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Juicy cubes of watermelon paired with crisp cucumber and briny feta create a summer salad that always disappears first at backyard picnics. This recipe is all about balancing sweet fruit cool cucumber and creamy cheese with a hint of fresh mint and a zesty citrus dressing. In under twenty minutes you can bring together a cooling and colorful dish perfect for a hot day.
The first time I tossed up this salad it was for a family potluck on a scorchingly hot July afternoon and it became an instant tradition. My nieces now request it whenever watermelon is in season and no summer cookout feels complete without it.
Ingredients
- Watermelon: choose seedless for convenience and pick one that feels heavy for its size which means it is juicy and ripe
- Cucumber: helps add crunch and a subtle flavor that keeps the salad light English or Persian cucumbers are best for thin skin and minimal seeds
- Feta cheese: provides creamy pops of saltiness look for a block of feta you can cube yourself for the best texture
- Fresh mint: adds brightness and a cooling herbal note snip fresh leaves for vibrant flavor and aroma
- Extra virgin olive oil: forms the dressing’s base use a fruity high quality option for best results
- Lime juice: fresh squeezed gives the salad a punchy and aromatic tang
- Honey: just a touch to balance acidity and enhance the fruit’s sweetness
Instructions
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl combine extra virgin olive oil fresh lime juice and honey. Whisk until the mixture turns silky and slightly thickened making sure the honey dissolves fully so every spoonful gets an even punch of flavor
- Combine the Salad Base:
- Place cubed watermelon cucumber and finely chopped mint in a large salad bowl. Toss gently using your hands or a spatula aiming to distribute mint evenly through the juicy fruit and vegetables
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour the dressing evenly over your watermelon cucumber and mint mixture. Toss slowly and gently to make sure everything gets a light shiny coat without bruising the melon
- Add Feta Finishing Touches:
- Add cubes of feta to the salad at the very end. Use gentle movements to fold in the cheese so it does not break apart too much. Scatter a few extra mint leaves on top for eye catching green flecks
- Garnish and Serve:
- If you want a picture perfect finish sprinkle on a handful of extra mint just before serving. This keeps the aroma bright and fresh for your first bite
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Every time I buy feta for this salad I taste a tiny cube straight from the package just to make sure it is creamy and punchy. My family loves when the saltiness of the cheese meets the sweet crunch of watermelon and sometimes we even compete for the last bite in the bowl.
Storage Tips
This salad is best enjoyed fresh while the watermelon cubes hold their structure and juice. If you do have leftovers keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. Be aware that the watermelon continues to release juice so you may want to drain off extra liquid before serving again. Add a quick touch of fresh mint the next day to perk up the flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find block feta try goat cheese or even creamy ricotta salata but stick with block cheese you cut yourself when you can as pre crumbled cheese loses a lot of its character. For more bite swap the cucumbers for sliced radishes or add thinly sliced red onion. Lemon juice can stand in for lime if needed though lime gives a unique punch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a side with grilled chicken or fish or scoop it into lettuce cups for a light lunch. For a party you can even skewer cubes of all the ingredients and serve as sweet savory kabobs. I have brought this to summer potlucks where it vanishes well before anything else on the table.
Cultural Context
Salads pairing watermelon and feta are enjoyed in various Mediterranean cultures as a way to cool off and refresh. Combining salty cheese with sweet fruit has roots in both Greece and Turkey and my take nods to those traditions while keeping things simple and American picnic friendly.
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This watermelon salad brings bright flavor to any meal and is even better with a handful of fresh mint on top. Make it once and you will want it at every summer picnic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients separately and combine just before serving.
- → What type of feta works best?
Choose a firm, block feta for easy cubing and to keep its shape within the salad.
- → How can I make it dairy-free?
Omit feta or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan option.
- → Can I use another herb besides mint?
Basil also pairs well with the fruity and tangy notes for a unique twist.
- → Should watermelon seeds be removed?
Yes, remove seeds for better texture and easier eating.
- → What can I serve alongside?
Grilled meats, fish, or pita bread complement the chilled, flavorful salad perfectly.