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Watermelon Salad

Filled with fresh watermelon, feta, cucumbers, mint and a delicious lime dressing. This watermelon salad is light, refreshing and full of summer flavors!

Watermelon feta mint salad in a white bowl.
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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.

Watermelon being scooped out with melon baller.

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.

Sliced cucumbers on a white plate.

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:

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

How do you cut watermelon for salad?

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.

What goes well with watermelon?

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!

What else can I add to watermelon salad?

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.

Can you prepare watermelon salad in advance?

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.

Watermelon salad with cucumber in white bowl.

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 with cucumber in white bowl

Watermelon Salad

5 from 12 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Filled with fresh watermelon, feta, cucumbers, mint and a delicious lime dressing. This watermelon salad is light, refreshing and full of summer flavors!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

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

      This salad tastes best if served the first day. 
      To make ahead: Chop the watermelon, cucumber and mint a few hours before serving. You can also whisk the dressing together beforehand as well. Add the chopped ingredients and feta in a large bowl. Then drizzle with dressing, toss and serve. 

      Nutrition

      Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 49kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 54mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 525IU | Vitamin C: 7.3mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.3mg

      Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

      Course: Salad
      Cuisine: American

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      Bowl of watermelon salad drizzled with balsamic.

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