Filled with fresh watermelon, feta, cucumbers, mint and a delicious lime dressing. This watermelon salad is light, refreshing and full of summer flavors!
Table of Contents
Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon is a summer staple at our house. We love slicing watermelon and eating it plain, but sometimes it’s fun to mix it up. And this watermelon salad recipe is the perfect way to do that! It tastes super light, refreshing and is full of the best summer flavors.
This salad is sweet from the watermelon, has a great crunch from the cucumber and has notes of creamy feta cheese in every bite. It’s topped with a zesty lime dressing that pulls all the flavors together in the most perfect way. I just love how it’s full of vibrant colors too…so pretty! The ultimate fresh and delicious summer salad recipe.
Cutting or Scooping the Watermelon
There are two ways to serve the watermelon in this salad. You can either use a melon baller to scoop the watermelon out into balls, or use a knife to cut the watermelon into squares. My kids love the balls, but it does take a little bit longer. If cutting with a knife, just be sure to cut the pieces into small, evenly sized squares.
Watermelon Salad Dressing
You can definitely make this salad without the dressing, but I find that a little bit helps tie all the flavors together. It’s made with a simple mixture of olive oil, lime juice and sugar. The bright citrus flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweet watermelon and adds another layer of flavor. Trust me, the dressing is super simple to make and adds the perfect finishing touch.
Helpful Tips
- Seeds. The last thing you want are a bunch of seeds in your salad. Save yourself some extra work and look for both seedless watermelon and cucumber. I prefer to use English cucumbers, because they don’t have seeds and the skin isn’t waxy.
- Cheese. I’d recommend using a block of feta cheese if possible. They tend to be more fresh, creamy and are usually less expensive. Just cut a small slice off the block, then use your hands to crumble it into small pieces.
- Herbs. You can replace the mint with fresh basil if you prefer. Just make sure to chop it finely before adding into the salad.
- Balsamic. This is optional, although I highly recommend adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top right before serving. It adds a great touch of flavor!
- Extras to add in. Feel free to get creative with this salad. Try adding in diced red onion, sliced avocado or some fresh arugula for more greens.
- Leftover watermelon. If you have any leftover watermelon to use up, try making my fresh watermelon smoothie or grilled fruit kabobs.
What to Serve with Watermelon Salad
This dish tastes great served with your classic summer staples! Check out our favorites below:
- Grilled meat: This salad is the perfect light and refreshing compliment served alongside a big, juicy hamburger, grilled chicken or steak kabobs.
- Vegetables: Serve with more veggies like grilled corn or a mixture of grilled vegetables.
- Salads: Double the freshness with another potluck salad. I like this Mediterranean quinoa salad, orzo salad or pesto chicken pasta salad.
Storing + Make Ahead
This salad tastes best if served the first day. Watermelon is a super watery fruit, so it won’t hold up too long in the refrigerator.
To make ahead: Simply chop the watermelon, cucumber and mint a few hours before serving. You can also whisk the dressing together beforehand as well. Right before serving, add chopped ingredients to a large bowl, along with feta and dressing. Toss and then serve!
FAQs
To easily cut your watermelon into cubes, first cut the watermelon in half lengthwise. Then cut in half again. Next, cut two angles around 45° on one side of the watermelon. Turn the watermelon and repeat on the other side. Make 1-inch cuts on the top of the watermelon all the way to the rind. Now cut along the bottom of the rind. Your watermelon should easily release into cubes.
Watermelon pairs well with many other flavors! The sweetness of the melon pairs well with salty feta cheese. Lime or lemon citrus juice enhance the taste as well. You could even add something spicy, like a chili lime seasoning or hot peppers and it will taste great!
I have kept the ingredients simple for this watermelon salad but you can add some variety if you would like! Finely diced red onion, avocados, diced jalapenos or other hot peppers would also add some additional taste.
While this salad is best ate immediately after tossing it with the dressing, you can prepare the ingredients and dressing separately and store them until ready to serve. At serving time just combine veggies and dressing and enjoy.
Other salads we love to make in the summer include this broccoli salad recipe and cucumber tomato salad!
More Fresh Summer Salads
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Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped watermelon , juices drained
- ½ english cucumber , seeded and sliced
- ¼ cup feta cheese , crumbled
- 2-3 Tablespoons mint leaves , chopped
- ½ Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ Tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Optional: Balsamic glaze, for serving
Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into bite size cubs. Then place the chopped watermelon, cucumber, feta and mint in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice and sugar in a bowl.
- Then pour over the watermelon and toss. Add a dash of salt. Drizzle balsamic glaze over top if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Fruit Salad, Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, Salads, Side Dishes, Vegetarian
The combination of flavors is incredible! It tastes very summery! Super easy to make, too!
The flavors burst in your mouth! Who knew watermelon would taste great with cucumber & feta?!
I loved that you added Cucumbers and Mint to this salad. We have tried the feta on it and I absolutely love the salty with the sweet! Can’t wait for watermelon season!
This watermelon salad is so easy and really taste good! Kids really enjoyed eating this and they really liked it. Thank you so much for sharing your idea!
This is really amazing! My husband will surely love this!
This looks incredibly delicious! This couldn’t look any more perfect!
Looks so refreshing and beyond delicious! Such a great addition on our table, need to make this soon!
My family will love this salad. We love everything watermelon!
Love the balance of the watermelon and feta! This is such a great summer salad! Looking forward to enjoying this all season long!
You could honestly make a meal out of this! Love how light and fresh it is.
This salad looks so delicious and refreshing. I can’t wait to try it. I would have never thought about pairing watermelon and cucumbers together …yum!