Meet the salad that’s been stealing the show at every summer gathering: Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint. A celebration of sweet, juicy watermelon, tangy feta cheese, and ultra-refreshing mint, this vibrant dish is as simple to make as it is stunning to serve. It’s that rare recipe that’s equal parts refreshing and sophisticated, ready for outdoor barbecues, quick lunches, or easy weeknight sides!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Contrast: Each bite of Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint pops with a swoon-worthy combo of sweet melon, salty cheese, and a cool herby finish.
- Five-Star Summer Freshness: The salad is crisp, juicy, and extra-refreshing—a guaranteed way to beat the heat at any picnic or potluck.
- Quick to Assemble: With just a handful of ingredients and barely 15 minutes needed, you’ll have this showstopper ready in no time.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is drop-dead gorgeous on the table—guests always reach for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is how a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create something totally crave-worthy. Every component plays a key role in taste, texture, or color—think sweet, crunchy, creamy, and tangy in every bite!
- Watermelon: Sweet and super juicy, this is the heart of the salad—choose a watermelon that’s heavy for its size and sounds hollow when tapped.
- English cucumber: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that perfectly balances the watermelon’s softness.
- Red onion: Thin slices offer a bite of sharpness without overpowering the other flavors—soaking them in cold water can mellow the flavor if you’d like!
- Feta cheese: Tangy, creamy, and just a bit salty, feta is a dream pairing with every summery bite.
- Avocado: Rich and buttery, this ingredient adds loads of creaminess and balances out the brighter components.
- Fresh mint (or basil): Mint brings the chill and lift to the salad, while basil is a great twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Jalapeño or serrano (optional): A hint of heat (if you like a kick!) adds depth—totally adjustable to your heat preference.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: The base of your dressing, lending fruity, peppery notes that tie everything together.
- Fresh lime juice: The tangy zing that wakes up all the flavors and keeps things bright.
- Garlic: Just enough to bring warm, savory undertones to the dish—raw and finely minced for a little punch.
- Sea salt: Essential for flavor balance and bringing out the sweetness in the watermelon.
Variations
This Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is endlessly flexible—think of the basic recipe as your personal flavor canvas! With a few simple swaps or additions, you can make it fit your preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand.
- Switch Out the Cheese: Goat cheese, ricotta salata, or vegan feta are fabulous alternatives for different flavor undertones or plant-based diets.
- Use Basil Instead of Mint: If you’re out of mint or just adore basil’s sweet aroma, swap it in or mix both herbs together for a unique twist.
- Add More Crunch: Toss in toasted pine nuts, pistachios, or even roasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy surprise.
- Turn Up the Heat: Add extra jalapeño, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or diced serrano for those who love a spicier kick.
- Fruit Forward: Cantaloupe, honeydew, or strawberries tuck in beautifully with watermelon and keep things super summery.
How to Make Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by whisking together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. This punchy, citrusy dressing only takes a few seconds but absolutely makes the salad sing—don’t skip it!
Step 2: Arrange the Base
On a large platter or serving plate, pile on the cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, and paper-thin red onion slices. Scatter them loosely for a pretty, rustic look and so each bite is full of variety.
Step 3: Dress & Top
Drizzle half of your zesty lime dressing evenly over the melon, cucumber, and onion, letting the juices start to mingle. Top with crumbled feta, cubed avocado, torn mint (or basil), and sliced jalapeño or serrano if you like a little fire. Finish with a final drizzle of the remaining dressing and a pinch of sea salt.
Step 4: Taste & Serve
Give your Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint a gentle toss (or leave it artfully layered) just before serving. Taste and add a bit more salt or lime juice if needed. Serve right away for maximum crunch and flavor!
Pro Tips for Making Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
- Chill Your Ingredients: For the most refreshing impact, use well-chilled watermelon, cucumber, and even your serving platter—nothing beats a truly cold summer salad!
- Mellow the Onion: If you prefer a subtler onion bite, soak sliced red onions in ice water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the salad.
- Add Avocado Just Before Serving: Cube and add the avocado at the last minute so it stays bright and creamy, not mushy.
- Taste and Adjust: Every watermelon is different—let your taste buds guide you with final tweaks of lime, salt, or mint right before serving.
How to Serve Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
Garnishes
Finish your Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint with a final sprinkle of extra mint leaves, a grating of lime zest, or a dash of flaky sea salt. Each garnish adds not just beauty, but a burst of aroma and little pops of flavor—a total treat for the senses!
Side Dishes
This salad pairs like a dream with grilled chicken, seafood skewers, or a crusty loaf of bread. Serve alongside spicy shrimp tacos or Mediterranean spreads for a meal that’s fully summer-ready and effortlessly impressive.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint in chilled mason jars for picnics, arrange it in a watermelon half “bowl” for a show-stopping centerpiece, or skewer components for playful salad-kebabs at parties. It looks gorgeous any way you stack it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture, enjoy within one day—watermelon tends to release liquid as it sits, so give everything a gentle toss if needed before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh—freezing is not recommended, as the watermelon and cucumber can become mushy and lose their wonderful crunch once thawed.
Reheating
Good news: Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is meant to be served cold and crisp, so there’s no reheating required. Simply allow it to chill in the fridge and give a good stir before enjoying any leftovers!
FAQs
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Can I make Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients (except for avocado and mint) a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge. Toss everything together with dressing and add the avocado and mint just before serving for the freshest flavor and best texture.
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What’s the best type of feta to use for this salad?
Block feta in brine gives you the creamiest texture and best flavor, but pre-crumbled feta works in a pinch—opt for one that’s tangy and not too salty to let the watermelon shine.
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Is there a substitute for lime juice in the dressing?
If you’re out of limes, lemon juice is a fantastic substitute that keeps things bright and zesty. Even a splash of white wine vinegar can work in a pinch for a gentle tartness.
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Can I leave out the onion or use a milder variety?
Absolutely—you can omit onion altogether or swap with thinly sliced sweet onion or even chives for a gentler flavor. The salad is super adaptable either way!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring some pure, sunny joy to your table, give this Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint a try. It’s impossibly easy, endlessly customizable, and bursting with vibrant flavor. I hope you fall in love with it just as much as I have—happy crunching!
Print
Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant watermelon salad with feta, avocado, and mint, drizzled with a zesty lime dressing. This salad is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, ideal for a light summer meal or as a side dish for a barbecue.
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 watermelon, cucumber, and red onions on a large plate or platter. Drizzle with half the dressing.
- Top with feta, avocado, mint, and serrano pepper, if using, and drizzle with the remaining dressing. Season to taste and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
