Watermelon Salad
This Watermelon Salad recipe will become one of your favorite summer salads with its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy. Serve a large bowl of this refreshing salad at your next summer bbq, on a warm day, or any time of year you need a taste of summer!
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This refreshing summer salad is one of our favorite ways to enjoy a good watermelon. With the salty flavors of feta crumbles and the sweet watermelon cubes, strawberries, and a touch of honey, this is a refreshing addition to any summer meal!
Fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and red onion also lend their unique taste to this already amazing flavor combination. Feel free to add in anything else you might find delicious like nuts or even sliced jalapeños if you love their spicy flavors.
In addition to the amazing flavors, this watermelon feta salad looks beautiful, too. We use cubed watermelon, but if you want to use a melon baller, you can give this easy Watermelon Salad a different look.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Refreshing and light: Perfect for hot summer days with crisp cucumber, juicy watermelon, and cool mint.
Sweet, salty, and tangy: The combination of fruit, feta, and lime-honey dressing hits all the right notes.
Quick and easy: Just 10 minutes to prep and no cooking required.
Customizable: Add-ins like avocado, arugula, or nuts let you make it your own.
Crowd-pleasing: A vibrant, colorful salad that’s always a hit at BBQs, potlucks, or picnics.
Ingredients to Make Watermelon Salad:
- watermelon. Use seedless watermelon if possible. Choose one that feels heavy for its size with a creamy yellow field spot for the best flavor.
- english cucumber. Has thin skin and minimal seeds, making it ideal for fresh salads. No need to peel.
- strawberries. Add natural sweetness and color. Slice just before serving to keep them fresh.
- feta cheese. Adds a creamy, salty contrast to the sweet fruit. Crumble it fresh or use pre-crumbled for convenience.
- red onion. Adds a mild bite and sharpness. Dice it finely for better distribution throughout the salad.
- lime juice. Freshly squeezed is best for a bright, zesty flavor.
- honey. Balances the acidity of the lime and enhances the sweetness of the fruit.
- fresh mint. Adds a cooling, aromatic finish. Chop finely so it blends evenly into the dressing.
How to Make Watermelon Salad:
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, and chopped mint until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, add watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, red onion, and feta cheese. Toss to combine.
- Pour the prepared lime-honey dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss the salad to evenly coat everything with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Chill Ingredients: Use cold watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries for the most refreshing flavor and texture.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To avoid sogginess, add the lime-honey dressing right before serving—especially if prepping in advance.
- Balance the Flavors: Add a pinch of salt or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance contrast between the sweet fruit and salty feta.
- Optional Add-Ins: Mix in extras like avocado, arugula, toasted nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts), or sliced jalapeño for added texture and flavor.
- Serving a Crowd: Double the ingredients and serve on a large platter for a colorful, crowd-pleasing summer side dish.
- Gentle Tossing: Be careful not to over mix after adding the dressing—this keeps the fruit intact and prevents the salad from becoming watery.
Serving Suggestions:
- Haddock Bake
- Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
- Crustless Chicken Quiche
- Pecan Crusted Salmon
- Chimichurri Steak
- Paprika Chicken
How to Store:
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The fruit will release juices and soften over time.
Avoid Premixing: If preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and combine with the fruit and vegetables just before serving.
Best Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after tossing. The texture and flavor are at their peak when freshly made.
FAQs:
Yes! Goat cheese or mozzarella pearls work well for a creamy texture, while cotija cheese adds a slightly saltier kick.
You can swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
Yes. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit it or swap for thinly sliced green onions.
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Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed
- 1 english cucumber, sliced into half moons
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup red onion, diced
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, and chopped mint until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, add watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, red onion, and feta cheese. Toss to combine.
- Pour the prepared lime-honey dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss the salad to evenly coat everything with the dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
-
- Chill Ingredients: Use cold watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries for the most refreshing flavor and texture.
- Dress Just Before Serving: To avoid sogginess, add the lime-honey dressing right before serving, especially if prepping in advance.
- Balance the Flavors: Add a pinch of salt or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze to enhance contrast between the sweet fruit and salty feta.
- Optional Add-Ins: Mix in extras like avocado, arugula, toasted nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts), or sliced jalapeño for added texture and flavor.
- Serving a Crowd: Double the ingredients and serve on a large platter for a colorful, crowd-pleasing summer side dish.
- Gentle Tossing: Be careful not to over mix after adding the dressing, this keeps the fruit intact and prevents the salad from becoming watery.
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