Watermelon Salad with Cucumbers and Feta Recipe
Introduction
This refreshing Watermelon Salad with Cucumbers and Feta is a perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Ideal for hot summer days, it offers a light and vibrant option that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh watermelon, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 English cucumber, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup feta cheese, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint (or basil)
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the watermelon cubes, cucumber chunks, and feta cheese.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the fresh chopped mint (or basil) over the salad.
- Step 3: Drizzle with a dressing made by mixing equal parts honey and fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Alternatively, for a different flavor, drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad instead of the honey-lemon dressing to add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon.
Tips & Variations
- Use peeled regular cucumbers if English cucumbers are not available for a slightly different texture.
- Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Swap mint for fresh basil to vary the herb flavor.
- Chill the salad for 10–15 minutes before serving to enhance the refreshing taste.
Storage
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Because watermelon releases water, it’s best enjoyed fresh. If stored, drain any excess liquid before serving and toss gently. Reheating is not recommended.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare this salad shortly before serving to maintain the freshness and texture of the watermelon and cucumber. If you must prepare it in advance, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, firm cheeses with a tangy flavor like goat cheese or halloumi (grilled) can be good substitutes, but feta’s salty creaminess pairs best with the sweet watermelon.
PrintWatermelon Salad with Cucumbers and Feta Recipe
A refreshing Watermelon Salad with crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and a bright honey-lemon dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or light meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh watermelon, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 English cucumber, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 cup Feta cheese, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint (or basil)
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup honey
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized cubes of watermelon, English cucumber, and feta cheese, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle the freshly chopped mint or basil over the combined salad ingredients to add a bright, herbal note.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey and fresh lemon juice until well blended to create a sweet and tangy dressing.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the honey-lemon dressing evenly over the salad and gently toss to combine all the flavors without breaking the delicate ingredients.
- Optional dressing alternative: For a different flavor profile, drizzle a mix of olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad instead of the honey-lemon dressing to add a savory contrast to the sweet watermelon.
Notes
- Use seedless watermelon and English cucumbers for best texture and ease of eating.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance its refreshing qualities.
- Fresh herbs like mint or basil can be adjusted according to preference.
- This salad is best consumed the same day to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and freshness of the watermelon.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Keywords: watermelon salad, cucumber salad, feta cheese, summer salad, honey lemon dressing, fresh herbs
