Let me introduce you to my absolute favorite summer refresher: Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint. Imagine juicy, ruby-red watermelon mingling with cool cucumber, creamy avocado, peppery onion, and a generous shower of salty feta and fragrant mint, all dressed in a zesty lime-olive oil vinaigrette. This bright, beautiful salad is your ticket to instant summer happiness—simple, satisfying, and seriously irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light & Ultra-Refreshing: The combination of juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, and zingy lime dressing is an unbeatable way to cool off on a hot day.
- Quick and Easy: You can toss together this Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint in just 15 minutes—perfect for spontaneous picnics and last-minute gatherings.
- Unexpected Flavor Magic: Salty feta, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs create an explosion of contrasting (but harmonious) flavors and colors in every bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser Magic: This salad looks stunning on any table and gets rave reviews from kids and adults alike—it’s pure summer joy in a bowl!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great news: Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is all about keeping things simple without skimping on flavor! Every ingredient plays a starring role—from juicy watermelon to tangy feta and zippy lime dressing, each layer brings something special to ensure every bite is bursting with freshness.
- Watermelon: Sweet, hydrating, and the star of the show! Look for seedless watermelon for easy eating, and go for ripe fruit for maximum juiciness.
- English cucumber: Adds a cool, crisp crunch and mild contrast—no need to peel unless you prefer to.
- Red onion: Finely sliced onion gives a gentle bite and vibrant color; soak in cold water if you’d like to soften the sharpness.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta brings creamy, salty richness that balances the sweet watermelon beautifully.
- Avocado: Creamy avocado chunks add body and decadence to the salad—make sure yours is perfectly ripe, but not overly soft.
- Fresh mint or basil: Herbs are the soul of this dish! Mint delivers a signature coolness, while basil is lovely if you’re feeling herbal-adventurous.
- Jalapeño or serrano (optional): If you’re in the mood for a little heat, thinly sliced pepper gives a subtle, exciting kick.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality olive oil—it’s the backbone of your dressing and brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh lime juice: The zingy acidity transforms this salad from tasty to show-stopping. Freshly squeezed, always!
- Minced garlic: Just a touch for savory depth, finely minced so it melds into the dressing.
- Sea salt: A sprinkle of sea salt takes all the flavors up a notch and brings out the natural sweetness.
Variations
The best part about Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint? It loves a little creativity! Feel free to put your own spin on it based on personal taste, what’s in your fridge, or any dietary needs—no wrong moves here, just endless summer possibilities.
- Basil instead of mint: Swap fresh basil for mint, or use a combo of both, for a slightly sweeter, more Italian-inspired twist.
- Skip the cheese for dairy-free: Simply leave out the feta or replace with a vegan cheese crumble for a plant-based version that’s just as vibrant.
- Add greens: Toss in a handful of baby arugula or spinach for extra color, nutrition, and flavor bite.
- Pepper power: If you love a fiery kick, try thinly slicing a whole serrano chili, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Citrus swap: Experiment with lemon juice or a splash of orange for a new citrus note in the dressing.
How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
Step 1: Whisk Up the Zesty Dressing
Start by whisking together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and sea salt in a small bowl. This is your flavor foundation! Give it a good whisk so the lime and oil emulsify—you want every bite of salad to get a hit of that zippy, aromatic dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
While the dressing waits, cube your watermelon (bite-sized pieces work best), dice the cucumber, slice the red onion as thinly as possible, and cube your avocado. Set aside your torn mint or basil leaves and crumble the feta so each topping is ready to layer into a masterpiece.
Step 3: Assemble and Dress
On a large platter or salad bowl, arrange your watermelon, cucumber, and red onions. Drizzle half of your lime-garlic dressing over the top—it’ll soak into the melon and start infusing flavor. Layer on the feta, avocado, fresh herbs, and chili (if you’re using). Finish with the rest of the dressing, sprinkle with sea salt, and you’re ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
- Choose the Sweetest Watermelon: Knock on your melon—if it sounds hollow and has a creamy yellow “field spot,” it’s perfectly ripe and sweet for salad!
- Chill Everything: For an ultra-refreshing salad, store the cut watermelon and cucumber in the fridge before assembling, so every bite is cool and crisp.
- Add Avocado at the Last Second: To keep your avocado chunks vibrantly green and creamy, toss them in right before serving (especially if prepping ahead).
- Toss Gently: This salad is delicate—use a big spoon or even your hands to gently combine so you keep the cubes intact and beautiful.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
Garnishes
A shower of torn fresh mint (or basil) at the very end makes the whole dish sing with fragrance. A final sprinkle of extra feta and a hint of flaky sea salt or cracked black pepper can really take the presentation from pretty to show-stopping!
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside light grilled meats, seafood skewers, or even as a vibrant partner for veggie burgers and pita chips. It’s also amazing as a standalone lunch on a hot day—nothing more needed but an ice-cold glass of lemonade.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint in a hollowed-out watermelon bowl for a portable, party-ready centerpiece. For individual servings, use mason jars or shot glasses for a cute, colorful appetizer spread at your next gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the salad is always at its crispiest and freshest on the first day—so dig in sooner rather than later!
Freezing
This is one recipe that’s all about that fresh, juicy crunch—so freezing is not recommended, as the watermelon and veggies will lose their texture after thawing. There’s really nothing like enjoying it straight from the fridge!
Reheating
No reheating required! Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is made to be enjoyed cold, straight out of the fridge. If making ahead, just give it a gentle stir and check the seasoning before serving.
FAQs
-
Can I make Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint in advance?
You can prep most of the ingredients (cube watermelon, slice veggies, make the dressing) and store them separately in the fridge. Wait to add the avocado, herbs, and dressing until just before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh!
-
What’s the best way to cut the watermelon for salad?
Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes so it’s easy to scoop up with a fork. Aim for pieces about 1-inch in size—uniform cubes look pretty and mix well with the other salad ingredients.
-
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
Absolutely! Goat cheese is a creamy, tangy option if you prefer, or use a vegan feta to make the salad dairy-free while still getting that tasty salty kick.
-
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Yes! Feel free to add sliced strawberries, diced mango, or even a handful of blueberries. The combination of sweet fruits, salty feta, and fresh herbs is endlessly customizable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that captures the pure essence of summer, this Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is it. Try it once and you’ll see why it’s always the first bowl to disappear at any gathering—vibrant, fresh, and guaranteed to make you smile!
PrintWatermelon Salad with Feta & Mint Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings. The sweet watermelon pairs beautifully with the salty feta, creamy avocado, and fresh mint, all tied together with a zesty lime dressing.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the salad
- 5 cups cubed watermelon
- Heaping 1 cup diced English cucumber
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 1/3 cup torn fresh mint or basil leaves
- 1/2 jalapeño or serrano pepper, thinly sliced, optional
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and salt.
- Arrange the salad: Place watermelon, cucumber, and red onions on a large plate. Drizzle with half the dressing. Top with feta, avocado, mint, and serrano pepper. Drizzle with remaining dressing. Season to taste and serve.
Notes
- You can customize this salad by adding grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
- To make it vegan, swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg