Imagine biting into the juiciest, most refreshing bite of summer — that’s exactly what you get with this vibrant Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint. Bursting with sweet watermelon, cool cucumber, creamy avocado, and zesty lime dressing, each forkful is like a mini-vacation to a sun-drenched patio. Trust me, you’ll want this on repeat all season long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: Every ingredient in this Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint pops with crisp, sunny flavors that practically beg to be enjoyed alfresco.
- Fast and Effortless: It comes together in 15 minutes flat (no stove or oven required!), making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or weeknight cravings.
- Beautiful to Serve: The vibrant colors and contrasting textures make this dish the star of any table—guests will swoon before they even dig in.
- Customizable: With simple swaps and add-ins, you can tailor this salad to fit your tastes, dietary needs, or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad is all about celebrating peak-season produce and balancing textures and flavors, so every component has a special role to play. Grab the freshest ingredients you can find — it truly makes all the difference in this Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint!
- Watermelon: The juicy star! Choose a seedless melon that feels heavy for its size—you want it sweet, crisp, and ultra-refreshing.
- English cucumber: Crisp, mild, and never bitter; its crunchy texture makes a wonderful contrast to the watermelon.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced, it gives a gentle zing without overpowering the more delicate flavors.
- Feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and just salty enough to highlight the sweetness of the fruit and veggies.
- Avocado: Adds a wonderful creaminess; be sure to use one that’s just ripe for the best texture.
- Fresh mint (or basil): A shower of herbs wakes everything up! Mint is classic, but basil brings its own sweet, peppery vibe if you prefer.
- Jalapeño or serrano pepper (optional): For those who love a hint of heat, thin slices of pepper add intrigue with every bite.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Smooth and fruity, this will tie the flavors together in the zesty dressing.
- Fresh lime juice: Bright and tangy, it lifts the whole salad and keeps everything tasting super fresh.
- Garlic: Just the right amount of punch—use half a clove, finely minced, for a subtle savory note.
- Sea salt: Essential to draw out all the natural flavors and add finishing magic to the dish.
Variations
One of the best things about making Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re working with what’s on hand or catering to dietary needs, there are endless ways to make this summer classic uniquely yours.
- Use Basil Instead of Mint: Basil brings a sweet, slightly spicy edge that matches beautifully with watermelon and feta.
- Add Grilled Shrimp: For a little extra protein and a smoky flavor, top your salad with a handful of grilled shrimp.
- Try Vegan Feta: Keep it completely plant-based by swapping dairy feta for a vegan version or small cubes of marinated tofu.
- Swap the Citrus: If you’re out of limes, lemon juice works perfectly and gives a sunnier twist to the dressing.
- Include More Veggies: Toss in sliced radishes, arugula, or even a handful of baby greens for extra crunch and color.
How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
Step 1: Whisk the Zesty Lime Dressing
Start by making your dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt. This easy, bright vinaigrette is what brings the entire Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint to life, helping all the ingredients sing together in perfect harmony.
Step 2: Arrange the Vegetables and Fruit
On a large plate or serving platter, gently arrange the cubes of watermelon, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Try to spread them out evenly so every scoop gets a bit of each flavor and texture.
Step 3: Dress and Top
Drizzle half the dressing over the watermelon, cucumber, and onion to start infusing the salad with tangy goodness. Then, scatter the crumbled feta, cubed avocado, torn fresh mint (or basil), and thin slices of jalapeño or serrano pepper over the top. Finish by drizzling the remaining dressing and sprinkling a little more sea salt to taste.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint immediately for the ultimate fresh, vibrant experience. It’s at its very best chilled and eaten right away, when all the flavors are crisp and the kitchen still smells zingy with lime and fresh herbs.
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
- Watermelon Matters Most: Seek out a sweet, ripe watermelon with vibrant flesh—look for one with a yellow ground spot for extra sweetness and a hollow “thump.”
- Perfect Onion Slices: To tame the bite of raw red onion, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes before adding to the salad.
- Chill Everything: Keep your ingredients cold before assembling. A pre-chilled salad is ultra-refreshing and especially welcome on hot days.
- Add Avocado Last: Cube and add the avocado just before serving to ensure it stays bright green and doesn’t lose its creamy texture.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
Garnishes
This salad thrives on a flurry of final touches! For the prettiest finish, add a handful of extra torn mint or basil leaves, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a twist of fresh black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving takes it over the top.
Side Dishes
Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint plays nicely with so many summer dishes. Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or veggie kebabs for a light main, or serve alongside grilled corn, pita bread, and hummus for a festive picnic spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try serving the salad in hollowed-out watermelon “bowls,” or layer it in clear glasses for an elegant starter. Skewer bite-size ingredients onto cocktail picks for a fun, party-ready appetizer version!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If by some miracle you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The flavors will mingle, but the watermelon will release liquid—give it a gentle toss before serving again.
Freezing
Alas, Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint isn’t a contender for freezing—fresh watermelon and avocado don’t hold up well once thawed. It’s definitely a dish best enjoyed fresh or, at the very latest, the next day!
Reheating
Reheating isn’t necessary (or recommended) for this salad. Simply enjoy it cold, straight from the fridge, for the most refreshing experience.
FAQs
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Can I make Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint in advance?
You can prep the fruit, veggies, and dressing a few hours ahead, but wait until just before serving to combine everything and add the avocado so nothing turns mushy or watery.
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How do I pick the best watermelon for this salad?
Look for a seedless watermelon that feels heavy for its size with a large, creamy yellow spot (that’s where it sat on the ground and ripened), and give it a tap—it should sound hollow!
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Can I leave out the avocado or feta?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible—skip the avocado for a lighter salad, or swap feta for a dairy-free cheese or salty nuts if you’d rather go vegan or nutty.
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What if I don’t like raw onion?
You can leave out the red onion, use sliced scallions for milder flavor, or soak the onion slices in cold water for a few minutes to soften their bite before adding to the salad.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to capture summer on a plate, Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is truly unbeatable. It’s playful, easy, and packed with flavor—just begging you to dig in and share with friends or family. Give it a try, and let it become a warm-weather staple at your table.
Print
Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings. The combination of juicy watermelon, creamy feta, and fresh mint creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
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 of the dressing.
- Add toppings: Top with feta, avocado, mint, and serrano pepper if using. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
- Season and serve: Season with sea salt to taste and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
