Easy Feta Cheese Watermelon Salad Recipe (With 3 Dressing Variations)
A refreshing, no-cook summer salad that combines juicy watermelon, crisp cucumber, salty feta, and fresh mint for the ultimate sweet-and-savory bite. Ready in about 15 minutes with three easy dressing variations to suit any occasion, this hydrating dish is perfect as a light main or a crowd-pleasing side at your next barbecue or potluck.
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubed, seeds removed (about 800g or ¼ of a smaller watermelon), cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes
- 1 piece medium English cucumber (about 300g), halved and sliced into half-moons - English or Persian cucumbers are best here since they have thinner skin and fewer seeds
- ¾ cup feta cheese (about 100g), crumbled by hand rather than pre-crumbled from a bag, which tends to be drier and less creamy
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves roughly torn or chiffonade (cut into thin ribbons)
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon squeezed)
- ¼ teaspoon salt , or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper , or to taste
- 1 cup walnuts (about 100g), roughly chopped (adding healthy fats and a satisfying crunch that helps this dish feel more filling). Optionally toasted.
Instructions
- Slice the watermelon into thick slabs, cut away the rind, then cut into sticks and 1-inch cubes. Remove any large black seeds.
- Halve the cucumber lengthwise and slice into ½-inch (1 cm) half-moons.
- Coarsely chop the walnuts. If desired, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and golden. Let cool.
- Chiffonade or roughly tear the mint leaves.
- Place the watermelon and cucumber in a large mixing bowl.
- Scatter the mint over top, add the lemon juice, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Make your dressing of choice (see Three Dressing Variations) and drizzle over the salad. Toss gently, taking care not to crush the watermelon.
- Crumble the feta over the top last, folding it in gently so it stays in nice, intact pieces.
- Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle the walnuts (or seeds) on top just before serving.
Notes
Three dressing variations
- No dressing needed — the salad is delicious on its own.
- Quick balsamic splash — drizzle white balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction over the salad.
- Bold garlic-lemon dressing — whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Mild honey-lemon dressing — whisk honey, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Nutrition
Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 11gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 491mgPotassium: 470mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1252IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 208mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.
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