If you’re searching for something refreshing, vibrant, and full of flavor, this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber is the ultimate summer dish you’ll crave over and over again. Juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and a touch of mint all tossed in a zesty lime dressing—it’s sunshine in every bite, and it comes together in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Summer Flavors: Every forkful of Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber is sweet, salty, creamy, and cool—the ultimate heat-buster combo.
- Ready in Minutes: With a handful of ingredients and almost zero prep, this salad is perfect for last-minute gatherings or quick weekday lunches.
- Beautifully Colorful: The vibrant reds, greens, and whites make this salad a showstopper on any picnic table or party spread.
- Super Versatile: Easily adaptable for different palates, occasions, and dietary needs—there’s a variation for everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber is all about letting simple, high-quality ingredients shine. Each element brings its own unique magic, whether it’s the juicy crunch of watermelon, the creamy tang of feta, or the refreshing kiss of mint. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Watermelon (3 cups, cubed or balled): Sweet, juicy, and irresistibly crisp—the star of the show! Choose a seedless watermelon for the best experience.
- Cucumber (1 1/2 cups, sliced): Cool and hydrating, cucumber balances out the sweetness of the watermelon. Try English or Persian varieties for tender skin and fewer seeds.
- Mint (2 tablespoons, thinly sliced or small leaves): The freshness of mint takes this salad to the next level with every bite. Don’t skip it!
- Feta Cheese (1/3 cup, crumbled): Salty, creamy feta brings savory depth and beautiful contrast—use block feta for the best flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): A good extra-virgin olive oil adds richness and helps bring all the flavors together.
- Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of lime brightens and lifts the salad, giving it that sunny zing.
- Salt & Pepper (to taste): The final polish—season gently so you don’t overpower the natural ingredients.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber is how easy it is to make it your own. You can get creative with add-ins or swap ingredients to suit your taste buds or what’s in your fridge. Here are a few variation ideas to try:
- Add Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a gentle zing and lovely color to the salad.
- Swap the Herbs: Try fresh basil or dill if you don’t have mint, or use a mix for extra aromatic layers.
- Make it Vegan: Swap feta for a plant-based alternative or use marinated tofu cubes for a savory touch.
- Toss in Arugula: Peppery arugula leaves add extra greens and a delightful bite.
- Upgrade the Dressing: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a tiny bit of honey for more flavor complexity.
How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by cubing or balling your watermelon so you have bite-sized pieces that will absorb the dressing but hold their shape. Slice your cucumber next—if using a standard cucumber, peel it and scoop out the seeds for the best texture. Chop the mint into fine ribbons, or pick out small leaves to sprinkle on top.
Step 2: Mix the Salad
Place your watermelon, cucumber, and mint into a large salad bowl. This part is almost meditative—the colors and scents are so cheerful, you’ll probably find yourself smiling. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the watermelon.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, and a hefty pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture looks glossy. This simple vinaigrette brings all the flavors together without overpowering those beautiful fruits and veggies.
Step 4: Dress and Finish
Drizzle your lime-olive oil dressing over the watermelon mixture, then give it a quick, gentle toss so every piece gets a little love. Crumble the feta cheese over the top just before serving to keep it looking fresh and pristine. That’s it—your Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber is ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber
- Pick Perfectly Ripe Watermelon: For the juiciest, most flavorful salad, use a watermelon that feels heavy for its size with a strong yellow field spot—this means it’s sweet and ripe.
- Use Block Feta (Not Pre-Crumbled): Crumbling feta yourself from a block gives you creamier, saltier, and chunkier bites—totally worth the extra thirty seconds!
- Dry Ingredients Thoroughly: If the watermelon or cucumber are very wet, a quick pat with a kitchen towel prevents your salad from turning watery as it sits.
- Dress Just Before Serving: Toss the salad with the dressing right before you eat, so everything stays crisp and bright—not soggy!
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber
Garnishes
Add an extra flourish on top with a sprinkle of torn mint leaves, a drizzle of fruity olive oil, or even a few thin shreds of lemon or lime zest for citrus aroma. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds for added crunch.
Side Dishes
This Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber is a dream alongside grilled chicken skewers, lemony shrimp, roasted salmon, or any Mediterranean-inspired main. It’s also right at home with light sandwiches, pita wraps, or summery pasta salads at your next outdoor picnic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful party appetizer, serve scoops of the salad in chilled cocktail glasses or miniature cups with cocktail forks. Layer it in a wide, shallow serving bowl for a dramatic burst of color, or even thread cubes of watermelon, cucumber, and feta onto skewers for pretty salad “kabobs.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer your Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days—just be aware the salad may release some liquid as it sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing—the texture of the watermelon and cucumber will get mushy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days for the crispiest, juiciest bite.
Reheating
No need to reheat—Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber is meant to be served chilled or at cool room temperature. Just take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving and toss gently to refresh.
FAQs
-
Can I make Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the watermelon, cucumber, and mint up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge separately. For best results, add the dressing and feta just before serving, so everything stays crisp and the flavors stay vibrant.
-
What type of feta works best for this salad?
Use a block of good-quality feta cheese and crumble it yourself. The kind sold in brine offers the most flavor and wonderful creamy texture compared to pre-crumbled feta.
-
Can I use other fruits in Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber?
Absolutely! This salad is delicious with cubed cantaloupe, honeydew, or even ripe strawberries. Mix and match based on what you love or what’s in season.
-
How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
Be sure to pat your watermelon and cucumber with a paper towel before tossing them in the salad. Add dressing right before serving to maintain the crisp texture and minimize extra liquid.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a dish that’s as cheerful as a summer afternoon, you have to try this Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber. Every bite is an instant mood-lifter, bursting with fresh flavor and healthy goodness—so go ahead, make a bowl and share the sunshine!
Print
Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber is a perfect summer side dish that combines sweet, juicy watermelon with crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic mint, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 cups watermelon, cubed or balled
- 1 1/2 cups cucumber, sliced, peeled, and seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons mint, thinly sliced or small mint leaves
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, and mint.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss to coat, sprinkle with feta, and serve.
Notes
- I recommend using a block of feta cheese for better flavor.
- If using a standard cucumber, peel and remove seeds; English or Persian cucumbers don’t need peeling or seeding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
