Watermelon Cucumber Feta Salad (Easy Summer Recipe)
This watermelon cucumber feta salad is the summer recipe I make on repeat. Juicy watermelon, cool cucumber, creamy feta, and fresh mint come together with a simple lemon-olive oil dressing in under 10 minutes. No cooking, no fuss — just pure summer in a bowl. It is the perfect side dish for grilling, picnics, and everything in between.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Total Time10 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 175kcal
- 6 cups cubed watermelon
- ½ red onion sliced thin
- ¾ cup feta cheese
- ⅓ cup fresh mint leaves chopped
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus more for drizzling
- ½ teaspoon sea salt you could even omit the salt, as the feta is salty
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, gently combine the watermelon, cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh mint leaves.
- Choose a ripe watermelon: The sweeter and juicier the watermelon, the better this salad will taste. This recipe really shines when made with peak summer watermelon.
- Use block feta if possible: Block feta has a creamier texture and richer flavor than pre-crumbled feta. Crumble it yourself just before serving for the best results, although pre-crumbled feta works well too.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze: You could skip the lemon juice and use balsamic glaze. A light drizzle just before serving adds a delicious sweet and tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with the watermelon and feta.
- Serve well chilled: This salad is most refreshing when served cold, making it perfect for warm summer days, picnics, and outdoor gatherings.
- Enjoy it fresh: Watermelon naturally releases liquid as it sits, so this salad is best enjoyed shortly after assembling for the freshest flavor and texture.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the watermelon, cucumber, feta, mint, and dressing ahead of time. Store everything separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving.
Calories: 175kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 613mg | Potassium: 59mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 278IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 0.5mg