Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe

Get ready to dive into summer with the freshest, most delightful Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta! This recipe is the very definition of easy sophistication: sweet, juicy watermelon, cool, crunchy cucumbers, a tangle of fresh basil and mint, plus outrageously creamy feta. It’s zippy with lime juice and a kiss of good olive oil. Whether you want a dazzling BBQ side, a light lunch, or just a way to use up that irresistible melon, this vibrant salad delivers a magical mix of flavors and colors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta isn’t just about tossing together whatever’s in your fridge. Each ingredient has a starring role—from the crisp cucumbers to the salty feta, the combo sings summer. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Mini watermelon (4 cups, diced): Juicy and naturally sweet, watermelon brings color and hydrating refreshment in every bite.
• Persian cucumbers (1 cup, sliced): These small, nearly seedless cucumbers add crunch without any bitterness—no peeling required!
• Olive oil (1 tbsp): A drizzle rounds out the flavors and ties everything together with a subtle richness.
• Lime (1 unit, juiced): The tangy lime brightens up the salad and lifts the other flavors—freshly squeezed is key.
• Mint (1 tbsp, chopped): This aromatic herb shouts summer and gives the salad cool, refreshing notes.
• Basil (1 tbsp, chopped): Peppery and fragrant, basil gently balances the sweet and savory vibes.
• Feta cheese (3 oz, crumbled): Tangy, salty, and creamy, feta offers a rich contrast to the crisp produce.
• Kosher salt (to taste): Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without overpowering the fruitiness.
• Black pepper (to taste): A few cracks give a gentle warmth that makes the salad pop.

How to Make Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta

Step 1: Chop Watermelon and Slice Cucumbers

Start by cutting your mini watermelon into bite-sized cubes for perfect forkfuls. Persian cucumbers are naturally tender and don’t need peeling—just slice them into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on the look you love. This combination sets the fresh foundation for your Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

Transfer your watermelon cubes and cucumber slices to a roomy salad bowl. The bowl should be large enough that you won’t crush anything while you mix—it’s all about keeping those beautiful textures intact.

Step 3: Add Herbs, Olive Oil, and Lime Juice

Sprinkle the chopped mint and basil over your base. Then, drizzle olive oil and squeeze the juice from your lime right over the top. Season it with a touch of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then give everything a gentle toss to coat the salad in that vibrant, zesty dressing.

Step 4: Gently Fold in the Feta

Crumble your feta cheese on top, then use a spatula or spoon to gently fold it into the salad. Try not to overmix here; you want little clouds of feta nestled throughout, not completely blended in.

Step 5: Serve or Chill

Your Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is ready! Serve it right away for a super crisp version, or cover and chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. If you’re feeling extra, garnish with more fresh herbs.

How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta

Garnishes

This salad is gorgeous as-is, but tossing a few extra basil or mint leaves and a little more crumbled feta on top just before serving adds a restaurant-style flourish. Try a pinch of flaky sea salt or a few microgreens for a fancy upgrade that makes your Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta really pop.

Side Dishes

Pair your Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta with grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or a simple lemon-herb couscous. It also shines alongside lamb chops, summer burgers, or a big platter of charred veggies. Truly, this salad’s versatility means you’ll reach for it with almost any summer main course.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special touch, try serving your salad in hollowed-out watermelon halves for a striking centerpiece. Skewer the ingredients for party-friendly “salad kebabs” or serve in mini cups for picnics and potlucks. However you present it, this Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta always steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for a day, but after that, the watermelon may start to release a bit too much liquid. Give it a quick toss before serving any leftovers.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad—the delicate watermelon and creamy feta don’t thaw well and can become mushy. For the best texture and flavor, always enjoy Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta fresh or within a day.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This is a salad that shines when served chilled or at room temperature. If it’s been in the fridge, you can let it sit out for a few minutes to take off the chill before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Absolutely! If Persian cucumbers aren’t available, English cucumbers are a great alternative since they’re tender and have fewer seeds. Just peel and de-seed regular cucumbers for best results.

Is it possible to make Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta vegan?

Yes, you can make a vegan version by swapping in your favorite plant-based feta cheese or using marinated, crumbled tofu for that creamy, savory effect.

Can I prep this salad in advance?

You can chop the watermelon and cucumber and prep the herbs a few hours ahead, keeping everything refrigerated separately. Toss it all together with feta, lime, and olive oil just before serving to keep the texture lively.

What other herbs can I use besides mint and basil?

Try chopped cilantro or a little fresh dill for a different herbaceous twist! Each brings a unique flavor to Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

How do I pick a ripe watermelon for this salad?

Look for a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, with a creamy yellow spot where it rested on the ground. It should sound hollow when tapped, which signals juiciness—perfect for your Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you experience the burst of flavor in every bite of Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta, it’ll become your go-to recipe whenever the craving for something fresh, colorful, and utterly delicious strikes. Give it a try, and you’ll see just how magical and easy this summer salad can be!

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