Fresh Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad with Mint
A refreshing summer salad combining juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, tangy feta, and fresh mint with a light, zesty mint dressing. Perfect for hot days and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups diced seedless watermelon (about 1/2 medium watermelon)
- 2 medium English or Persian cucumbers, diced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup packed fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave nectar
- Salt to taste (preferably kosher salt)
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut off the rind and slice the watermelon flesh into approximately 1-inch cubes. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Peel the cucumbers if desired, then cut into 1-inch cubes to match the watermelon. Add to the bowl with watermelon.
- Thinly slice the red onion and separate the rings. If raw onion is too strong, soak slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding.
- Remove mint leaves from stems and roughly chop. Add about 1/4 cup packed leaves to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, honey or agave nectar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the honey is fully dissolved and the dressing is slightly emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the watermelon, cucumber, onion, and mint mixture. Gently toss with a wooden spoon or salad tongs to coat evenly without breaking down the fruit.
- Crumble feta cheese over the top and give the salad a very gentle final toss to keep feta texture intact.
- Taste the salad and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to balance sweetness, saltiness, and brightness.
- Serve immediately or chill slightly (15-20 minutes) before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Use ripe but firm watermelon to avoid mushy texture. Salt cucumbers lightly and drain if watery. Add feta gradually and taste as you go. Fresh mint is essential for best flavor; basil or cilantro can be alternatives. Assemble just before serving to keep watermelon crisp. Store dressing separately if making ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup salad
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 17
- Fiber: 1.75
- Protein: 6
Keywords: watermelon salad, cucumber salad, feta salad, mint dressing, summer salad, refreshing salad, easy salad recipe