Sam Few dishes scream summer quite like a chilled, crisp watermelon feta salad. This sweet and savory fruit salad is the ultimate warm-weather side dish, bursting with juicy watermelon, creamy feta cheese, refreshing cucumber, and fresh herbs. Finished with a tangy lime dressing, it’s light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ, picnic, or just want something cooling for a weeknight dinner, this healthy summer salad will hit the spot every time.
In this refreshing Mediterranean watermelon salad, the salty feta complements the sweetness of the melon while the cucumber adds crunch and mint lifts the entire dish with a cool, herby finish. The balance of texture and taste is what makes this salad so addictive—and it’s loaded with hydration and nutrients to keep you feeling great all summer long.
Want to know more about the nutritional power of watermelon? Check out this NIH resource on the health benefits of watermelon. Curious how cheese fits into a balanced diet? Visit Harvard’s guide to healthy dairy choices. Need hydration support on hot days? See the CDC’s hydration tips for summer.
RECIPE OVERVIEW
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Summer Salad
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 10 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~160
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Budget Breakdown
- Watermelon: ~$3.00
- Cucumber: ~$0.80
- Feta cheese: ~$2.50
- Fresh mint/lime: ~$1.20
- Olive oil & pantry staples: ~$1.00
- Total Cost: ~$8.50
- Cost per Serving: ~$1.42
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Feta Salad
- Juicy, salty, creamy, and refreshing in every bite
- No cooking required—perfect for hot weather
- Beautiful presentation for entertaining
- Packed with hydration, vitamins, and flavor
- Ideal for gluten-free and low-calorie diets
Perfect For:
- Summer BBQs and cookouts
- Poolside snacks or beach picnics
- Light lunch or dinner salad
- Low calorie side dish for grilled meats
- Make-ahead meal prep for the week
Behind the Recipe
The inspiration for this watermelon feta salad with mint and cucumber comes from the fusion of Greek and Middle Eastern flavors. Traditionally served across Mediterranean tables in summer, this dish has become a modern classic in the wellness world. It’s now a staple at wellness retreats, hotel brunches, and trendy cafés—not just for its Instagram-worthy colors but also its low calorie, nutrient-dense profile.
This version stays true to its roots while adding a little brightness with lime and optional arugula or basil. It’s simple, elegant, and totally flexible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed or balled
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced or halved if large
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn or sliced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ cup arugula, fresh basil, or avocado slices
Ingredient Highlights
- Watermelon: Choose a firm, seedless melon. The sweeter the better!
- Feta Cheese: Aged feta in brine gives the best flavor and crumbly texture.
- Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers are best for crispness and minimal seeds.
- Mint: Fresh mint lifts the salad and adds a cooling effect.
- Lime Juice: Adds a bright contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon.
How to Make Watermelon Feta Salad
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Cube or ball the watermelon using a melon baller or sharp knife. Slice the cucumbers and tear the mint leaves. Crumble the feta if not pre-crumbled.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, gently toss together the watermelon, cucumber, mint, and feta. Be careful not to overmix to keep the watermelon from breaking down.
Step 3: Dress and Season
Drizzle lime juice and olive oil over the salad. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss lightly to combine.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
If time allows, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold, garnished with additional herbs or optional ingredients like arugula or avocado.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a very sharp knife for clean watermelon cuts
- Pat watermelon cubes dry if they’re too juicy
- Add dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess
- Keep feta cold for better crumbles
- Add avocado or arugula for extra texture and greens
Easy Variations
- Watermelon Mint Feta Salad: Keep it classic with just mint and feta.
- Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad with Basil: Swap mint for basil or use both for more herb flavor.
- Add Arugula or Spinach: For a peppery or leafy base.
- Spicy Option: Add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes.
- Vegan Version: Replace feta with vegan feta or omit entirely.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Fridge: Store in a sealed container for up to 2 days (best fresh).
- Make Ahead: Prep ingredients and combine just before serving.
- Serve With: Grilled chicken, fish, or skewers. Great alongside couscous or pita.
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Pair this watermelon feta salad with:
- Lemon herb grilled chicken or shrimp skewers
- Quinoa tabbouleh or couscous
- Iced hibiscus tea or citrus-infused water
- Flatbread with hummus or tzatziki
This dish works beautifully as a refreshing appetizer, light entrée, or vibrant side to any summer spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This salad is low in calories, high in water content, and full of fiber and nutrients—making it a great choice for a refreshing low-calorie summer salad.
Absolutely. For best texture, store the ingredients separately and combine just before serving to keep it crisp and flavorful.
Cucumber, mint, basil, arugula, and avocado all pair beautifully with the sweet and salty contrast of watermelon and feta.
It stays fresh for 1–2 days if stored in an airtight container. For optimal texture, enjoy it within a few hours of assembly.
Basil is the most common alternative, but cilantro and parsley can also work depending on your flavor preference.
Yes, lemon juice is a great substitute and provides the same acidity to balance the sweetness of the watermelon.
Cube or ball the watermelon using a sharp knife or melon baller for bite-sized pieces. Pat dry to remove excess juice.
Yes, simply omit the cucumber or replace it with arugula or thinly sliced radish for a different crunch.
Not typically. While low in fat, watermelon contains natural sugars. However, using less watermelon and more greens can make it more keto-compatible.
A light drizzle of olive oil and lime or lemon juice enhances the flavors. You can also add balsamic glaze for a richer finish.
Final Thoughts
This watermelon feta salad is more than just a trendy dish—it’s a celebration of summer’s best ingredients. Light, hydrating, and endlessly refreshing, it’s the kind of salad you’ll find yourself craving on hot afternoons or serving proudly at your next cookout.
It delivers on every level—flavor, texture, nutrition, and presentation. Plus, with only a few ingredients and minimal prep, it’s easy enough for even the busiest weeknights. Whether you serve it as a picnic side or a standalone meal, it’s always a hit.
For more summer fresh dishes, check out our Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Salad, Grilled Corn & Mango Salsa, and Passion Fruit Mousse!
📌 Save and Share
Love this recipe? Save it to your summer salad board and share it with friends! Don’t forget to tag @readyprepmeals when you make it.
📌 Pin This Recipe: Watermelon Feta Salad (With Mint + Cucumber)
A refreshing summer salad made with watermelon, cucumber, feta, and mint. Light, hydrating, and perfect for picnics and BBQs!
Best Ever Watermelon Feta Salad with Mint and Cucumber
Ingredients
- 4 cups Seedless watermelon, cubed or balled
- 1 cup Cucumber, thinly sliced or halved if large
- ½ cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup Fresh mint leaves, torn or sliced
- 1 tbsp Lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup Optional: Arugula, fresh basil, or avocado slices
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:Cube or ball the watermelon using a melon baller or sharp knife. Slice the cucumbers and tear the mint leaves. Crumble the feta if not pre-crumbled.
- Assemble the Salad:In a large serving bowl, gently toss together the watermelon, cucumber, mint, and feta. Be careful not to overmix to keep the watermelon from breaking down.
- Dress and Season:Drizzle lime juice and olive oil over the salad. Add a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss lightly to combine.
- Chill and Serve:If time allows, refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold, garnished with additional herbs or optional ingredients like arugula or avocado.
