Cucumber watermelon salad with feta is a light and refreshing summer salad that tastes fresh and sweet! Serve this summer side dish on a hot summer day or take it as a side dish to a party or BBQ.
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Why You Will Love This Watermelon Cucumber Salad
- This cucumber watermelon salad is a light and refreshing summer salad recipe.
- It uses fresh herbs like basil or mint that give bold flavors.
- The quick and easy recipe only takes 20 minutes to make.
- Crispy cucumbers and juicy watermelon give the perfect texture, fresh flavor, sweetness, and citrusy taste.
- The perfect summer salad that is a hydrating and refreshing recipe for hot summer days!
- A unique summer salad with fruit - the perfect summer dish!
- Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be made vegan.
- Great side dish for BBQs, summer picnics, or potlucks - serve it with these juicy chicken burgers.
- Try some of our other unique summer salads like avocado and couscous salad, goat cheese and strawberry salad, gluten-free pasta salad with veggies, or this orzo and spinach salad.
Ingredients and Variations
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe. Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements and the notes below for substitution ideas.
- Sweet watermelon: Select a fresh watermelon that has a yellow field spot and feels heavy.
- Herbs: Basil or fresh mint provides a fresh and herbed flavor that balances the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Feta cheese: Salty feta crumbles add creaminess and a rich flavor to offset the sweetness of the watermelon. Substitute feta for goat cheese, burrata, or halloumi.
- Cucumber: An English cucumber adds extra crunch, freshness, and texture without seeds. Use Persian cucumbers as a substitute. Select crisp cucumbers.
- Dressing ingredients: Lime zest and lime juice, along with champagne or balsamic vinegar, add acidity, which helps to balance the sweetness. Use lemon juice as a substitute for lime juice.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Balances out the acid in the dressing. Substitute avocado oil.
- Spices: Sea salt and black pepper provide a subtle flavor to complement the fresh components.
- Other ingredient variations: Red onion, chopped avocado, a drizzle of honey, kalamata olives, and/or a drizzle of balsamic glaze add another layer of flavor.
How to Make This Watermelon Salad Recipe
Below are step-by-step instructions for how to cook this recipe with the best results. The recipe card at the bottom shows the exact cooking time and temperatures.
Step 1 - Cube the Watermelon
Cut the watermelon into 1-inch cubes or use a melon baller to scoop out small balls. Add cubes to a large bowl.
Step 2 - Add Salad Ingredients to a Large Bowl
Add the cucumbers, feta, and basil or mint to the large serving bowl.
Step 3 - Make Lime Dressing
In a small bowl, add the olive oil, pepper, lime zest, lime juice, and champagne vinegar. Whisk the dressing together until incorporated.
Step 4 - Toss the Salad and Vinaigrette
Drizzle the lime vinaigrette over the watermelon salad with basil and gently stir to incorporate. Sprinkle with salt to taste.
What Do You Pair with Watermelon Salad?
- Serve as a fresh and healthy summer salad at summer picnics, parties, BBQs, or potlucks.
- Watermelon and basil salad is a great side dish for grilled Greek chicken, air fryer turkey burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or mahi mahi fish.
- Serve on skewers for a fun presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
- Avoid watery salad. Watermelon has a high water content, and it can release its juices when mixed with other ingredients. To prevent it from becoming too watery, it's best to prepare and serve the salad immediately before consumption.
- Use a slotted spoon. The watermelon will lose its juice to the bottom of the bowl the longer it is stored. If making ahead, use a slotted spoon to transfer the salad to a serving bowl.
- Make ahead. Make ahead no more than one day in advance for optimal flavor and texture, and keep the ingredients separate until right before serving. Cucumber watermelon salad is best served the day it is made.
- Serving cold. If serving outdoors or in a warm environment, place the bowl on a container of ice to keep it chilled.
- Storage. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Expert Tips
- Select a fresh and ripe watermelon for the best sweetness and flavor. Whole watermelon is recommended over pre-cut.
- Using fresh basil, mint, or even cilantro is recommended rather than using dried herbs. Fresh herbs have a more vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Served chilled to enhance the recipe's refreshing qualities. Use chilled watermelon before assembling.
- If possible, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to keep it cool.
Recipe FAQs
This watermelon feta salad recipe is a perfect side dish for grilled turkey burgers, smoked BBQ chicken, grilled pork loin, or tasty ribeye steak.
It provides a fresh and sweet complement to grilled meats.
Wash the outside of the watermelon rind thoroughly. Place the watermelon on a clean cutting board.
Using a sharp knife, slice off both ends of the watermelon. Stand the watermelon upright on one of the flat ends. Carefully cut the watermelon in half horizontally.
Place one half, cut side down, on the cutting board. Cut the watermelon lengthwise into 1-inch slices. Rotate the watermelon and cut crosswise to create 1-inch square pieces. Do the same with the other watermelon half.
Watermelon and cheese create a delightful balance of flavors when paired. They have contrasting characteristics of sweetness and savory flavors that can complement each other well.
Yes. Watermelon and cucumbers both have a high water content, making them a delicious combination in a summer salad.
Other Fresh Summer Salad Recipes
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Light and Refreshing Cucumber Watermelon Salad
Equipment
- large salad bowl
- salad tongs
- whisk
- small bowl
Ingredients
- 1 large watermelon chilled, about 8 cups of 1-inch cubes
- 1 standard English cucumber diced
- ¼ cup basil or mint chopped
- ½ cup feta cheese
- 1 standard lime juice and zest
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chilled watermelon into 1-inch cubes. Add to a large bowl.1 large watermelon
- Add the cucumber, basil, and feta to the bowl.1 standard English cucumber, ¼ cup basil or mint, ½ cup feta cheese
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, champagne vinegar, and pepper. Drizzle over the cucumber watermelon salad and very gently use salad utensils or salad tongs to incorporate.1 standard lime, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar, ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Season with salt to taste and serve.salt
Notes
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