Watermelon Salad with Cucumber & Feta is more than just a salad; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The sweetness of the watermelon, the crispness of the cucumber, the saltiness of the feta, and the bright herbaceousness of mint all come together in perfect harmony. And it’s SO easy to make! You’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this your whole life!
Why This Watermelon Salad is a Summer Must-Have
Seriously, what’s not to love? Here’s why this Watermelon Salad with Cucumber & Feta should be your go-to summer side dish:
- It’s Incredibly Refreshing: The high water content of watermelon and cucumber makes this salad incredibly hydrating and perfect for hot summer days.
- The Flavor Combination is Addictive: Sweet, salty, tangy, and herbaceous all in one bite! It’s an unexpected but delightful flavor profile.
- It’s Easy to Make: Requires minimal cooking and preparation time, perfect for busy weeknights or summer barbecues.
- It’s Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors of the watermelon, cucumber, feta, and mint make this salad a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- It’s Versatile: You can easily customize this salad with different herbs, cheeses, or dressings to suit your taste.
The Star Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this salad sing. Don’t skimp on quality—it really makes a difference!
- Watermelon: Choose a ripe, juicy watermelon that is heavy for its size. Seedless is preferable for convenience, but seeded works just fine!
- Cucumber: English cucumbers are my go-to because they have a thin skin and fewer seeds. But any cucumber will work!
- Feta Cheese: Look for feta cheese that is packed in brine, as it tends to be creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled feta.
- Red Onion: A small amount of thinly sliced red onion adds a nice bite and visual appeal. If you find red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor.
- Fresh Mint: Fresh mint is essential for adding a bright, herbaceous flavor to the salad. Don’t substitute dried mint!
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy kick and helps to balance the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the salt, as it helps to bring out the sweetness of the watermelon.
Making the Magic Happen: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s how to make this Watermelon Salad with Cucumber & Feta – So Refreshing!
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. I like to remove as many seeds as possible (if using a seeded watermelon). Place the cubed watermelon in a large bowl.
- Prep the Cucumber: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons. If using a cucumber with a thick skin, you may want to peel it first. Add the cucumber to the bowl with the watermelon.
- Add the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain well. Add the red onion to the bowl.
- Crumble the Feta: Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon, cucumber, and red onion. Don’t be shy!
- Chop the Mint: Roughly chop the fresh mint leaves. Add the chopped mint to the bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I like a little extra lime juice for tang!
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as the watermelon can become mushy.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Success Tips for the Perfect Watermelon Salad
Want to guarantee your Watermelon Salad is a showstopper? Here are my golden tips:
- Choose the Right Watermelon: A ripe watermelon should sound hollow when you tap it. It should also have a yellow spot on the bottom where it sat on the ground.
- Don’t Overdress the Salad: A little dressing goes a long way. You want to enhance the flavors of the ingredients, not drown them.
- Chill Before Serving: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together and makes it even more refreshing.
- Add a Pinch of Flaky Sea Salt: Right before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the salad. This adds a burst of salty flavor and enhances the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Get Creative with Herbs: While mint is my go-to, feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or cilantro.
Variations: Spice Things Up!
This Watermelon Salad is delicious as is, but if you’re feeling adventurous, here are some variations to try:
- Add Some Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy kick.
- Get Fruity: Add other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or cantaloupe for a more complex flavor profile.
- Add Nuts: Toasted almonds or pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.
- Grilled Watermelon: For a smoky twist, grill the watermelon slices before cubing them.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair With Your Salad
This Watermelon Salad with Cucumber & Feta – So Refreshing! is the perfect side dish for any summer meal. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: The refreshing salad balances the richness of grilled meats and seafood.
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: A light and healthy alternative to traditional potato salad or coleslaw.
- Vegetarian Dishes: Pairs well with grilled vegetables, veggie burgers, or lentil salads.
- Picnics and Potlucks: A crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to transport and serve.
And speaking of salads, if you are looking for another cool and refreshing side to enjoy this summer then I suggest you try this Cucumber Salad with Greek Yogurt. It’s another light and simple recipe that’s easy to throw together.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how to prep and store your Watermelon Salad:
- Make-Ahead: You can chop the watermelon, cucumber, and red onion ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing separately as well. Combine everything just before serving.
- Storage: Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the watermelon will release more liquid over time, so the salad may become a bit soggy.
- Not Recommended for Freezing: Watermelon doesn’t freeze well, so I don’t recommend freezing this salad.
Another great recipe is the Creamy Cucumber Salad with Bacon & Cheese. Yes, you heard me right, bacon and cheese! It really is a flavor bomb.
Recipe
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 cups cubed watermelon
- 2 cups sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. Place the cubed watermelon in a large bowl.
- Prep the Cucumber: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons. Add the cucumber to the bowl with the watermelon.
- Add the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain well. Add the red onion to the bowl.
- Crumble the Feta: Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon, cucumber, and red onion.
- Chop the Mint: Roughly chop the fresh mint leaves. Add the chopped mint to the bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- If you don’t have lime juice, you can use lemon juice instead.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of feta cheese and mint to your liking.
This next salad is a simple one but full of that tangy flavor and it has a great crunch. If you are a fan of simple recipes this Crunchy, Tangy Cucumber Salad is sure to become a favorite.
I also think you’ll love this Creamy Cucumber Salad! It’s a refreshing and simple side dish that’s perfect for any summer meal. The creamy dressing adds a touch of richness that complements the crisp cucumbers perfectly.
Another great option is this Cucumber Caprese Salad! It is a refreshing and delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, substituting cucumbers for tomatoes.
If you are looking for a salad with some spice you should definitely try this Asian Cucumber Salad, it will certainly be your secret weapon against summer heat. It has a perfect balance of flavors.
Time to Enjoy!
There you have it! My go-to recipe for Watermelon Salad with Cucumber & Feta – So Refreshing! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer and enjoy the delicious flavors of the season. Don’t forget to let me know in the comments how it turned out, and if you made any delicious modifications!
What makes this watermelon salad so refreshing?
The high water content of the watermelon and cucumber makes it incredibly hydrating and perfect for hot summer days. The combination of sweet, salty, tangy, and herbaceous flavors also contributes to its refreshing quality.
What kind of feta cheese is recommended for the best flavor?
The article recommends looking for feta cheese that is packed in brine, as it tends to be creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled feta.
How can I prepare the watermelon salad ahead of time?
You can chop the watermelon, cucumber, and red onion ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing separately as well. Combine everything just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
What are some variations I can try to spice up the watermelon salad?
The article suggests adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a spicy kick, adding other fruits like blueberries or strawberries, adding toasted nuts like almonds or pecans, grilling the watermelon before cubing it, or drizzling with balsamic glaze.
Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. Place the cubed watermelon in a large bowl.
- Prep the Cucumber: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons. Add the cucumber to the bowl with the watermelon.
- Add the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavor, then drain well. Add the red onion to the bowl.
- Crumble the Feta: Crumble the feta cheese over the watermelon, cucumber, and red onion.
- Chop the Mint: Roughly chop the fresh mint leaves. Add the chopped mint to the bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled and enjoy!
