These watermelon, feta, mint, and basil skewers are the ultimate summer refresher—light, vibrant, and bursting with sweet, salty, and herbal flavors.
What makes this recipe special is its effortless combination of hydrating watermelon, protein-packed feta, and antioxidant-rich herbs.
Each bite delivers a balance of natural electrolytes, plant-based nutrients, and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a nourishing choice without feeling heavy.
With only about 157 calories per serving, it’s low in carbs, rich in vitamin C, and provides calcium for bone health.
Perfect for quick prep, these skewers are ideal for outdoor gatherings, BBQ sides, or even weekday snacking.
Since they can be assembled ahead and dressed just before serving, they’re a practical, no-fuss option for everyday cooking and meal prep.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Stainless Steel Skewers
Reusable skewers prevent splintering, are eco-friendly, and hold ingredients securely—perfect for assembling these fresh bites or grilling kebabs year-round.
Chef’s Knife
Essential for cleanly cubing watermelon and feta. A sharp, well-balanced knife makes prep faster, safer, and more enjoyable across all kitchen tasks.
Cutting Board with Juice Groove
Keeps watermelon juices contained for a mess-free prep station while protecting countertops. Also versatile for carving meats or chopping vegetables.
Citrus Juicer
Ensures you get every drop of juice from limes with minimal effort. Handy for cocktails, salad dressings, and marinades too.
Serving Platter
A wide, flat platter not only showcases skewers beautifully but doubles as an everyday serving essential for appetizers, snacks, or charcuterie boards.
15-Minute Watermelon Skewers With Feta, Mint, & Basil
Equipment
- 10 Stainless Steel or Wooden Skewers
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 Citrus Juicer
Ingredients
- ½ medium seedless watermelon cubed (about 4 cups)
- 8 oz feta cheese cubed
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
- 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 –3 limes juiced
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15–20 minutes to prevent splitting during assembly. Stainless steel skewers can be used directly and are more durable if you have them on hand.
- Cube the Watermelon: Slice the watermelon in half lengthwise, then cut it into thick slabs. Lay the slabs flat on a cutting board and carve a grid pattern into the flesh. Run your knife along the rind to release uniform 1-inch cubes.
- Cut the Feta: Pat the block of feta dry with a paper towel to remove excess brine. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut it into evenly sized 1-inch cubes. Keeping them uniform makes threading onto the skewers neat and appealing.
- Wash and Prep Herbs: Rinse basil and mint leaves under cold water to remove any dirt. Gently pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Keep the leaves whole for maximum visual appeal and a stronger burst of flavor.
- Assemble the Skewers: Start threading the ingredients in an alternating pattern: one cube of watermelon, one basil leaf, one cube of feta, then one mint leaf. Continue layering in this order until the skewer is filled, leaving space at the bottom for easy handling.
- Dress Before Serving: Arrange the finished skewers on a large serving platter. Just before serving, drizzle olive oil evenly over the top, squeeze fresh lime juice across all skewers, and finish with a sprinkle of flaky salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skewers immediately while the watermelon is chilled, the herbs are fresh, and the feta is firm. These bites are best eaten the same day, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Notes
- Always wait to add olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until just before serving to keep herbs vibrant and feta intact.
- For cleaner cubes, use a sharp chef’s knife and dry feta thoroughly before cutting.
- A dull, matte rind and a creamy yellow field spot are good signs of a ripe watermelon.
- Save the watermelon rind and lime peels to flavor infused water—hydrating and zero waste!
- If you have pets, avoid wooden skewers, as they can be dangerous if accidentally ingested.
Chef’s Secrets for Recipe Success
The key to this recipe lies in balancing textures and flavors.
Watermelon provides juicy sweetness, feta adds creamy saltiness, and herbs bring refreshing aromatics.
The drizzle of olive oil and lime juice ties everything together with brightness and depth.
For best results, use seedless watermelon to avoid messy bites and a high-quality block of feta rather than pre-crumbled—it holds shape better on skewers.
To elevate presentation, alternate herbs in visible layers, creating a colorful contrast that looks as good as it tastes.
Serving Suggestions and Flavor Pairings
These skewers shine as a light appetizer at summer picnics, pool parties, and barbecues.
They pair wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or lamb, but they also complement vegetarian spreads featuring hummus, roasted vegetables, or couscous salads.
For drinks, think crisp white wine, sparkling water, or mojitos with fresh mint.
If you’d like to make them a meal, serve over a bed of arugula with extra lime vinaigrette for a refreshing salad bowl.
Storage Tips for Freshness Guaranteed
To keep these skewers tasting their best, prepare and assemble them up to one day ahead but hold off on adding dressing until just before serving.
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, ideally in a single layer to prevent crushing the feta.
If they’ve already been dressed, the herbs and watermelon may soften slightly, but flavor remains intact.
Leftovers should be enjoyed within two days for peak freshness and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper until serving time to keep them fresh.
2. What type of feta works best?
A block of feta in brine is best. It holds shape, has richer flavor, and cubes neatly compared to pre-crumbled varieties. Sheep’s milk feta offers extra creaminess if you want more indulgence.
3. Can I substitute another cheese?
Yes! Halloumi, mozzarella balls, or even goat cheese cubes can work. Just keep in mind they may have different textures and salt levels compared to feta.
4. How do I keep watermelon cubes from leaking juice?
Use a cutting board with a juice groove, and pat cubes dry with paper towels before threading. This helps keep skewers neat and prevents sogginess.
5. Are these skewers suitable for vegans?
As written, they are vegetarian but not vegan due to feta. For a vegan version, substitute plant-based feta or marinated tofu cubes for a similar texture and protein boost.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by confessionsofagroceryaddict. 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.
