Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad is a refreshing, vibrant summer dish that combines juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and creamy feta in the perfect balance of sweet and salty. It's quick to prepare and ideal for warm-weather meals, potlucks, or barbecue sides.
A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
🕒 Ready In: ~10 minutes
👪 Serves: 6
🍽 Calories: ~160 per serving (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, feta cheese, mint, lime
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free; vegetarian; dairy-free option
👌 Difficulty: Easy - simple chopping and tossing
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This fresh watermelon cucumber salad uses a simple lime-honey dressing, sliced strawberries, red onion, and mint to add brightness and contrast to every bite. The flavors stay crisp and clean, with just enough dressing to tie everything together without weighing it down.
If you're planning your summer menu, try pairing this salad with a few more seasonal favorites. Try our favorite warm-weather recipes like Turkey Burgers, Sour Cream Potato Salad, and Pineapple Chicken Kabobs to build a fresh and easy lineup for any gathering.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Why You'll Love this Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad:
- Key Ingredients:
- Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- How to Make Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad:
- Recipe Notes & Tips:
- How to Store:
- Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad FAQs:
- More Fresh Salad Recipes You'll Love
- Get a FREE Healthy Meal Planning Ebook
- Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad
Why You'll Love this Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad:
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.
Key Ingredients:
- 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.
- fresh mint. Adds a cooling, aromatic finish. Chop finely so it blends evenly into the dressing.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Swap the fruit: Replace strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a different summer twist.
- Use a different cheese: Try goat cheese or queso fresco if you prefer a milder or creamier alternative to feta.
- Change the herbs: Substitute the mint with fresh basil for a sweeter, more classic summer flavor.
- Make it dairy-free: Omit the feta or use a plant-based feta-style cheese to keep the salad creamy without dairy.
- Add extra crunch: Toss in chopped pistachios, almonds, or sunflower seeds for added texture and a little saltiness.
How to Make Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad:
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, and chopped mint until well combined.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add watermelon, cucumber, strawberries, red onion, and feta cheese.
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- Step 3: Pour the prepared lime-honey dressing over the salad.
- Step 4: Gently toss the salad to evenly coat everything with the dressing.
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.
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.
Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad FAQs:
Watermelon cucumber feta salad is best enjoyed the day it's made, but it can stay fresh for up to 24 hours if stored in an airtight container. Because watermelon releases liquid, stir the salad before serving and drain off excess juice as needed to keep the flavors balanced.
Yes, watermelon cucumber feta salad works well with balsamic glaze, lemon vinaigrette, or olive oil with a touch of honey. The key is choosing a dressing that complements the sweet watermelon and salty feta without overpowering the fresh flavors.
To prevent watermelon cucumber salad from getting watery, pat the watermelon and cucumber dry before mixing and add the dressing just before serving. If you need to prep earlier, store the salad undressed and toss everything together when ready to serve.
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Watermelon Cucumber Feta 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.
Madison says
Such a light and refreshing recipe! The saltiness of the feta goes perfect with the watermelon!
Kae says
I used basil instead of mint it was so good, will make again!