If there’s one dish I look forward to all summer long, it’s Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta. This vibrant salad is all about contrast—crisp cucumbers, juicy watermelon, and creamy feta come together in a glorious medley of freshness, sweetness, and tangy savoriness. The cheerful colors alone make it the star of any picnic or barbecue, while the flavors are guaranteed to brighten up even the hottest day. It’s simple to prepare but feels sophisticated enough to impress guests or satisfy all by yourself, straight from the bowl!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; each ingredient pulls its weight to make the salad pop with color and taste. Sourcing good-quality, ripe produce and a lovely, tangy feta is key to transforming a humble list into something unforgettable.
- Watermelon: Choose ripe, seedless watermelon for the best juicy sweetness and effortless eating.
- Cucumber: Persian or English cucumbers add refreshing crunch without overpowering the gentle flavors.
- Feta Cheese: Creamy and salty feta perfectly offsets the fruit—go for a block you crumble yourself if you can!
- Fresh Mint: Just a handful of torn leaves brings cooling herbal notes that wake up all the flavors.
- Extra-virgin Olive Oil: A generous drizzle adds a luscious mouthfeel and ties everything together.
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime brightens the whole salad and enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Just enough to balance the flavors and give every bite a bit of pop.
How to Make Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta
Step 1: Prep the Produce
Start by dicing the watermelon into hearty, bite-sized cubes. Peel the cucumbers (unless you love the crunch of the skin), then slice them into half-moons or chunks. Both should be about the same size so every forkful has a great mix of flavors and textures. Add the fruit and veggies to a big mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the Fresh Elements
Gently tear or chop your fresh mint and sprinkle it over the watermelon and cucumber. This step adds a gorgeously fragrant punch, so don’t be shy with the mint—just avoid bruising the leaves too much so they stay perky and green.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lime juice in a small bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad, then season generously with a pinch of salt and a couple of cracks of black pepper. This quick, zesty dressing binds everything and makes the flavors sing.
Step 4: Add the Feta
Right before serving, crumble the feta cheese over the top. Gently toss everything together with clean hands or a wide spatula, being careful not to crush the feta into a paste. The cheese should stay in distinct, creamy pockets for the ultimate taste and texture experience.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
If you have a few minutes, let the Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta chill in the fridge. This makes it extra-cold and refreshing! Serve straight away for maximum crunch, juiciness, and summer happiness.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few more fresh mint leaves or some finely grated lime zest over the top right before serving. Toasted pine nuts or chopped pistachios add a luxurious crunch if you’re feeling fancy—these little touches make the Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This salad absolutely shines at summer cookouts alongside grilled seafood, chicken skewers, or roasted vegetables. The juicy watermelon and crisp cucumbers are perfect for balancing spicy or smoky flavors, turning even the simplest grilled meal into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to really wow your guests, serve individual portions in hollowed-out watermelon halves for a dramatic centerpiece. Or, skewer the components onto cocktail sticks for salad kabobs—a fun, portable twist on Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some salad left after the picnic? No problem! Store Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just know the juices will release as it sits, so the salad becomes more marinated and less crisp over time—but still incredibly tasty.
Freezing
Unfortunately, freezing isn’t recommended for this salad. Both watermelon and cucumber lose their signature crunch and release excess moisture when frozen, which means the textures become mushy and the flavors muted.
Reheating
Good news: there’s no reheating needed! Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is best served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge for a while, give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta brings salty creaminess, goat cheese or ricotta salata also work beautifully in Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta. Just make sure whatever you choose is somewhat crumbly so it distributes evenly through the salad.
Is it okay to make Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta ahead of time?
This salad is at its absolute best when freshly tossed, but you can prepare the components ahead separately and assemble just before serving. Cut the watermelon and cucumber, store them separately, and combine with dressing and feta at the last minute.
What herbs go well in this salad besides mint?
If you’re out of mint or just want to experiment, try fresh basil or even a hint of cilantro for an unexpected twist. Both add new dimensions to Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta without overpowering the original flavors.
Can I make Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredients to fit any size gathering. Assemble just before serving and use a large, shallow platter so everyone gets every delicious element in each serving.
How do I pick the best watermelon for this salad?
Look for a heavy watermelon with a creamy yellow underside and a hollow sound when tapped. This usually means it’s ripe and packed with juicy sweetness, the perfect base for Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta, it reminds me how the simplest ingredients can create pure magic on the plate. This dish is always a crowd-pleaser and a guaranteed mood-lifter, so I hope you’ll try it soon and make it a joyful part of your summer rotation!
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Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, ideal for a light and healthy summer dish. The juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta cheese are tossed in a simple vinaigrette to create a delicious salad that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
For the Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the watermelon and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Chop the fresh mint leaves.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese, and mint.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat. Serve the salad chilled.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh to enjoy the crisp textures of the watermelon and cucumber.
- Feel free to customize the salad with additional ingredients like red onion or arugula for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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