Watermelon Feta Salad is a fresh, refreshing summer salad made with just 7 ingredients in about 10 minutes. The sweet watermelon, salty feta, fresh herbs, and simple dressing make it the perfect addition to cookouts, BBQs, and warm-weather dinners.
Watermelon feta salad is one of my favorite sides to make during the summer because it’s so simple and refreshing. With just 7 ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep, it’s an easy way to take advantage of sweet summer watermelon while adding something fresh to the dinner table.
The combination of juicy watermelon, creamy feta, fresh herbs, and a simple dressing strikes the perfect balance of sweet and salty. It’s the kind of side dish that is refreshing on hot summer days and pairs with just about anything coming off the grill, making it one of those recipes I come back to all summer long.
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Since this salad is made from just a few ingredients, using fresh summer produce gives you the best result.
- Watermelon: Fresh watermelon is key.
- Cucumber: I’ve used everything from Persian cucumbers to English cucumbers to cucumbers.
- Feta: I like to use blocks of feta, rather than the crumbles. I’ve found that the blocks tend to have better flavor.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lime juice will also work in this recipe.
- Honey: The honey adds a nice bit of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the feta. Feel free to adjust the amount to your tastes.
How to make watermelon feta salad
Here you’ll find instructions and step-by-step photos showing how to make this recipe. The full recipe, including ingredients, is given below.
Step 1: Toss the watermelon and cucumber together in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the mint and basil, and toss to combine.
Step 3: Sprinkle the feta over the salad.
Step 4: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and honey.
Step 5: Serve topped with a sprinkle of fresh mint.
Recipe Tips!
- Start with cold watermelon: Chilled watermelon makes the salad extra refreshing.
- Add the dressing just before serving: This helps keep everything fresh.
- Don’t overmix: Toss gently so the watermelon keeps its shape.
- Serving suggestions: This salad goes well with everything from shawarma to Greek turkey burgers.
- Perfect for: summer BBQs cookouts backyard dinners potlucks picnics easy entertaining hot summer days
Watermelon feta salad recipe variations
- Bit of bite: You can add sliced red onions or diced shallots for some bite.
- Olive oil: You can add a lite drizzle of olive oil with the lemon and honey.
- Add blueberries: Fresh blueberries add another pop of summer flavor and color.
- Use a different cheese: Crumbled goat cheese is a great substitute for feta if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add avocado: Diced avocado makes the salad a little heartier and adds a creamy texture.
- Give it some spice: Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes or add a few thin slices of jalapeño for a little heat.
- Add nuts: Toasted pistachios, cashews, walnuts, or sliced almonds a little crunch.
- Try balsamic glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the finished salad for a sweeter, richer flavor.
- Make it a full meal: Top with grilled chicken and serve over a bed of arugula or mixed greens for an easy summer lunch.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days when properly stored in the fridge, but it is best eaten when freshly made or within 1-2 days.
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Watermelon Feta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubes
- 2 cups peeled and chopped cucumber
- 20 fresh mint leaves chopped, plus extra for serving
- 10 fresh basil leaves chopped
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Toss the watermelon and cucumber together in a large mixing bowl.4 cups watermelon cubes, 2 cups peeled and chopped cucumber
- Add the mint and basil, and toss to combine.20 fresh mint leaves, 10 fresh basil leaves
- Sprinkle the feta over the salad.⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and honey.2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons honey
- Serve topped with a sprinkle of fresh mint.
Notes
- Watermelon: Fresh watermelon is key.
- Cucumber: I’ve used everything from Persian cucumbers to English cucumbers to cucumbers.
- Feta: I like to use blocks of feta, rather than the crumbles. I’ve found that the blocks tend to have better flavor.
- Honey: The honey adds a nice bit of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the feta. Feel free to adjust the amount to your tastes.
- Nutrition values are estimates.
Nutrition
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