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When the weather heats up and watermelons are at their juiciest, this watermelon salad with cucumber and feta is my ultimate way to cool off and brighten up any summer meal. Crisp cucumber and creamy feta mingle with sweet watermelon, all brought together by a zesty mint-lime dressing. The colors are eye catching enough for a party platter, but this salad is so refreshing and simple I find myself making it just for lunch on any hot day.
I first tossed this salad together for a neighborhood barbecue and everyone raved about it for weeks. Now it is my go to whenever I need a quick dish that travels well and tastes like sunshine.
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and body to the dressing Choose a bottle that tastes fresh and fruity for best results
- Chopped fresh mint: Adds cool herbal flavor and beautiful green flecks in every bite Use bright unbruised mint leaves for best flavor
- Lime juice: Gives zing and balance to the sweetness of the watermelon Fresh squeezed makes a noticeable difference
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties the dressing together Choose a fine variety so it dissolves easily
- Black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and depth Freshly ground if you have it
- Watermelon: Cubed for easy bites and natural sweetness Look for a heavy ripe melon without too many white streaks
- Cucumber: Contributes crisp texture and a cooling effect Choose firm and unblemished cucumbers slice and quarter them for best size
- Feta cheese: Brings salty tangy richness that makes the other flavors pop Choose block feta packed in brine and crumble it yourself for creamier texture
Step by Step Instructions
- Whisk the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl combine the extra virgin olive oil chopped mint lime juice sea salt and black pepper Whisk slowly until the oil and lime juice have thoroughly blended and the dressing smells fragrant from the mint
- Chop and Prepare the Produce:
- Cut the watermelon into bite size cubes Trim and quarter the cucumber slices Crumble the feta cheese if buying in blocks Set aside extra mint and feta for garnishing later
- Toss the Salad:
- Add the watermelon cucumber and most of the crumbled feta to the bowl with dressing Using a large spatula or spoon gently toss until all the pieces are well coated being careful not to crush the watermelon
- Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or bowl Scatter extra feta and mint on top for a pretty finish Serve immediately while the salad is cold and the ingredients taste their freshest
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I always look forward to adding extra mint just for myself since that fresh pop reminds me of picking mint from my grandmother’s garden Each summer when sharing this salad with friends it feels like a mini picnic no matter where we eat
Storage Tips
If you want to prep the salad ahead store the dressing separate from the salad mixture This keeps the cucumbers and watermelon crisp until you are ready to serve After combining everything leftovers last up to one day in the fridge but the salad will be juiciest right after tossing
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find fresh mint swap it for basil which brings a slightly sweeter undertone Goat cheese can be used in place of feta for a creamier salad and lemon juice works if limes are unavailable Persian cucumbers work great in place of English or regular cucumbers
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this watermelon salad as a cooling side for grilled chicken or fish It is also right at home on a picnic spread or atop a bed of arugula as a refreshing light lunch For brunch I sometimes add toasted walnuts on top for crunch
Cultural Context
Pairing fruit with salty cheese is classic across Mediterranean kitchens Watermelon feta salad is especially popular in Greece Turkey and parts of the Middle East I love how this dish connects me with those summer traditions in an easy colorful way at home
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance and combine just before serving to keep the watermelon crisp.
- → What type of feta works best?
Use good-quality block feta in brine for maximum creaminess and flavor. Crumble it just before adding to the salad.
- → How do I choose a ripe watermelon?
Look for a heavy melon with a creamy yellow spot and a deep, hollow sound when tapped. This indicates ripeness and sweetness.
- → Can other herbs be substituted for mint?
Fresh basil pairs well and offers a different, but equally refreshing, herbal note if you don't have mint on hand.
- → Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?
Simply omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based feta alternative for a dairy-free version.