Name: Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 cups watermelon (cubed); 1 large cucumber (sliced or diced); ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese; ¼ cup fresh mint leaves (torn); 2 tbsp thinly sliced red onion (optional); 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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This Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad is the ultimate refreshing summer dish, perfectly balancing sweet, crisp, and savory flavors. Juicy watermelon cubes, cool cucumber slices, and salty feta come together harmoniously, enhanced by fresh herbs and a simple citrus dressing that invigorates every bite.

Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish for a grilled meal, this salad is easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. It’s a colorful celebration of fresh ingredients that create a cool, bright experience perfect for warm days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines juicy watermelon and crisp cucumber for a refreshing contrast.
Salty feta cheese adds a creamy, savory balance that complements the fruit.
Simple citrus dressing brightens flavors without overpowering the natural ingredients.
Quick to assemble and perfect for summer gatherings or light meals.

Ingredients

Watermelon: 4 cups of sweet, juicy watermelon cubes, providing refreshment and natural sweetness.
Cucumber: 1 large cucumber sliced or diced for crispness and cool texture contrast.
Feta Cheese: ¾ cup crumbled feta adds a creamy saltiness that perfectly balances the fruit.
Fresh Mint Leaves: ¼ cup torn leaves bring an herbal brightness and subtle cooling aroma.
Red Onion (optional): 2 tablespoons thinly sliced for a mild pungent bite and extra crunch.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons to enrich the dressing with smooth, fruity notes.
Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon adds a vibrant citrus tang to the dressing.
Salt: To taste, enhances all natural flavors and balances sweetness.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste, adds subtle spicy warmth to the dressing.

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon or lime juice, salt, and black pepper. This creates a bright and balanced dressing that lightly coats the salad without overpowering the delicate ingredients.
Combine Watermelon and Cucumber: Gently mix the cubed watermelon and sliced or diced cucumber in a large bowl. Handling carefully prevents the watermelon from breaking apart, preserving its juicy texture and ensuring a fresh crisp bite in every forkful.
Add Red Onion (Optional): If using, incorporate thinly sliced red onion into the watermelon and cucumber mixture. This step adds a subtle sharpness and extra crunch that complements the sweet and salty elements of the salad.
Top with Feta and Herbs: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the fruit and vegetable mixture. Add torn fresh mint leaves on top to infuse the salad with fresh herbal notes and an inviting aroma.
Dress and Toss Gently: Drizzle the prepared citrus dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Take care to mix delicately to maintain the shape and integrity of the watermelon while ensuring every bite is evenly coated with flavor.
Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor or chill it briefly in the refrigerator for added coolness and refreshing effect. This salad is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and taste.

You Must Know

Choosing seedless watermelon makes preparation easier and enhances eating experience.
Use cold ingredients and serve chilled to maximize the salad’s refreshing quality.
Adjust salt carefully to balance the sweetness of the watermelon without overpowering.

Storage Tips

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To prevent sogginess, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this salad with grilled chicken, seafood, or light sandwiches to complement summer meals. It also works wonderfully as a vibrant side dish for BBQs, picnics, or as a light standalone lunch on warm days.

Professional Tips

For texture variety, add toasted pistachios or almonds for a delightful crunch.
Replace mint with fresh basil for a slightly different herbal aroma and flavor profile.
A light drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze over the salad can deepen sweetness and add complexity.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?: It’s best to prepare the salad just before serving to maintain watermelon texture and freshness, but you can prepare the dressing and chop ingredients in advance.
Can I use other types of cheese?: Feta cheese is ideal for its salty tang, but goat cheese or fresh mozzarella can be good alternatives if preferred.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?: To make it vegan, simply omit the feta or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
What are good herb alternatives to mint?: Fresh basil or cilantro can be substituted for mint to provide a different but complementary herbal flavor.
Can I add nuts or seeds?: Yes, toasted pistachios, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds add a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
How do I keep watermelon from becoming watery in the salad?: Use firm, ripe watermelon and toss the salad gently. Serving immediately or chilling briefly also helps preserve texture.