Watermelon Feta Salad
This refreshing summer salad combines sweet watermelon, cool cucumber, and salty feta for a sophisticated flavor explosion that's simple to make and perfect for hot days.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Chilling Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 220 kcal
Large Bowl
Small Bowl
Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups seedless watermelon cubed (about ½ medium watermelon)
- 1 English cucumber diced (approximately 2 cups)
- 8 oz feta cheese cubed or crumbled
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn
Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze for drizzling
Cut your watermelon into 1-inch cubes, removing all seeds if not using a seedless variety. Pat the cubes gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Prepare the cucumber: either leave the skin on or peel it based on preference. Dice into small pieces. For crispier cucumber, place in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and honey until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, cucumber, red onion, mint, and basil. Drizzle with half the dressing and toss gently.
Add the feta cheese and optional Kalamata olives, then drizzle with the remaining dressing. For an elegant presentation, finish with a light drizzling of balsamic glaze and garnish with additional mint leaves.
For best results, chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If preparing ahead, store components separately and assemble just before serving. The sweet watermelon and salty feta create a perfect flavor balance, while the herbs add a refreshing aromatic quality.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the feta with diced avocado or a plant-based cheese alternative.
Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size and has a yellow spot where it sat on the ground for optimal sweetness.
Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 7gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 390mgFiber: 1.5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mg
Keyword Watermelon Salad, Feta Salad, Summer Salad, Refreshing Salad, Watermelon Feta