This Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad is a fun and refreshing dish, perfect for hot days. The juicy watermelon pairs beautifully with salty feta cheese and fresh mint!
I love how easy it is to make this salad—just chop and toss! It’s the perfect side for summer picnics, and it always gets smiles. Who doesn’t love a good sweet and salty combo? 🍉🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Watermelon: This is the star of your salad! Opt for a seedless watermelon for ease. If watermelon isn’t available, cantaloupe or honeydew can also work, but keep in mind they have a different sweetness.
Cucumber: I love using English cucumbers as they’re long, crisp, and have fewer seeds. However, you can use any variety. If you want to lighten the flavor even more, consider zucchini; it adds a nice crunch.
Feta Cheese: The creamy, salty feta balances the sweetness of watermelon perfectly. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu or cashew cheese for a similar texture.
Fresh Mint: Mint adds a bright flavor that freshens everything up. If you don’t have mint, fresh basil or even cilantro works well in this salad!
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Stays Crisp?
Keeping your salad crispy is key! Here are some tips:
- Use cold ingredients. Chilling your watermelon and cucumber beforehand really helps with freshness.
- Don’t mix it too much. Gently toss your ingredients. Over-mixing can cause the watermelon to break down and make the salad watery.
- Dress just before serving. If you can, add the olive oil and lime juice right before you serve to keep everything nice and fresh.
Feel free to store leftovers in the fridge, but best to enjoy it soon after making for the best taste and texture.
Fresh Watermelon Feta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh watermelon, cut into cubes
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced or chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped or whole for garnish
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice or lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare—super quick and easy! You can serve it right away, or if you prefer it chilled, allow about 15-30 minutes in the fridge before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combining the Base Ingredients:
In a large bowl, start by combining the cubed watermelon and chopped cucumber. These two will form the refreshing base of your salad, bringing in sweet and crunchy elements!
2. Adding the Feta:
Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the watermelon and cucumber mixture. The salty flavor of the feta perfectly complements the sweet watermelon.
3. Mixing in Fresh Mint:
Add the fresh mint leaves to the bowl. You can use whole leaves for a pop of color and freshness or chop them up to disperse the mint flavor throughout the salad.
4. Drizzling with Dressing:
Now it’s time for the dressing! Drizzle the olive oil and either lime or lemon juice over the salad, which will enhance the flavors beautifully.
5. Tossing the Salad:
Gently toss everything together to combine well. Be careful not to mash the watermelon cubes—this will keep your salad looking fresh and vibrant!
6. Seasoning to Taste:
Lightly season your salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remember, feta cheese is already salty, so a little goes a long way!
7. Serving Your Salad:
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra mint leaves if desired. If you like a cooler salad, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving. Enjoy this refreshing mix of sweet, salty, and fresh flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Feta Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, crumbled tofu or cashew cheese can work well, offering a similar texture. Just be mindful of the saltiness; you might need to adjust the added salt accordingly.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the watermelon and cucumber in advance! Just combine them and keep them in the refrigerator. Add the feta, mint, and dressing just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Salad?
Definitely! You can mix in other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or even pineapple for a tropical twist. Just keep in mind that these may change the flavor profile slightly.
How Should I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
