Name: Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, or to taste, plus more for garnish (optional); 1 tablespoon lime juice; ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste; 1 pinch black pepper, to taste; 3 cups cubed watermelon; 1 cup quartered cucumber; ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese, plus more for garnish (optional)

This Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is what sunny afternoons and picnic dreams are made of! Sweet watermelon, crisp cucumber, and creamy feta unite in a refreshing, colorful bowl—finished with zesty lime, a drizzle of olive oil, and a shower of fresh mint. It’s impossibly easy, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to make every summer meal feel like a celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spectrum of Flavors: Sweet watermelon, tangy feta, cool cucumber, and perky mint make every bite sparkle with freshness and contrast.
Ready in Minutes: With just a handful of ingredients and simple prep, you can have the most impressive summer side on the table in under 20 minutes.
Naturally Gorgeous: This salad’s vibrant colors are show-stopping on any picnic table or buffet spread—even before the first forkful.
Healthy & Satisfying: It’s lighter than air yet loaded with fiber, hydration, vitamins, and a touch of protein for good measure.

Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta keeps things delightfully simple—every ingredient plays a starring role in flavor, texture, and colorful contrast. Here’s why each one matters, plus a few tips to make your salad really shine.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and ties all the flavors together with its smooth, fruity notes. Use your best olive oil for the brightest taste.
Fresh mint: Brings out that quintessential summer freshness! Chop it just before serving for max aroma, or add extra leaves as a garnish.
Lime juice: Zings up the salad with a citrusy tartness that lifts the whole dish and balances the feta’s saltiness.
Fine sea salt: Just a pinch heightens the sweet and savory elements. Always taste before adding more—the feta and olives add plenty themselves!
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth without overpowering the delicate watermelon.
Watermelon: The star! Pick a ripe, seedless one for the juiciest, sweetest cubes.
Cucumber: Brings crunch and a cooling effect, balancing the juicy softness of watermelon. English or Persian cukes work best.
Feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and the perfect counterpoint to all that fresh, sweet crunch. Buy it in a block and crumble yourself for the best texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

No two bowls of Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta need to be exactly alike. If you’re craving something new or want to tailor it to your crowd, try one of these fun tweaks—this recipe is all about adapting to what you love!

Add Red Onion: For a bit of tangy crunch, thinly sliced red onion brings sharpness and color—just soak them a few minutes in cold water to mellow their bite.
Try Basil Instead of Mint: Swap in torn fresh basil for mint if that’s what’s thriving in your garden—the sweet, peppery notes work just as well.
Crank Up the Heat: Scatter a pinch of chili flakes or diced fresh jalapeño for a subtle spicy kick that really pops with the watermelon’s sweetness.
Go Nutty: Toss in a handful of toasted pistachios, pecans, or pine nuts for extra crunch and richness.

How to Make Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start by adding extra-virgin olive oil, chopped fresh mint, lime juice, sea salt, and a generous pinch of black pepper to a large mixing bowl. Whisk them together until the oil and lime juice are fully combined and the mint is evenly dispersed—your bowl will be fragrant and inviting already!

Step 2: Add Watermelon, Cucumber & Feta

Slide in the juicy watermelon cubes, crisp cucumber quarters, and crumbled feta. Grab a spatula or big spoon and gently toss everything until the dressing is evenly coating each bite—take care not to break up the watermelon or feta too much for the prettiest presentation.

Step 3: Serve Right Away

Transfer the salad to a platter or beautiful bowl, top with an extra scattering of mint and crumble of feta if you like, and serve immediately for maximum freshness. The Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta truly shines when it’s cold, crisp, and at its juiciest best.

Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta

Choose Ripe, Chilled Fruit: For the brightest flavor and most refreshing crunch, start with cold, perfectly ripe watermelon and cucumber straight from the fridge.
Pat Ingredients Dry: Before mixing, blot watermelon and cucumber gently with paper towels—this keeps the salad crisp and prevents the dressing from getting watery.
Dress Just Before Serving: Toss everything together right before you set the table, so the feta stays creamy and the fruit remains juicy—not mushy.
Quality Feta Matters: Seek out brined feta in a block for the creamiest texture and the best salty-sweet contrast—avoid pre-crumbled for this salad!

How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta

Garnishes

This salad loves a flourish! Finish with a flurry of extra fresh mint, a sprinkle of more feta, or even a dash of flaky sea salt. A drizzle of good olive oil or a splash of balsamic glaze can elevate the flavors and give your Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta an irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

This salad is pure sunshine as a side for grilled meats, smoky halloumi, lemony chicken skewers, or Mediterranean-inspired grain bowls. It’s also fabulous with a loaf of warm, crusty bread—perfect for soaking up any extra juices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta in chilled glass bowls or scooped into watermelon rinds for a fun, summery presentation. Make fancy skewers as appetizers, or layer everything in mason jars for a picnic or luncheon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well for up to one day in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to mingle, but the texture is at its very best when enjoyed fresh—if you make ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.

Freezing

Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta doesn’t freeze well—the fruits lose their lovely crunch and become watery once thawed. It’s best savored fresh or refrigerated for a short time only.

Reheating

This isn’t a dish you want to reheat. Watermelon and cucumber truly shine when served cold and crisp, making leftovers perfect for straight-from-the-fridge enjoyment on a hot day.

FAQs

Can I make Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the dressing, cube the watermelon, slice the cucumber, and crumble the feta a few hours ahead. For the freshest texture, mix everything together and toss with the dressing just before serving.
What type of watermelon is best for this salad?

Seedless watermelon works best—it’s sweeter and much easier to cut into neat, juicy cubes. Always look for a deeply-colored, heavy melon for maximum flavor.
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! Try goat cheese for a creamy tang, or a mild ricotta salata if you want something less salty. Just be sure the cheese crumbles easily and pairs well with fruit.
How long does Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta stay fresh?

It’s at its best within a few hours of tossing, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge for one day. The salad will soften a bit, but it’s still delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, fuss-free dish that sparkles at any gathering, Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta is truly it. I hope you’ll give it a whirl soon and let every juicy, tangy, herb-flecked bite remind you of just how joyful simple food can be. Enjoy, friends!