Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber Recipe
If you’re craving a refreshing summer dish, look no further than this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber. It’s a vibrant bowl bursting with sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that will liven up any meal or gathering. The juicy watermelon mingles perfectly with crisp cucumber, while creamy feta and a medley of fragrant herbs add gorgeous contrast. A whisper of honey-lime dressing ties it all together for one irresistible bite after another. This salad isn’t just a showstopper — it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to bring out all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your freshest, brightest ingredients — each one brings something magical to the party and shouldn’t be skipped. These simple components are what make the Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber so special, adding layers of texture, color, and taste in every forkful.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tang of lime and saltiness of feta.
- Lime juice: Delivers a zesty citrus punch that brightens the whole salad.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a lush, peppery note that grounds the fruity flavors; use a good-quality oil here.
- Pinch of salt: Brings out all the flavors and makes the watermelon even more vibrant.
- Watermelon: Juicy, sweet, and cooling — the star of this salad; aim for seedless for easy eating.
- Cucumber: Refreshing and crisp, it gives the salad a satisfying crunch and keeps each bite light.
- Fresh mint leaves: Chopped mint offers cool herbal notes that elevate every mouthful.
- Fresh basil leaves: Sweet and slightly peppery, basil brings an unexpected depth to this vibrant salad.
- Feta cheese: Salty, creamy, and wonderfully tangy; sprinkle as much or as little as you like for the perfect finish.
How to Make Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber
Step 1: Whisk Together the Honey-Lime Dressing
Get started by making the simple dressing. In a small bowl, add the honey, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Whisk it all together until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing looks glossy. This fragrant mixture sets the flavor foundation for your Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber — it’s zingy, lightly sweet, and so easy to make.
Step 2: Prepare the Main Ingredients
Grab a sharp knife and cube that juicy watermelon and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. The trick is to try and make the cubes similar in size for even mixing. Add them to a large bowl or a serving platter with sides, and sprinkle over the chopped fresh mint and basil. The herbs are not just for garnish — they infuse the whole salad with summery aromas.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Drizzle the honey-lime dressing all over the watermelon, cucumber, and herbs. Using a large spoon, very gently toss everything together. You want to coat all the ingredients while keeping the cubes intact, maximizing both flavor and presentation of your Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber.
Step 4: Top with Feta and Serve
Just before serving, shower the salad generously with crumbled feta cheese. The creamy, salty feta pairs dreamily with the sweet watermelon and tangy dressing. Serve the salad immediately for maximum freshness and crunch.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber
Garnishes
This salad is gorgeous on its own, but you can take things up a notch with a few extra garnishes. Add a final sprinkle of chopped mint or basil, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or a few lime zest curls for color. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch or an extra drizzle of excellent olive oil before serving your Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber.
Side Dishes
Pairing ideas are endless! This salad is a fantastic companion to grilled meats, especially chicken or lamb, but it also shines alongside simple seafood and veggie platters. Try serving it at a summer barbecue or with a fresh loaf of crusty bread to soak up the sweet-tangy juices — it’ll disappear fast!
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber in hollowed-out watermelon halves, individual mason jars for picnic vibes, or layered in clear glasses to show off those vibrant colors. For a party, skewer a combination of watermelon, cucumber, and feta for fun salad kebabs drizzled with herb dressing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. The watermelon will release juices over time, so keep this salad fresh and crisp by enjoying it as soon as possible. If storing, keep the feta cheese separate and sprinkle it on just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
This salad isn’t a good candidate for freezing, as watermelon and cucumber become mushy and lose their vibrant crunch once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so make just what you’ll eat and savor every bite of this summer dish!
Reheating
No reheating needed! This Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber is designed to be served chilled, straight from the fridge or right after assembling. If the salad has been sitting for a while, give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the flavors and juices.
FAQs
Can I make Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber ahead of time?
You can prep the separate components (dressing, cubed watermelon and cucumber, chopped herbs, and crumbled feta) a few hours in advance. For best results, store them in separate containers and combine just before serving so the salad stays fresh and crisp.
What if I don’t have fresh mint or basil?
If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use just one or substitute with a small amount of fresh cilantro for a different twist. Dried herbs are less ideal, as they won’t give you the same pop of color or flavor. The freshness of mint and basil really makes this Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber shine!
What kind of feta works best?
Look for a firm, block-style feta in brine for the creamiest texture and tangiest flavor. Pre-crumbled feta works in a pinch, but freshly crumbled from a block will give your salad the best taste and presentation.
Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Try thinly sliced red onion, ripe avocado, or a handful of arugula for extra complexity. Some even like a pinch of chili flakes for a hint of heat. Feel free to get creative — this recipe is a wonderful canvas for your favorite flavors.
Is Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a great fit for a variety of diets and gatherings. Just double-check your feta and dressing ingredients to be sure everything meets your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber is truly summer in a bowl! It’s light, refreshing, and unbelievably easy — the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again. Try it out and watch everyone light up at your table. I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine!
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Watermelon Salad Recipe with Feta and Cucumber Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber that is perfect for summer gatherings. The sweet watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty feta and crisp cucumbers, all dressed in a light and tangy honey-lime vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons quality extra virgin olive oil
- pinch of salt
Salad:
- 1/2 watermelon (peeled, cut into cubes)
- 1 English or Hot House cucumber, cubed (about 2 cupfuls of cubed cucumbers)
- 15 fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 15 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, more to your liking
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, and salt. Set aside.
- Make the Salad: In a large bowl or serving platter, combine the watermelon, cucumbers, and fresh herbs.
- Finish and Serve: Top the watermelon salad with the dressing and gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
Keywords: Watermelon Salad, Feta, Cucumber, Summer Salad
