This Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber is a summertime dream come true—vibrant, juicy, and seriously refreshing. Imagine sweet watermelon, crunchy cucumber, creamy feta, and zesty honey-lime dressing, all in one bowl. It’s the ultimate salad for hot days and backyard gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Summer Freshness: The combination of crisp cucumber and sweet, juicy watermelon is utterly hydrating—and oh-so-cooling on a hot day.
- Balanced Sweet, Salty, & Tangy: Creamy feta and zesty honey-lime dressing turn every bite into a perfect festival of flavors.
- Stunningly Simple to Make: With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a few minutes, you can pull together a showstopping side—no complicated steps required.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Whether for a picnic, BBQ, or brunch, this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber never fails to wow your guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber is that you only need a few super fresh ingredients to make something totally memorable. Each one brings its own burst of flavor and texture, making the salad shine as a whole.
- Watermelon: Go for a ripe, seedless watermelon, and cube it for maximum juiciness (and less mess!).
- Cucumber (English or Hot House): Crisp, mild, and never bitter, these cucumbers add a lovely, refreshing crunch.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: A little chopped mint livens up every bite with aromatic herbal notes.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil adds a sweet, peppery edge that complements the watermelon beautifully.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and just salty enough—crumbled feta ties all the flavors together.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the salty cheese and tart lime.
- Lime Juice: Brings a punchy brightness and keeps the salad tasting light and vibrant.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of quality olive oil melds everything into a cohesive (and slightly luxurious) dish.
- Salt: Just a pinch is all you need to make the flavors really pop—don’t skip it!
Variations
This salad is as flexible as a summer playlist! Feel free to mix things up and add your own signature touch—there are so many fun ways to riff on the original Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber, whether to fit your tastes or to use what you have handy.
- Add Red Onion or Shallots: For a subtle bite and extra color, thinly sliced red onions or shallots work beautifully.
- Sneak in Avocado: Cubed avocado brings creamy richness and a little extra heartiness to your salad bowl.
- Get Spicy: Toss in some thinly sliced hot peppers or a sprinkle of Aleppo-style pepper flakes for a fun, warming twist.
- Try Different Herbs: Dill or cilantro can step in for, or join, the mint and basil for a unique, garden-fresh flavor profile.
How to Make Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber
Step 1: Whisk Up the Honey-Lime Dressing
Start by combining the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Whisk until everything blends into a gorgeous, glossy dressing. This zesty-sweet concoction is seriously what takes this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber from delicious to extraordinary!
Step 2: Prep the Fresh Ingredients
Cube the watermelon and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Chop the mint and basil so their aromas are released. Add all these gorgeous ingredients to a large mixing bowl or a serving platter with sides, ready to mingle!
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Drizzle the honey-lime dressing evenly over your salad. Using clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss everything together—just enough to coat the fruit and herbs without breaking up the watermelon. Go easy, this is a salad best prepared with love!
Step 4: Finish with Feta and Serve
Scatter a generous handful of crumbled feta over the top right before serving. The salty cheese will contrast perfectly with the sweet fruit and tangy dressing. Serve immediately and bask in the chorus of “oohs” and “aahs.”
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber
- Peak Ripeness Wins: Choose a watermelon that’s heavy for its size and sounds hollow when tapped—sweet, juicy fruit makes all the difference.
- Chill for Extra Crispness: For maximum refreshment, chill your watermelon, cucumber, and even your serving bowl before assembling the salad.
- Dress Right Before Serving: To keep things from getting soggy, toss the salad and add the dressing just before it hits the table.
- Herb Size Matters: Roughly chop the herbs instead of mincing—they look pretty and release just enough aroma without overpowering each bite.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber
Garnishes
This salad loves a final flourish—so don’t hesitate to add a few extra mint or basil leaves on top just before serving. A sprinkle of Aleppo pepper flakes or toasted pumpkin seeds brings beautiful color and a touch of excitement to the platter.
Side Dishes
The Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber is fantastic with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or a plate of crispy falafel. Pair it with cold pasta salads, fresh bread, or even a simple charcuterie board for a relaxed, summery spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For extra wow-factor, serve your salad in a hollowed-out watermelon “bowl,” stack individual portions in small Mason jars for picnics, or use cookie cutters to make fun, star-shaped watermelon bites for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Although this salad tastes best fresh and crisp, any leftovers can be stored in a tight-lid glass container in the fridge for up to a night or two. Just check for texture before serving again—the fruit releases juice as it sits, so give it a gentle stir.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for the Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber. Both watermelon and cucumber contain a lot of water and tend to get mushy or lose their sparkle once thawed—so enjoy it fresh and vibrant!
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this salad—it’s best served chilled or at cool room temperature. Simply give leftovers a quick toss, maybe refresh with a touch of extra feta or herbs, and dig in.
FAQs
-
Can I use pre-cut watermelon for this salad?
Absolutely! Pre-cut watermelon is a great time-saver. Just be sure it’s fresh, juicy, and cut into bite-sized cubes. Sometimes pre-cut fruit can be a bit watery, so you might want to pat it dry a little before mixing your salad.
-
What type of feta works best in Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber?
Block-style Greek feta is ideal—it crumbles easily and offers a creamier, tangier bite than pre-crumbled options. Look for feta packed in brine for the most authentic flavor!
-
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can! Swap out the feta for a vegan cheese or some diced avocado, and use agave syrup instead of honey in the dressing. The result will still be incredibly tasty and totally plant-based.
-
Why do you recommend adding the dressing right before serving?
The watermelon and cucumber both release water after being cut and tossed in dressing. Adding the honey-lime dressing just before serving helps keep your salad crisp and prevents it from getting too watery.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a salad that’s bold, colorful, and downright celebratory, you simply have to try this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber. It’s sunshine in a bowl, made for sharing—so gather your favorite people, dig out your biggest serving platter, and treat everyone to a taste of summer’s sweetest flavors. Enjoy every bite!
PrintWatermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber, drizzled with a delightful Honey-Lime Dressing. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it a great addition to any summer meal or gathering.
Ingredients
Honey-Lime Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons quality extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Watermelon Salad:
- 1/2 watermelon, peeled, cut into cubes
- 1 English or Hot House cucumber, cubed (about 2 cupfuls)
- 15 fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 15 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, or more to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Set aside.
- Make the Salad: In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.
- Finish and Serve: Top the salad with the dressing, gently toss to combine, add feta cheese, and serve!
Notes
- Variations: Add shallots, red onions, avocado, or hot peppers. Season with Aleppo-style pepper flakes for a hint of heat with sweet undertones.
- Tips for Leftovers: Best enjoyed fresh; store leftovers in a sealed glass container for up to two days.
- Visit Our Shop for quality Mediterranean ingredients, including olive oils and spices!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg