This Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad is your ultimate summer lifesaver. It’s all about sweet, juicy watermelon meeting crisp cucumber and creamy, salty feta, with fresh mint and lime tying it together. Perfect for when the heat hits, it’s hydrating, vibrant, and ready in minutes—no cooking required!
Dish Story
Picture a sweltering Mediterranean afternoon centuries ago. A resourceful cook, tired of heavy meals, tossed together watermelon and cucumber from the garden, crumbled leftover feta, and finished it with wild mint and citrus. This dish was born from simplicity and a need for refreshment, evolving into a global summer staple that feels like a cool breeze on a hot day.
What you’ll need.
You’ll love this!!
Your Questions Answered!
Can I make this ahead?
Prep ingredients separately, but mix just before serving. Watermelon gets mushy if it sits too long!
What if I hate feta?
Swap in goat cheese or fresh mozzarella balls. You need something creamy and salty to balance the sweetness.
Is it filling enough for a meal?
As a side, absolutely! For a main, toss in grilled chicken or chickpeas—protein power to the rescue.
Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad: Your Summer Savior
Ingredients
The Holy Trinity
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced into half-moons
- 4 oz quality feta cheese, crumbled
The Supporting Cast
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional but adds zing)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Optional Crunch
- Handful of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Cube the watermelon over a bowl to catch all that sweet juice—don’t waste it! Slice cucumbers into half-moons; if they’re watery, sprinkle with salt, wait 10 minutes, then pat dry.
- Toss watermelon and cucumber in a big bowl. Add crumbled feta and torn mint leaves. Toss in red onion if you’re feeling spicy.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Add a pinch of salt (go easy—feta’s salty!) and pepper. Gently toss to mix without squishing the watermelon.
- Let it chill for 15 minutes so flavors mingle. Give one last gentle toss, sprinkle with nuts if you want extra flair, and serve immediately.