When the weather heats up, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cool, crisp salad that’s both sweet and savory. This Watermelon Salad with Feta, Mint, and Cucumber hits all the right notes: juicy watermelon, crunchy cucumber, tangy feta, and aromatic mint. Perfect as a light lunch, picnic dish, or summer side, this salad is vibrant, hydrating, and bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
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Sweet & Savory Balance: Juicy watermelon paired with tangy feta creates the perfect flavor harmony.
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Super Refreshing: Hydrating ingredients like watermelon and cucumber make it ideal for hot days.
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Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes.
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Beautifully Colorful: Perfect for Instagram, Pinterest, or dinner table presentation.
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Healthy & Light: Low in calories, gluten-free, and full of vitamins and antioxidants.
Ingredients
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4 cups watermelon, cubed
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1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
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½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
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¼ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 tbsp fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Optional: 1–2 tsp honey or balsamic glaze for extra sweetness
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
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Cube the watermelon into bite-sized pieces.
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Peel and dice the cucumber into similar-sized cubes.
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Roughly chop fresh mint leaves.
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Crumble the feta cheese.
2. Combine in a Bowl
In a large salad bowl, gently combine:
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Watermelon
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Cucumber
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Mint
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Feta
Be careful when mixing so the watermelon doesn’t release too much juice.
3. Dress the Salad
Drizzle with:
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Extra virgin olive oil
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Fresh lime or lemon juice
Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
Optional: Add honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet touch.
4. Chill (Optional)
For best flavor, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld and keeps the salad extra refreshing.
Serving Suggestions
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As a side dish: Pair with grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a light summer meal.
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For a picnic: Serve in a large bowl with a spoon — easy to share outdoors.
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Garnish ideas: Add a sprinkle of toasted pistachios or almonds for crunch, or a few arugula leaves for extra green freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Watermelon Salad
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Choose ripe watermelon — juicy and sweet for maximum flavor.
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Keep ingredients chilled — makes it more refreshing.
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Don’t overdress — a light drizzle of olive oil and lime juice is enough.
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Mix gently — watermelon is delicate and can break apart easily.
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Add herbs last — mint retains its aroma and color better when added just before serving.
Variations You Can Try
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
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Citrus Twist: Mix in orange segments or grapefruit for extra zing.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or walnuts for texture.
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Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier flavor.
Storage
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Best enjoyed fresh — watermelon releases water over time.
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6–8 hours.
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Avoid long storage as it may become watery.
Final Thoughts
This Watermelon Salad with Feta, Mint, and Cucumber is a perfect summer dish: light, refreshing, healthy, and visually stunning. Its sweet, savory, and aromatic layers make it a crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, or simple weeknight dinners.
