and fresh mint, all brought together with a zippy lime and olive oil dressing. This quick, colorful salad is destined to be the showstopper at picnics, cookouts, or any meal that calls for pure refreshment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, and tangy dressing makes every bite a cooling delight—perfect for hot weather.
- Fast & Seriously Easy: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes—no special equipment, no fuss, only maximum reward for minimum effort!
- Vibrant & Beautiful: With pops of red, white, and green, Watermelon Salad is a true feast for the eyes (ideal for impressing guests or adding color to your table).
- Savory-and-Sweet Twist: The salty feta brilliantly balances the juicy fruit, transforming this simple dish into something elegant and crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Watermelon Salad is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create absolute magic. Each element shines on its own and contributes to the perfect mix of texture, color, and taste in every bite.
- Seedless Watermelon: The juicier, the better—choose a ripe, sweet watermelon for the most flavor and those gorgeous ruby cubes.
- English Cucumber: Adds a cool, crisp crunch and a mild flavor that keeps the salad extra refreshing; English cucumbers have delicate skins and very few seeds, so no peeling required!
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Torn or chopped, mint introduces a burst of herbal brightness that lifts all the other flavors.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: That creamy, tangy, and briny cheese provides irresistible contrast to the sweet fruit and fresh veggies.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Smooth and fruity, it forms the backbone of the light dressing, gently tying everything together.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adds zing and acidity, keeping the flavors lively and bright.
Variations
One of the joys of Watermelon Salad is how playful you can get with the ingredients—this is truly a choose-your-own-adventure recipe! Make it your own by swapping in new flavors, textures, or adding a little something extra.
- Add Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion brings mild sharpness and extra color for those who love a little savory bite.
- Swap the Cheese: Use goat cheese or creamy ricotta salata in place of feta for a unique and equally delicious twist.
- Toss in Berries: Add a handful of blueberries or sliced strawberries for more sweetness and visual appeal.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle a pinch of chili flakes or drizzle with a little hot honey for a zesty kick.
How to Make Watermelon Salad
Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lime juice until they’re well combined. This simple dressing adds bright, citrusy depth that ties every element of the salad together without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Step 2: Combine the Fruit and Veggies
Add the cubed seedless watermelon, English cucumber, and fresh mint leaves to a large mixing bowl. If you like, gently toss them together first to make sure the mint is evenly distributed—every bite should get a little bit of everything!
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle the olive oil–lime dressing over your watermelon mixture. Using a large spoon or your hands, toss everything as gently as possible so the juicy fruit doesn’t turn mushy. This is the secret to a crisp, beautiful Watermelon Salad!
Step 4: Top with Feta and Serve
Once dressed, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Serve the salad right away—ideally while it’s still chilled and bursting with freshness! If you want, you can give it one final gentle toss or leave the feta on top for a pretty presentation.
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad
- Choose a Ripe Watermelon: Look for a watermelon with a creamy yellow spot (from sitting on the ground) and that sounds hollow when tapped—it’s usually the sweetest!
- Dry Before Tossing: Pat the watermelon and cucumber cubes dry with a paper towel to keep your salad from becoming watery.
- Add Cheese Last: Sprinkle the feta on top right before serving to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from dissolving into the dressing.
- Serve Super Cold: Chill all your ingredients before assembling; a cold Watermelon Salad is extra crisp and refreshing, especially on scorching days.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad
Garnishes
Elevate your Watermelon Salad with a little extra flourish! Try a final sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a twist of black pepper, or a few more fresh mint leaves on top for vibrant color and a boost of flavor. For a restaurant-worthy touch, drizzle with a little reduced balsamic glaze.
Side Dishes
This salad is right at home beside grilled chicken or shrimp, herby couscous, or a bright quinoa pilaf. If you’re planning a picnic, serve it with finger sandwiches or as a palate-cleansing side to heavier dishes—this Watermelon Salad brings balance to any plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning appetizer, serve individual salads in cocktail glasses or watermelon rind “bowls.” Or go family-style and arrange the salad on a big platter, creating colorful layers and finishing with a swirl of extra virgin olive oil for extra shine. A handful of edible flowers can make it feel like edible art!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, transfer Watermelon Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 1 day, as the fruit will continue to release juices and soften over time, but it’ll still be tasty for a quick and refreshing snack.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad—unfortunately, watermelon and cucumber lose their signature crispness when thawed. For the best texture and flavor, always prepare and enjoy Watermelon Salad fresh.
Reheating
No need to reheat—Watermelon Salad is made to be enjoyed cold and freshly tossed. If it’s been in the fridge, just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute any juices and freshen up the textures.
FAQs
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Can I make Watermelon Salad ahead of time?
You can prep the individual ingredients a few hours in advance (store them separately, chilled), but for the best crispness, toss everything together with dressing and feta just before serving.
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Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Absolutely! Swap the feta for a dairy-free feta alternative, or simply leave out the cheese—the salad will still be delicious and refreshing.
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How do I pick a sweet watermelon for this salad?
Look for a watermelon with a creamy yellow “field spot” and deep, uniform stripes; it should feel heavy for its size and sound hollow when tapped—signs of ripeness and juiciness!
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Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumber?
You can! Just peel them and remove the seeds if possible—regular cucumbers are crunchier but can be a bit more watery and have thicker skin.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bright, juicy dish to wake up your taste buds, this Watermelon Salad won’t let you down. It’s a celebration of sweet and savory flavors in every forkful, so grab those fresh ingredients and give it a try—I can almost guarantee you’ll want to make it all summer long!
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Watermelon Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Watermelon Salad is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for a light and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Salad
- 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
- 1 1/2 cups (1 medium) cubed seedless English cucumber
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped or torn fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lime juice. Set it aside. 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1½ tablespoons fresh lime juice.
- Using a large mixing bowl, add in the cubed watermelon, cubed English cucumber, and mint leaves. 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon, 1½ cups (1 medium) cubed seedless English cucumber, ⅓ cup chopped or torn fresh mint leaves.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Carefully toss the dressing and salad together. (Do this as gently as possible, the watermelon and cucumber will release a lot of juice.)
- Sprinkle the feta cheese over the top of the salad and serve immediately. ½ cup crumbled feta cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
