Can I use pre-cut watermelon for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cut watermelon works perfectly fine! It's a great time-saver, though sometimes the pieces might be larger than ideal. If that's the case, just cut them into smaller, bite-sized cubes before adding to the salad.

My watermelon isn't very sweet. How can I fix the salad?

If your watermelon lacks sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing to compensate. Another option is to add a few pieces of sweet, ripe strawberries or blueberries to introduce more natural sweetness to the mix.

Is there a substitute for red onion if I don't have any?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced shallots make an excellent substitute for red onion, offering a milder, more delicate flavor. Green onions (scallions) can also work in a pinch, though they'll provide a different flavor profile.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the feta cheese with a vegan alternative or avocado chunks for creaminess. You can also add some toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts for additional texture and protein.

Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe

Name: Watermelon Feta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: Dressing; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Salad; 6 heaping cups cubed watermelon; 1 English cucumber, cut in fourths, and sliced (about 2 cups); ½ cup thinly sliced red onion; ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

This refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad combines juicy sweet watermelon with tangy feta cheese, crisp cucumber, and sharp red onion, all tossed in a simple mint-infused dressing. It’s the perfect summer side dish that takes just 15 minutes to throw together! The contrasting flavors and textures create an unforgettable salad that’s both light and satisfying – ideal for barbecues, picnics, or quick weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Effortless: From start to finish in just 15 minutes – no cooking required! Perfect when you need something delicious but don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
Fresh and Light: The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that won’t weigh you down on hot summer days.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors make this salad absolutely stunning – your guests will think you spent hours on it!
Versatile: Works beautifully as a side dish for grilled meats, a light lunch, or even a refreshing starter for dinner parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Watermelon: The star of the show! Choose a ripe, sweet watermelon for the best flavor. The natural sweetness creates the perfect contrast with the salty feta.
Feta cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy, salty element that balances the sweetness of the watermelon. Always go for a block of feta and crumble it yourself if possible – it’s creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled varieties.
English cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch and subtle flavor. English cucumbers have thinner skins and fewer seeds, making them perfect for this salad.
Red onion: Adds a sharp bite and beautiful color contrast. Slice it very thin to ensure it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Fresh mint: Brings a cooling, aromatic quality that elevates the entire salad. Don’t skip this – it’s what makes this salad special!
Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, adding richness and helping to carry flavors throughout the salad.
Balsamic vinegar: Introduces a subtle sweetness and acidity that ties all the flavors together.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Change Up The Cheese

Try goat cheese or ricotta salata instead of feta for a different tangy experience.

Add Some Greens

Toss in some arugula or baby spinach to transform this into a more substantial green salad.

Fruit Swaps

Replace half the watermelon with cubed cantaloupe or honeydew for a melon medley.

Go Nutty

Add toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch and protein.

Herb Alternatives

Substitute basil or a combination of mint and basil for a different herbal profile.

How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chopped fresh mint, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mint will infuse the dressing with its aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Add Fruits and Vegetables

Add the cubed watermelon, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the fruits and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.

Step 3: Incorporate the Feta

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad and give it another gentle toss. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as the feta can break down and become mushy.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill the watermelon: For an extra refreshing salad, refrigerate the watermelon before cutting it.
Soak the red onion: If you find raw red onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This takes away some of the bite while preserving the flavor.
Balance is key: Adjust the amount of feta based on your preference. Some like more, some like less – there’s no wrong answer!
Fresh mint matters: This is one ingredient where fresh truly makes a difference. Don’t substitute dried mint if possible.
Cutting technique: Cut the watermelon into evenly-sized cubes for the most attractive presentation and best eating experience.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This salad shines alongside grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or simply seasoned fish. The freshness cuts through rich meats beautifully.

Make It a Meal

Turn this into a complete meal by adding some grilled shrimp on top or serving it with a slice of crusty bread on the side.

Presentation Ideas

Serve in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, or get creative and serve individual portions in hollowed-out watermelon halves for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While best enjoyed fresh, you can store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The flavors actually develop nicely after a few hours in the fridge!

Note: After about 3 days, the salad will become too mushy and watery as the watermelon continues to release its juices. Best to enjoy it within the first day or two.

Prep Ahead Strategy

If you want to prepare components ahead of time, you can cube the watermelon, slice the cucumber, and make the dressing up to a day in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving.

Serving From Cold

If serving after refrigeration, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes – the flavors come through better when not ice cold.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cut watermelon for this recipe?

Yes, pre-cut watermelon works perfectly fine! It’s a great time-saver, though sometimes the pieces might be larger than ideal. If that’s the case, just cut them into smaller, bite-sized cubes before adding to the salad.
My watermelon isn’t very sweet. How can I fix the salad?

If your watermelon lacks sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of honey to the dressing to compensate. Another option is to add a few pieces of sweet, ripe strawberries or blueberries to introduce more natural sweetness to the mix.
Is there a substitute for red onion if I don’t have any?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced shallots make an excellent substitute for red onion, offering a milder, more delicate flavor. Green onions (scallions) can also work in a pinch, though they’ll provide a different flavor profile.
Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the feta cheese with a vegan alternative or avocado chunks for creaminess. You can also add some toasted pumpkin seeds or pine nuts for additional texture and protein.

Final Thoughts

This Watermelon Feta Salad recipe is summer in a bowl – refreshing, light, and bursting with contrasting flavors that somehow work together perfectly. The beauty lies in its simplicity: just a few quality ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for a quick side dish on a hot evening, this salad delivers maximum impact with minimal effort. Give it a try the next time you spot a perfect watermelon at the market – your taste buds will thank you!