There are few dishes that feel as refreshingly irresistible as a Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber. Sweet, juicy watermelon mingles with crisp, cooling cucumber, a sprinkle of salty feta, and aromatic herbs, all brought together by a zesty honey-lime dressing. This vibrant bowl is sunshine in salad form—truly summer on a plate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Refreshment: Every bite bursts with juicy watermelon, cool cucumber, and lively herbs—making it the perfect salad for hot days or picnics.
- Effortlessly Elegant: This Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber looks stunning with barely any prep, yet always impresses guests.
- Sweet–Savory Perfection: The touch of honey and salty feta create a dynamic flavor contrast that dances on your palate.
- Quick and Versatile: Ready in just 15 minutes, and endlessly customizable to suit your mood or any crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber is how simple, fresh ingredients do all the heavy lifting—each one brings vibrant color, irresistible texture, and layers of flavor that make the salad sing.
- Watermelon: The star of the show! Choose a ripe, seedless watermelon for maximum sweetness and fewer distractions when eating.
- Cucumber: English or hot house cucumber brings a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of watermelon.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Adds a bright, cooling note that elevates every bite—don’t skip it!
- Fresh Basil Leaves: This herb provides a subtle peppery aroma and pairs fantastically with the fruit.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta is the salty anchor that makes the sweet flavors pop. Crumble it fresh for the best texture.
- Honey: Just enough to accentuate the natural sweetness of the watermelon and balance the lime.
- Lime Juice: Its tartness is essential for a bouncy, refreshing finish—use freshly squeezed for maximum zing.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of fruity olive oil ties the dressing together and adds richness.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a little amplifies every flavor—don’t be shy!
Variations
The beauty of this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber is that it’s endlessly customizable—feel free to play with ingredients based on what you have and the flavor profile you crave. Don’t hesitate to experiment for a new spin every time!
- Add Shallots or Red Onion: Thinly sliced, they bring a mild bite and extra color depth to the salad.
- Toss in Avocado Cubes: For a rich and creamy twist, gently fold in ripe avocado just before serving.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of Aleppo-style pepper flakes or diced fresh hot peppers adds irresistible heat with subtle complexity.
- Swap the Herbs: No basil or mint? Try fresh cilantro or even a little dill for a fresh herby change-up.
- Citrus Zest: Add lime or lemon zest to the dressing for even more zing and aroma.
How to Make Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber
Step 1: Whisk the Honey-Lime Dressing
Begin by whisking together the honey, fresh lime juice, a couple of spoonfuls of quality extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This dressing is the magic touch that’ll tie the whole salad together! Set it aside for just a minute while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Cube and Prep Your Produce
Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes and do the same with your cucumber for the perfect mix of juiciness and crunch. Chop your fresh mint and basil leaves so their flavors can flow through every mouthful.
Step 3: Toss It All Together
Layer the watermelon, cucumber, and herbs in a spacious serving bowl or platter. Drizzle the luscious honey-lime dressing all over, then gently toss everything together—the goal is to coat without bruising the delicate fruit.
Step 4: Finish with Feta & Serve
Top your masterpiece with handfuls of crumbled feta right before serving and watch this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber steal the show! Serve immediately for peak flavor and freshness.
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber
- Chill Your Ingredients: For maximum crispness and flavor, refrigerate watermelon and cucumber in advance so the salad is icy-cold and extra refreshing when you serve it.
- Gentle Tossing: Use a light hand and a wide, shallow bowl—this keeps the watermelon cubes intact and avoids bruising delicate herbs.
- Feta Timing: Sprinkle the feta right before serving to prevent it from dissolving into the juicy fruit and preserve pretty, fluffy crumbles.
- Herb Ribbon Trick: Stack the mint and basil leaves, roll them into a tight bundle, and slice into thin ribbons for beautiful, even distribution throughout the salad.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber
Garnishes
For a showstopping presentation, shower the finished salad with extra mint or basil leaves, a scattering of toasted pistachios or pine nuts, and even a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. A few pinches of flaky sea salt right before serving will amplify all the flavors. If you want extra brightness, zest some lime over the top—it looks gorgeous and offers a citrusy lift!
Side Dishes
This salad is a dreamy partner for anything off the grill—think chicken skewers, grilled shrimp, or lamb chops. It’s also perfect alongside Mediterranean mezze platters, flatbreads, or even just a loaf of crusty bread and some good olive oil. You can also serve it as a light lunch, paired with quiche or chilled soups.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not make this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber the centerpiece? Serve it in the hollowed-out rind of your watermelon for a stunning edible bowl, or skewer cubes of the salad ingredients onto toothpicks for a fun, handheld appetizer at parties. Individual mason jars make adorable picnic portions for outdoor gatherings, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because watermelon and cucumber both have high water content, this salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 1–2 days. The flavors will blend, but the texture may become softer—give it a quick taste and gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for the Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber. The fruit and cucumber become mushy when thawed, losing their signature crispness and vibrant texture—treat yourself and make this fresh!
Reheating
This salad is never meant to be reheated—enjoy it chilled or at cool room temperature. If you prepped a batch ahead and it’s straight from the fridge, just let it sit on the counter for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I make this salad ahead of time?
For the freshest flavor and texture, assemble the salad just before serving. However, you can prep the watermelon, cucumber, herbs, and dressing separately up to one day in advance—store them individually, then toss together and add feta right before you eat.
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Which type of feta cheese is best for this salad?
Go for a high-quality block of Greek feta in brine, if possible. It’s creamier and tangier than pre-crumbled, and you can crumble it yourself for bigger, luscious pieces in your salad.
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Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! Try goat cheese for a soft, tangy alternative, or use queso fresco for a milder flavor. Even small cubes of mozzarella can be delicious, though the flavor will change a bit.
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What’s the best way to pick a ripe watermelon?
Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, has a creamy yellow “field spot” where it rested on the ground, and makes a deep, hollow sound when tapped. These markers usually mean sweetness and ripeness, making your Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber extra delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried a Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber, treat yourself—this salad is bound to become a warm-weather favorite! It’s joyful, fresh, and so easy to whip up. I’d love for you to give it a try and share it with your favorite people; it simply shines at every gathering.
Print
Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of sweet watermelon, crunchy cucumber, creamy feta cheese, and zesty honey-lime dressing creates a deliciously light and satisfying salad.
Ingredients
For the Honey-Lime Dressing
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons quality extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
For the Watermelon Salad
- 1/2 watermelon, peeled, cut into cubes
- 1 English or Hot House cucumber, cubed
- 15 fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 15 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, more to your liking
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Set aside.
- Make the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.
- Finish and Serve: Top the watermelon salad with the dressing, toss gently to combine. Top with feta cheese and serve!
Notes
- Variations: You can add shallots or red onions, avocado cubes, or hot peppers. Season with Aleppo-style pepper flakes for added heat.
- Tips for Leftovers: Best consumed on the same day. Store leftovers in a sealed glass container for up to two days.
- Visit Our Shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils and spices!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 143.9 kcal
- Sugar: 22.8g
- Sodium: 88.2mg
- Fat: 3.4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28.2g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 4.1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
