When summer cranks up the heat and you want something that’s crisp, cool, and absolutely bursting with flavor, Watermelon Feta Salad comes to the rescue. This salad is the definition of refreshing: juicy chunks of watermelon mingle with creamy feta, punchy red onion, cooling cucumber, and a confetti of fresh herbs, all lightly dressed in zippy lime vinaigrette. The balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and herbal notes makes this salad quick to crave, easy to love, and a total showstopper at any picnic or barbecue.

Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

If you’ve ever wondered how a short list of ingredients can create something magical, this is it! Each component in Watermelon Feta Salad brings a unique color, flavor, or texture, ensuring a perfectly harmonious bite every time.

Watermelon (4 cups, seedless, cubed): The heart of the dish, providing juicy sweetness and a beautiful pop of color.
Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Adds a crisp, cooling crunch that pairs perfectly with the watermelon.
Feta Cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled): Brings a creamy, salty contrast that makes every mouthful extra special.
Red Onion (1/4 cup, thinly sliced): Just a whisper of sharpness to offset the sweetness of the fruit.
Fresh Mint (2 tablespoons, chopped): Delivers an uplifting, aromatic freshness that screams summer.
Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped & optional): Adds another layer of herby flavor that’s totally worth trying.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Pulls everything together with a gentle richness while making the herbs shine.
Fresh Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): A bright, zesty twist that elevates all the other flavors.
Sea Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness of watermelon and brings the salad to life.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Adds just the right amount of subtle heat and complexity.

How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad

Step 1: Chop and Prep the Produce

Start by cubing your seedless watermelon and dicing the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and chop up the mint and basil leaves. Prep work is quick and easy, but try to keep the pieces fairly uniform for the most beautiful presentation and even flavor in every scoop.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

In a spacious salad bowl, gently combine the cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and your fresh mint and basil. Don’t overmix; you want the cubes to stay intact and all those pretty colors to shine through.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. This zesty vinaigrette is simple, but it’s what marries the fruit, veggies, and cheese into something truly irresistible.

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour the dressing evenly over the salad and very gently toss everything together so that every chunk gets a little love. The key is to toss lightly—just enough to coat without turning the watermelon to mush!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper to your liking. Serve right away for maximum crunch and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, top with extra herbs for a gorgeous finish.

How to Serve Watermelon Feta Salad

Garnishes

The simplest way to take Watermelon Feta Salad from pretty to stunning is a generous scatter of fresh mint, basil, or even a few toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch. The vibrant green and white against the watermelon pink is always a feast for the eyes.

Side Dishes

This salad is fantastic alongside anything grilled—chicken, shrimp, or even veggie kebabs. It also pairs wonderfully with picnic classics like cold pasta salads or crispy pita chips for scooping and sharing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the salad into hollowed-out watermelon bowls for a fun, eye-catching presentation, or serve individual portions in mason jars for the ultimate summer party vibe. Watermelon Feta Salad is also gorgeous layered in a trifle dish if you really want to show off those colors!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Watermelon Feta Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The watermelon will naturally release a bit more juice as it sits, but it’ll still taste fantastic for up to a day. Drain off extra liquid before serving if you like.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as both the watermelon and cucumber suffer in texture once thawed. The crisp, juicy bite is what makes Watermelon Feta Salad special, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

There’s no need for heating here! If the leftovers taste a bit cold straight from the fridge, just let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to bring the flavors back to life.

FAQs

Can I make Watermelon Feta Salad ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble this salad just before serving for optimal freshness and texture. You can chop all the ingredients and mix the dressing a few hours ahead—just keep everything separate in the fridge and combine right before you’re ready to eat.

What kind of feta is best for this recipe?

Look for a good-quality, block-style feta in brine for the creamiest, most flavorful result. Crumble it yourself for chunkier bites that don’t disappear into the salad.

Can I substitute the herbs?

Absolutely! Mint is classic, but basil or even a little cilantro can add a unique twist. You can also skip the basil if you prefer, or double up on mint for extra freshness.

Is this salad gluten-free and vegetarian?

Yes, Watermelon Feta Salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a perfect choice for summer gatherings where guests may have varied dietary preferences.

What can I add for extra crunch?

Try tossing in roasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or a handful of chopped pistachios just before serving. You could even add sliced radishes or arugula for a peppery bite and more texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that celebrates everything sunny and vibrant about summer, Watermelon Feta Salad is truly the easiest way to make it happen. Give it a try—I bet it’ll steal the spotlight at your next gathering!

Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and light summer salad combining the sweetness of watermelon with the saltiness of feta, finished with a tangy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Watermelon Salad:

4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

Dressing:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, feta, red onion, mint, and basil.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
Serve: Garnish with herbs and serve immediately.