This Watermelon Cucumber Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors! It’s a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for hot summer days.
What is Feta Watermelon Cucumber Salad?
Our watermelon feta salad is a delicious and super satisfying salad that combines the sweetness of fresh watermelon and strawberries with the saltiness of feta cheese. Then, we take the salad up a notch with a zesty lime dressing and a hint of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick of spiciness. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an ideal dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or a light and healthy lunch.
This salad is not only absolutely scrumptious but also incredibly easy to make. With simple, fresh ingredients, you can whip this salad up in no time. We guarantee this dish is going to become a summertime staple!
Ingredients You Need
Salad:
- Watermelon – We love using fresh watermelon because it adds a burst of sweetness and juiciness. Be sure to cube it yourself for the best flavor and texture.
- Strawberries – These add even more sweet flavor and a pop of color to the salad. Slice them just before adding to keep them nice and fresh!
- White Nectarines – These add a delectable sweet-tart flavor. Slicing them thinly ensures they blend well with the other ingredients.
- Persian Cucumbers – These cucumbers are crisp and ever-so-slightly sweet. Slicing them thinly adds a nice crunch to the salad.
- Shallot – Shallots add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad.
- Fresh Mint, Sliced – Mint adds a refreshing herbal aroma and flavor.
- Feta Cheese, Cut into Cubes – Feta adds a creamy, salty bite that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
- Crushed Red Pepper – This adds a subtle heat that perfectly complements the flavors of all of the other ingredients.
Dressing:
- Olive Oil – Olive oil forms the base of our dressing, creating a rich, smooth texture. We use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Honey – This sweetener balances the tangy lime juice. It also helps to emulsify the dressing.
- Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty, tangy flavor. It pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory ingredients in the salad.
- Salt – A little salt brings out all the flavors in the dressing.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spiciness and depth to the dressing.
How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad
- Combine the salad ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, sliced strawberries, sliced white nectarines, sliced Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced shallot, sliced fresh mint, and cubed feta cheese. Toss gently to mix.
- Prepare the dressing. Add the olive oil, honey, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to a mason jar and tightly secure the lid. Shake well until the mixture is emulsified and well combined.
- Dress the salad. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve and enjoy. Serve the salad on individual plates or family-style in a large serving bowl.
Variations
- Avocado – Cubed avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Berries – Try adding blueberries or raspberries for an extra burst of color and flavor.
- Arugula – Adding a handful of arugula gives the salad a peppery bite and extra greens.
- Goat Cheese – Substitute the feta with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Nuts – Sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts for added crunch and protein.
Can I Store Leftovers?
If you store leftovers, the salad may get soggy because of the high water content in the fruits and the moisture in the dressing. If you do have leftovers, store the dressing and other ingredients separately
Refrigerate the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days for the best taste.
We do not recommend freezing this salad — it will alter the texture of the fruits and cheese.
More Simple Salad Recipes
Searching for more mouthwatering salads that are super satisfying? Check out our other favorites!
Summer Berry Salad with Poppyseed Dressing
Easy Summer Pasta Salad with Fruit
Feta Watermelon Cucumber Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubed
- 1 cup strawberries sliced
- 2 white nectarines sliced
- 1 cup Persian cucumbers sliced
- 1 shallot thinly sliced
- 3 Tablespoons fresh mint sliced
- 4 ounces feta cheese cut into ½ inch cubes
- Crushed red pepper to taste
Dressing:
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 2 Tablespoons lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.4 cups watermelon, 1 cup strawberries, 2 white nectarines, 1 cup Persian cucumbers, 1 shallot, 3 Tablespoons fresh mint, 4 ounces feta cheese, Crushed red pepper
- In a mason jar or dressing container, add all the dressing ingredients. Shake well until emulsified.3 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 Tablespoon honey, 2 Tablespoons lime juice, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pour the dressing over the salad when ready to serve and enjoy!