Whether you are preparing a dish for a picnic, BBQ, or just need something easy for lunch, this watermelon salad is the perfect summertime dish. It’s fresh, colorful, and, most importantly, only takes a couple of minutes to make. It’s a no-cook recipe perfect for hot summer days when you just don’t feel like turning the stove on and heating up the kitchen.
I always have a watermelon or two in the kitchen during the summer, so whenever guests come over, and I need a quick and easy side dish, I’ll whip up this watermelon salad. It’s always a crowdpleaser! Need another quick salad for a potluck or BBQ? Try my Egg Salad or Cucumber Salad.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Watermelon — there’s nothing worse than a watery, tasteless watermelon! To pick the best watermelon to make this salad, knock on it as you would knock on a door. It should make a hollow sound if the fruit is ripe. It should also smell fruity and fresh.
Feta — tangy and salty, feta pairs perfectly with watermelon. I recommend buying a block of feta cheese that’s in brine instead of pre-crumbled as it’s much more fresh and moist. When exposed to air, feta will dry out and turn sour, so the brine protects the feta!
HOW TO MAKE WATERMELON SALAD
1. Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes.
2. Cut the cucumber into small half-moon shapes.
3. Cut the red onions into thin slices.
4. Make the dressing by combining freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the watermelon, cucumber, and onions to a bowl and top it off with feta.
6. Finish off by pouring the dressing into the bowl and mix the watermelon salad to combine.
PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE
- If you find that raw red onions taste too strong, you can soak them in some ice water for 10 to 20 minutes after you’ve sliced them. This helps take some of the bite out of them as well as make them more crisp.
- I highly recommend using fresh lime for the dressing. Some bottled lime juices have a slightly bitter aftertaste, and they do not taste as fresh and bright in comparison.
- If you’re out of mint, you can use fresh basil instead.
- The easiest way to cube watermelon is by cutting the watermelon in half. Then place the halves, cut-side down, and cut a grid pattern into the halves. You’ll end up with long rectangular sticks that you can cube.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What cucumbers should I use?
I like using English cucumbers. English cucumbers are a bit more delicate, have thinner skin, and tend to be seedless. If you can’t find them, then use regular cucumbers and peel off the waxy skin and scoop out the seeds before chopping them.
Can I make this in advance?
Due to watermelon and cucumber being watery, I would not recommend making this in advance. You should eat the salad the same day you make it. If you want to make this in advance, I suggest you cut the ingredients and store them separately, without the dressing. This way, you can drain any excess liquid before making the salad.
What can I serve with this?
This dish goes with almost everything! It’s always on the table when we barbeque but other than that, I suggest serving it with my Macaroni Salad, Turkey Burger Recipe, or Potato Salad.
If you love this recipe try these out!
If you’ve tried this Watermelon Salad, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
Watermelon Salad
Video
Equipment
- Bowls
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed watermelon
- 1½ cups cucumber sliced, about 1 large cucumber
- ⅓ cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1½ cups crumbled Feta
- ⅔ cup mint leaves torn
- sea salt to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1 lime juiced about 3 tbsp
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Dressing:
- Combine the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and whisk together then set aside. You can also make this in a mason jar and shake it together.
For the Salad:
- Combine the cubed watermelon, sliced red onion, and cucumber as well as the torn mint leaves and crumbled feta in a large bowl. Toss together then pour over the dressing and mix to combine.
Notes
- If you find that raw red onions taste too strong, you can soak them in some ice water for 10 to 20 minutes after you’ve sliced them. This helps take some of the bite out of it as well as make it crisper.
- I highly recommend using fresh lime for the dressing. Some bottled lime juices have a slightly bitter aftertaste, and it does not taste as fresh and bright in comparison.
- If you’re out of mint, you can use fresh basil instead.
- The easiest way to cube watermelon is by cutting the watermelon in half. Then place the halves, cut-side down, and cut a grid pattern into the halves. You’ll end up with long rectangular sticks that you can cube.
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