Refreshing Watermelon Feta Salad

This watermelon salad with feta and cucumber is my summer entertaining secret weapon, combining juicy sweetness with tangy cheese and crisp cucumber for the perfect refreshing bite. I've brought it to countless backyard gatherings where it disappears within minutes, even converting self-proclaimed "watermelon skeptics" along the way.

I first created this recipe during a particularly sweltering summer when turning on the oven felt criminal. What began as a desperate attempt to use a giant farmers market watermelon became my most requested contribution to neighborhood potlucks and family gatherings.

• Watermelon: Juicy and sweet, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a creamy yellow spot indicating ripeness
• Cucumbers: Providing essential crunch and refreshing coolness, English cucumbers work best for minimal seeds
• Feta cheese: Adds salty creaminess, traditional Greek feta offers the most authentic flavor but any variety works
• Fresh mint: Brings a cooling aromatic element, choose bright green leaves without brown spots
• Extra virgin olive oil: Creates a silky dressing base, use a good quality variety for best flavor
• Lime juice: Adds brightness that balances the sweet watermelon, fresh is much better than bottled
• Honey: Just enough sweetness to round out the dressing, local varieties add interesting flavor notes

How To Make Watermelon Salad with Feta and Cucumber

Prepare the dressing:

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until fully combined and slightly thickened. The honey will initially resist incorporating but keep whisking until the dressing becomes homogeneous. This bright dressing amplifies all the flavors without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.

Combine the base ingredients:

In a large bowl, gently toss together the cubed watermelon, quartered cucumber slices, and chopped mint. Move slowly and use a wide spatula or wooden spoon to avoid crushing the watermelon. The cucumber provides structural integrity while the mint immediately begins infusing its aromatic oils.

Add the dressing:

Pour the prepared dressing over the watermelon mixture and fold gently just until everything is lightly coated. This light touch ensures the watermelon maintains its structure rather than breaking down and becoming soggy.

Incorporate the feta:

Add the cubed feta last, folding it in with just one or two gentle turns. Minimal mixing at this stage preserves the cheese's distinct texture and prevents it from breaking apart too much. The stark white cubes create beautiful contrast against the pink watermelon.

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My absolute favorite way to enjoy this salad is on my porch with a glass of crisp white wine as the sun begins to set. The watermelon takes me back to childhood summer days when juice would run down our arms as we ate slices straight from the rind, but the feta and cucumber transform this into a sophisticated adult version of that simple pleasure.

Selecting The Perfect Watermelon

The secret to an outstanding watermelon salad starts with choosing the right melon. Look for a watermelon with a deep hollow sound when tapped, indicating ripeness. The underside should have a yellow creamy spot where it rested on the ground while growing. This field spot shows the melon ripened properly on the vine rather than being harvested too early. Watermelons will not continue ripening after being picked, so selecting one at peak ripeness is crucial. During peak summer months, local melons often offer superior flavor to those shipped long distances.

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Make It Your Own

This recipe serves as a wonderful foundation for endless variations based on your preferences or what you have available. Try adding thinly sliced red onion for a peppery bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet melon. Black olives contribute a briny element that complements the feta wonderfully. For a protein boost, grilled chicken or shrimp transform this side into a complete meal. Experiment with different herbs like basil or tarragon instead of mint. The dressing can be customized with balsamic vinegar or a touch of dijon mustard for complexity. Each variation maintains the refreshing core while offering new flavor dimensions.

Serving and Presentation

Serve this salad in a shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and prevent the dressing from pooling at the bottom. The striking contrast between ruby red watermelon, white feta, and green cucumber creates an instantly appealing visual presentation. For elegant entertaining, consider serving individual portions in small glass bowls or mason jars. This salad makes a spectacular centerpiece for summer brunches or lunch gatherings. A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving heightens all the flavors and adds textural interest to each bite. Consider chilling the serving bowl beforehand to keep everything perfectly cool even on the hottest days.

Storing Leftovers

While best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. The watermelon will continue releasing juice as it sits, creating more liquid at the bottom of the container. Use a slotted spoon when serving leftovers to leave excess liquid behind. The feta may soften slightly but the flavors actually meld beautifully during refrigeration. I often intentionally make extra to enjoy the next day for lunch, when the mint has fully infused throughout the salad. The cucumber maintains its crunch surprisingly well, though the salad as a whole becomes more of a marinated mixture rather than distinct individual components.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I choose the best watermelon for this salad?

Choose a ripe watermelon by looking for a creamy yellow spot where it rested on the ground. It should feel heavy for its size and sound hollow when tapped.

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it’s best to assemble and dress the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and texture.

→ What type of feta works best?

Block feta in brine is ideal for this salad because it’s creamier and more flavorful than pre-crumbled feta.

→ Can I substitute or add other ingredients?

Yes! Try adding arugula, red onion, or toasted walnuts for extra flavor and texture. You can also substitute the mint with basil for a different herbal note.

→ Is the honey in the dressing optional?

The honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tart lime, but you can omit it or replace it with maple syrup for a vegan option.