Watermelon salad with cucumber and feta

Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta

This Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is a refreshing, sweet, and savory dish perfect for hot summer days. Juicy watermelon pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and fresh mint, all tossed in a light citrus dressing. It’s a quick, healthy, and hydrating salad that works as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal.

Ingredients

(Serves 4-6)

For the Salad:

4 cups watermelon, cubed (seedless or remove seeds)

1 cucumber, thinly sliced or diced

½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional, for extra bite)

¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (or basil for variation)

¼ cup fresh arugula or baby spinach (optional, for added greens)

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)

1 teaspoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Total Time: 10 minutes

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces.

2. Slice or dice the cucumber and thinly slice the red onion (if using).

3. Chop the mint leaves and crumble the feta cheese.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, red onion, and mint.

2.Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.

3.Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and optional arugula or spinach.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to chill before serving.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving, Approximate for 1 cup of salad)

Calories: 120 kcal

Protein: 3g

Carbs: 12g

Fat: 7g

Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 9g

Sodium: 200mg (varies based on feta cheese)

Notes & Tips

Make it dairy free:

Make it dairy free by skipping feta or using vegan feta.

Want more protein: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa.For extra crunch, toss in toasted almonds or walnuts.

Serving suggestion: Best served cold on a hot day.

Storage tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but best eaten fresh.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A: Yes, but for the best texture, add the feta and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Q: What can I use instead of mint?

A: Fresh basil is a great substitute, giving a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

Q: Can I use another cheese instead of feta?

A: Yes! Try goat cheese or crumbled ricotta salata for a different taste.

Q: How do I pick a good watermelon?

A: Look for a heavy watermelon with a yellow spot on one side (a sign of ripeness) and a deep, hollow sound when tapped.

Q: What dishes pair well with this salad?

A: This salad goes well with grilled meats, seafood, BBQ, or Mediterranean dishes like hummus and pita.

This Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is light, refreshing, and full of flavor perfect for summer gatherings o