Description
Sweet, juicy, and refreshingly crisp — watermelon salads are the summer hero we all need on our table. There’s something magical about the way watermelon transforms from a standalone snack to a flavor-packed, show-stopping salad. Whether it’s paired with salty feta, tossed with cooling mint, or drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze, each bite screams summer perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: arugula, chili flakes, or lime zest
Instructions
- Chop Ingredients: Dice watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Thinly slice cucumbers and onions.
- Assemble Base: In a large bowl, combine watermelon, cucumber, red onion (if using), and mint.
- Add Cheese: Gently fold in crumbled feta.
- Dress It Up: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the salad. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Toss and Serve: Mix gently to avoid mashing the fruit. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Notes
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Use seedless watermelon for ease and better texture—no one wants to bite into seeds mid-salad.
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Chill your watermelon before slicing for the crispiest, juiciest results. A cold melon enhances the refreshing quality of the salad.
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Cut uniformly: Aim for even-sized cubes or balls so your salad looks appealing and eats evenly.
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Feta cheese or goat cheese pairs beautifully with watermelon, but you can swap in vegan feta for a dairy-free option.
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Fresh herbs like mint or basil make a big impact—don’t skip them! Tear the leaves rather than chopping to avoid bruising.
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Add salt carefully: Watermelon is naturally sweet and juicy, and adding salt draws out even more moisture—go light and taste as you go.
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Serve immediately after mixing. Watermelon releases water quickly, which can make your salad soggy if it sits too long.
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Leftovers tip: If you must store it, keep the dressing and toppings separate until serving time to maintain freshness and texture.
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Great for meal prep: Prep individual ingredients (cubed melon, cheese, herbs) ahead of time and assemble just before serving.
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Spice it up: A dash of chili powder or Tajín seasoning adds a delicious kick that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the watermelon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American / Mediterranean (depending on variation)
Keywords: Watermelon Salads