This simple yet vibrant Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is perfect for hot summer days or any occasion that calls for a fresh, eye-catching side dish. Combining the sweetness of watermelon, the crispness of cucumber, and the saltiness of feta, all dressed in a refreshing mint-lime dressing, this salad is a burst of flavors and textures. Quick to make and easy to customize, it’s the ideal addition to potlucks, barbecues, or casual dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and sweet: The watermelon and cucumber provide a cooling, hydrating base, perfect for hot days.
- Tangy and salty: The feta adds a creamy, salty kick, perfectly balanced by the lime and mint dressing.
- Simple and quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this salad comes together in 20 minutes.
- Visually stunning: The vibrant colors of the watermelon, cucumber, and mint make this salad a standout on any table.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cups cubed watermelon (about 1 small watermelon)
- 1 cucumber, sliced and halved (or quartered)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Cube the watermelon and slice the cucumber. Add both to a large bowl.
Step 2: Add Feta and Mint
Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon and cucumber, then sprinkle the chopped fresh mint.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust with more lime juice, honey, or salt if desired.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add some heat: Toss in a few slices of jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Use goat cheese: Swap feta for crumbled goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Add more veggies: Include red onion or bell peppers for a bit more crunch and color.
- Sweeten it: Add a few teaspoons of agave nectar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1–3 days. If the salad is dressed, the flavors will continue to marinate, and the feta may turn pink from the watermelon juices, so it’s best to enjoy the salad on the day it’s made.
- Freezing: While you can freeze the watermelon, cucumber, mint, and feta separately, it’s not recommended to freeze the dressing.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble and add the dressing just before serving to preserve the freshness.
How do I pick a good watermelon?
Look for a watermelon with a brown stem (indicating ripeness) and a large yellow spot, meaning it had time to sit and ripen in the sun. The watermelon should feel heavy for its size and have a hollow sound when tapped.
Can I use a melon baller?
Yes, using a melon baller can give the salad a more decorative look, making it even more impressive for serving.
Can I freeze the dressing?
Freezing the dressing is not recommended. It’s best made fresh to keep its flavor and consistency intact.
Conclusion
This Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and refreshing flavors. Whether you serve it at a summer gathering or as a side dish with a casual meal, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the simplicity and beauty of this dish, and don’t hesitate to customize it to fit your tastes!
Print
This Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is the perfect summer side dish, blending the refreshing sweetness of watermelon with the crispness of cucumber and the saltiness of feta. Drizzled with a mint-lime dressing, it’s a vibrant, hydrating, and quick-to-make salad that’s perfect for barbecues, potlucks, and casual dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups cubed watermelon (about 1 small watermelon)
- 1 cucumber, sliced and halved (or quartered)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cube the watermelon and slice the cucumber. Add both to a large bowl.
- Add Feta and Mint: Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon and cucumber, then sprinkle the chopped fresh mint.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Taste and adjust with more lime juice, honey, or salt if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- This salad can be prepped ahead and dressed just before serving.
- Add some heat by tossing in a few slices of jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- For a different twist, try swapping feta for crumbled goat cheese for a creamier texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for 1–3 days. The feta may turn pink due to the watermelon juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
