1. Home
  2. Dishes
  3. Watermelon Feta Salad

Watermelon Feta Summer Salad

Category: Plant-Based Takes on American Classics

This vibrant summer salad pairs sweet, cooling watermelon with creamy feta and crisp cucumber. Fresh mint adds herbal brightness, while thin-sliced red onion provides a subtle kick. The olive oil, lime juice, and honey dressing ties all the ingredients together for a perfectly balanced bite. Serve this dish chilled for best flavor and texture. Ideal for picnics, backyard gatherings, or elegant dining outdoors, it's simple to prepare and offers a colorful addition to any Mediterranean spread. Garnish with extra mint and enjoy immediately for ultimate freshness.

Pin It Share Send Print Go to Recipe
A woman with long hair and a white sweater smiles.
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 11:51:26 GMT
A salad with watermelon, cucumber, onion, and feta cheese. Save
A salad with watermelon, cucumber, onion, and feta cheese. | krispyrecipes.com

Sweet juicy watermelon tossed with creamy feta and a burst of fresh mint was always the star of our summer get-togethers. This Mediterranean-inspired salad is refreshing and balanced, with a hint of lime and honey to pull everything together whether you are making it for a sunny picnic or an elegant backyard dinner.

Every time I make this for friends, it disappears in minutes It just feels like summer in every bite which always lifts everyone’s mood

Ingredients

  • Watermelon: Choose seedless and ripe for sweetness and less mess Cut into even cubes for the best look and texture
  • Cucumber: Adds crunch and freshness Opt for an English cucumber if you want fewer seeds and thinner skin
  • Red onion: Brings a hint of sharpness Slice paper thin so it blends in balance with the other ingredients
  • Fresh mint: Lively and cooling Always go for fresh mint and tear by hand for best aroma
  • Feta cheese: Creamy and salty Use good quality block feta and crumb it yourself for pure flavor
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity Base for the dressing Pick a fresh bottle for bold taste
  • Fresh lime juice: Brings bright acidity Squeeze your own limes for a zesty pop
  • Honey: Adds a floral sweetness If you like your salad subtle use a light honey
  • Black pepper: Gives a bit of lift Always use freshly cracked for more aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Produce:
Take your seedless watermelon and cut into neat one inch cubes Peel and dice your cucumber Remove the seeds if you prefer extra crunch Slice your red onion very thin Tear or roughly chop fresh mint leaves
Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar combine extra virgin olive oil lime juice honey and a pinch of black pepper Whisk until smooth and well blended This makes a bright and slightly sweet vinaigrette that ties the salad together
Combine the Salad:
Add the watermelon cubes diced cucumber red onion and mint into a large salad bowl Drizzle your dressing evenly over the top Gently toss everything with clean hands or salad servers Take care not to crush the watermelon
Add the Feta:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the tossed salad Either give it a light toss to mix or leave the cheese as a pretty garnish on top for presentation
Serve Fresh:
Plate or bowl up the salad right away Garnish with a little extra mint if you like Serve at once for the crispest texture and most refreshing flavor
A bowl of watermelon feta salad. Save
A bowl of watermelon feta salad. | krispyrecipes.com

The first time I served this salad with garden mint fresh picked just minutes before it stole the show from all my other dishes That hint of mint reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen windowsill always lined with sprouting herbs

Storage Tips

This salad is best fresh but if you have leftovers cover well and keep in the fridge Watermelon releases more juice over time so your salad will soften slightly I find that it tastes best eaten within a few hours of preparing

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer tangier salads you can swap out the lime juice for lemon For a vegan version use agave syrup and a quality plant based feta Arugula or baby spinach are also lovely if you want to add leafy greens

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a light lunch on its own or alongside grilled fish or chicken For parties make mini versions in cups or on skewers It pairs beautifully with crisp white wine or sparkling water with lime

A bowl of watermelon feta salad. Save
A bowl of watermelon feta salad. | krispyrecipes.com

Mediterranean Tradition

Watermelon and feta are a classic pairing throughout the Mediterranean from Greece to Turkey The on the spot mix of fruit cheese and herbs sums up the region’s honest approach to summer eating

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients and store separately. Combine and dress just before serving to preserve texture.

→ What can I use instead of feta cheese?

Try plant-based feta for a dairy-free alternative, or swap with goat cheese for a different tangy flavor.

→ How can I make this salad vegan?

Replace feta with vegan cheese and use agave syrup instead of honey in the dressing to keep it plant-based.

→ What other herbs work well in this dish?

Basil or parsley can be used instead of, or alongside, mint for a unique twist.

→ Can I add greens to the salad?

Yes, arugula or baby spinach can be tossed in for added texture and peppery notes.

→ Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Absolutely—this combination contains only naturally gluten-free ingredients.

Watermelon Feta Salad

Sweet watermelon and tangy feta combine with cucumber, mint, and a light dressing for a refreshing, easy meal.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
~
Total Time
15 min

Recipe Category: Vegetarian & Vegan

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: Mediterranean

Recipe Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Fruit & Vegetables

01 4 cups seedless watermelon, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
02 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
03 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
04 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn or chopped

→ Cheese

05 140 g feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

06 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
08 1 teaspoon honey
09 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Place the watermelon cubes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and chopped mint into a large salad bowl.

Step 02

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, and freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.

Step 03

Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating.

Step 04

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give a gentle final toss or leave as a garnish for presentation.

Step 05

Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.

Additional Notes

  1. For extra flavor, add a handful of arugula or baby spinach to the salad.
  2. Lemon juice can be used instead of lime juice according to preference.
  3. To make this salad vegan, substitute honey with agave syrup and use a plant-based feta alternative.
  4. Best served chilled; prepare no more than two hours in advance to preserve texture.

Required Tools

  • Large salad bowl
  • Small mixing bowl or jar
  • Whisk or fork
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Allergen Information

Make sure to review each ingredient for potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains dairy from feta cheese.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 180
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Proteins: 5 g