This Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint is a refreshing, vibrant dish that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, making it an instant summer favorite.
The crisp watermelon hydrates and cools, while creamy feta and avocado provide a rich source of healthy fats and a small boost of protein.
Fresh cucumbers add fiber for digestive health, and lime juice delivers a dose of vitamin C for immune support.
This salad is naturally low in carbs and saturated fat, making it a light yet satisfying option for anyone seeking a nutrient-packed side dish or quick lunch.
With just 15 minutes of prep time and no cooking required, it’s ideal for everyday meals, picnics, or meal-prep, keeping you energized and nourished with minimal effort.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
OXO Good Grips Chef’s Knife (8-inch)
Perfect for cubing watermelon and slicing cucumbers with precision. A reliable chef’s knife is an all-around essential for fast, safe, and effortless prep.
Cuisinart Salad Spinner
Helps dry herbs and cucumber slices to keep your salad crisp and fresh. A game-changer for all your leafy greens and herb prep.
KitchenAid Mixing Bowl Set
Ideal for whisking the lime dressing and tossing the salad evenly. These bowls are versatile for baking, mixing, and serving.
Microplane Garlic Grater
Makes mincing garlic quick and uniform for the dressing, enhancing flavor without large chunks. A must-have for elevating any dish with fresh aromatics.
OXO Good Grips Citrus Juicer
Extracts every drop of juice from limes with minimal effort, making salad dressings, marinades, and cocktails fresher and brighter.
Watermelon Feta Mint Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, finely minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt. Whisk until the mixture is emulsified and smooth. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you assemble the salad.
- Layer the Fresh Ingredients: On a large serving platter or shallow bowl, spread out the cubed watermelon as the base. Evenly scatter the diced cucumber and thin slices of red onion over the watermelon, creating a colorful, layered foundation.
- Drizzle the First Layer of Flavor: Pour about half of the prepared dressing evenly over the watermelon, cucumber, and onions. This helps infuse the fruit and veggies with a burst of citrusy freshness right from the start.
- Add Creamy & Herbaceous Elements: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and avocado cubes on top. Finish with torn mint or basil leaves for a fragrant, refreshing lift. If you enjoy a hint of heat, scatter the sliced chili pepper over the salad.
- Final Touch and Serve: Drizzle the remaining dressing over the entire salad and lightly season with an extra pinch of sea salt, if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, ensuring every bite is sweet, tangy, and savory all at once.
Notes
Chef’s Secrets for Irresistible Flavor
The key to making this watermelon salad truly unforgettable lies in the balance of flavors and textures.
Use seedless, ripe watermelon that’s naturally sweet and juicy—it provides the base for every bite.
For the feta, choose a high-quality block over pre-crumbled cheese; it’s creamier, richer, and blends better with the salad’s fresh elements.
When slicing the red onion, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes beforehand to mellow its sharpness, making it more pleasant in the salad.
Always add the avocado just before serving to keep it vibrant and prevent browning.
Finally, don’t skip the step of layering the dressing in stages—this ensures that every piece of fruit and veggie gets coated, giving you a burst of zesty flavor in each bite.
Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
This watermelon salad is versatile enough to complement a variety of meals.
Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a balanced summer dinner, or serve it as a light starter before a rich main course.
It also shines as part of a picnic or potluck spread, offering a refreshing break from heavier dishes.
For a Mediterranean-inspired feast, serve alongside hummus, pita bread, and olive tapenade.
You can even turn it into a light lunch by adding grilled halloumi or chickpeas for extra protein.
To elevate presentation, serve on a chilled platter and garnish with extra mint leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Storage Tips to Keep it Fresh
Watermelon salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, but if you need to store it, follow these tips for maximum freshness.
Keep the salad and dressing separate if making ahead to avoid sogginess.
Store the cut watermelon, cucumber, and onion in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Add feta, avocado, herbs, and dressing just before serving.
Leftover dressed salad can be refrigerated for up to one additional day, though the watermelon will release juice and soften over time.
To refresh leftovers, drain excess liquid and add a squeeze of fresh lime before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Salad
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the watermelon, cucumber, and onion a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. Add feta, avocado, herbs, and dressing right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
2. What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese or crumbled ricotta salata are great alternatives. For a dairy-free version, try vegan feta or a sprinkle of roasted salted almonds for a savory, creamy-like bite.
3. How do I choose the best watermelon?
Look for a watermelon with a deep, uniform color, a creamy yellow spot on one side (where it rested on the ground), and a hollow sound when tapped. This indicates ripeness and sweetness.
4. Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu pair beautifully with the salad’s flavors. You can also toss in a handful of cooked quinoa or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost.
5. Will this recipe work without the jalapeño?
Yes, the jalapeño is completely optional. If you prefer a milder salad, leave it out or replace it with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gentle hint of spice.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by loveandlemons. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.